Sheffield community campaigners join in UN-backed global action to fight racism

A range of organisations including Sheffield Stand Up to Racism, Yorkshire and Humberside TUC, trades unions, faith groups, campaigns and political organisations have come together to plan local protests and events to mark the United Nations Anti-Racism Day on March 20.

Thursday, February 18 is a day of action to build for March 20. There is a giant laser projection on to Sheffield City Hall at 6pm, plus a banner drop in the city centre and people are posting selfies online with posters backing the anti-racism message.

Sheffield Trades Council was one of the organisations backing a Twitterstorm on the day - a mass online posting from 11am to noon, using the hashtags #NoRacismNoFascism & #WorldAgainstRacism.

A South Yorkshire Stand Up to Racism rally is being held on Zoom at 7pm on February 24, with Petros Constantinous of Greek anti-racist and fascist organisation KEERFA joining speakers from local campaigns.

Trade unionists are gathering for a national online conference on February 27 to fight for anti-racist workplaces and to deliver strong trade union involvement for UN Anti-Racism Day.

More details and booking at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fighting-for-anti-racist-workplaces-stand-up-to-racism-tuc-conference-tickets-132110840079

On March 6, South Yorkshire performers including spoken word artists, comedians and musicians will be taking part in an online social event to raise money for Care for Calais. Headline act is comedian Bilal Zafar.

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Care for Calais works with refugees and asylum seekers sleeping rough near French ferry ports while they try to reach the UK.

On March 20, people would usually be travelling from Sheffield and all over the country to take part in a huge demonstration in London, part of a global movement on the day.

This year, because of Covid restrictions, organisers are waiting to see what form local events will take. If possible, there will be a socially-distanced protest in Sheffield city centre, with plans to show a national online rally event on a giant screen.

School students will be encouraged to colour in a special poster or create their own artwork, which will be put on display in the windows at Sheffield City of Sanctuary on Chapel Walk.

A spokesperson for Sheffield Stand Up to Racism said: "We're determined that the pandemic will not silence our voices in speaking out against all forms of racism and showing our support for refugees and asylum seekers.

"The incredible #Black Lives Matter movement last year shows both how racism is still a shocking reality and also how people can come together to fight back.

"Please get in touch if you want to get involved - follow our Stand Up to Racism Sheffield Facebook page or email [email protected]."

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor