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Posted on: 11/06/2020#blacklivesmatter - Diversity at BGS
"...it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be antiracist." — Angela Davis
Being a member of Burnham Grammar School is to be part of a diverse community.
With the horrific murder of George Floyd in the USA and the ensuing events there is a spotlight on (and much discussion about) the nature of racism in its many forms worldwide. It is a reminder of how entrenched racism remains across the world.
The discussion about the experience of Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) people in Great Britain involves language, events and ideas that we might not yet be familiar with. In order to truly understand and support all of our diverse community and to be able to explore in an informed way we should become more educated about these. We also know that in moments like these it is not enough to watch on from the sidelines.
We hope these resources will help you and your family into uniting against any form of racism and to support others in the BGS community and wider society.
The News Explained - George Floyd: ‘As a Black American I Am Terrified’
Link to a range of comprehensive articles about Black British history :
Black Britain | Articles about
Why is George Floyd’s murder relevant to the UK?
George Floyd death: Olaseni Lewis's mother 'can't watch' US arrest video
Where does racism come from and why is it both evil and ridiculous?
Who is Jane Elliott? Jane Elliott
Listen to Jane Elliott talk about her work
Jane Elliott on Her "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes Exercise" and Fighting Racism
The link to the full ‘Eye of the Storm’ film Eye of the Storm
TED talk with the founders of Black Lives Matter
An interview with the founders of Black Lives Matter
Clara Amfo reflects on the death of George Floyd, racism and its effect on her mental health
Jo Cox Foundation
Remembering Jo Cox MP: Her maiden speech
One question some people might have is ‘Why is it relevant in Great Britain today?’
There are similarities between the case of Olaseni Lewis and George Floyd: Police Officers' used restraint which resulted in his death.
Olaseni Lewis: Officers' restraint death misconduct case dismissed
British history has a long social and economic relationship with slavery
History KS3 / KS4: Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners
What can I do?
There are so many positive ways to be involved. Be actively anti-racist! When someone says something racist question them and help educate them.
Understand racism and how it happens overtly and covertly
Sign petitions, write a letter to your MP and do your research; do not just watch Tik Toks or share memes.
How to support anti-racist organisations in the UK even if you can’t donate
Educate yourself!
For parents
100 race-conscious things you can say to your child to advance racial justice
Things to read and watch (not all of these are suitable for under year 9)
Alt History, Black to Life: Rethinking the Black Presence within British History
‘No reader is too young to start’: anti-racist books for all children and teens
