A Message from Lambeth Council - A Moment of Reflection at 1pm
Dear residents and partners,
The tragic and unnecessary killing of George Floyd in Minnesota last week has caused widespread anger and dismay across the world. His death at the hands of the police, and the subsequent demonstrations have shone a light on enormous challenges in the US and in many countries: deep inequalities, state and police brutality and the systemic racism that exists in our societies.
Here in Lambeth, I’ve heard the anger and the pain expressed by many of our black residents, as well as the almost universal revulsion at George Floyd’s killing, and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Our borough has also experienced serious issues in regard to policing in the past: let us hope that a legacy of George Floyd’s death is widespread commitment to end such injustice.
Lambeth council stands with our Black residents and against all forms of prejudice and injustice. We marked George Floyd’s killing by lighting up Lambeth Town Hall yesterday and today we’re encouraging everyone in Lambeth to join a minute of silence and reflection at 1pm.
But it also moves us to recognise prejudice and injustice closer to home. While I’m pleased that the Public Health England review on the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 in the UK has been released, it only serves to underline how much more there is to do to protect our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
And while we have worked for many years with police to build trust with all communities in our borough, we recognise that problems still exists and there are concerns as lockdown lifts that policing should be proportionate and fair.
That is why we have commissioned specific research into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19, are lobbying the government for an independent inquiry into this issue and are holding a community listening event later this month to hear from our communities about the impact of Covid-19, including on policing approaches and any community tensions.
At times like this, anger is understandable and inevitable. But for those of us in privileged positions, whether because of our skin colour or our elected positions, it is incumbent on us to act to ensure that such injustice is stamped out and that everyone can live in a society that treats them equally.
Best wishes,
Cllr Jack Hopkins
Leader of Lambeth council
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Lambeth was my old haunt in terms of both growing up there; I lived in Clapham and Vauxhall for 20 years, and working there as Management Consultant for 10 years.
We also spent many hours parked outside the Town Hall you see above, waiting for the inevitable late comers to arrive and board the coach for the weekend beach excursions.
You can read my thoughts on the “I Can’t Breathe’ situation here: https://marilyndevonish.com/cant-breathe-racial-evolution-needs-heard/
I have also done a spoken word video below:
Warm regards,
Marilyn Devonish
Flexible Working Implementation Consultant & The NeuroSuccess Coach