'We are the majority and we will stand up to racism'; the motto for the crowds who gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday. Banners, signs and placards held defiantly in the air as thousands marched for diversity.
Everyday racism is still something people have to
endure, explains Myuri Thanabal, 19, as she joins the masses tightly holding
her sign which reads: “Say no to racism in everyday situations”. Thanabal is
one of many who have travelled from all over the nation to show their support
in standing up to racism.
Map of the route the demonstrators took:
“I am so glad I came today, it's such a beautiful sight to see so many people fighting against the racism people face every day. I have faced racist taunts on the street from many people and it just shouldn't be allowed,” said Thanabal. "A friend of mine was attacked on the bus just because she was wearing a hijab, the attackers told her to 'go back to her own country' and that she was a terrorist for wearing it. It's this kind of prejudice and racism which we all are standing up to today."
A sea of flags and posters as the crowds gathered outside of the BBC to march towards Trafalgar square, just weeks before the General Election in May. United with the supporters was MP for Bradford West George Galloway, alongside Labour MP for Hackney North and South and Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott. Owen Jones, writer and journalist, and musician Jeffrey Drammers also showed their support.
Asif Chowdhury, anti-racism activist, said: "We have to stand united against racism. As a migrant myself who's been here since 1992, I feel I have earned my right to be here. It's appalling that in this day and age racism still exists. That's why I'm demonstrating today, and to show bigots and racists that scapegoating immigrants and racism will not be tolerated."
Held on the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, much like last year’s demonstration which saw a staggering 10,000 people attend to boycott racism. Other cities such as New York, Athens and Glasgow held events too.
Stand Up To Racism, Stop the War, the People’s Assembly and Unite Against Fascism, organisers of the event, said 15,000 people across London, Glasgow and Cardiff marched across Britain to say no to racism, Islamaphobia, anti-semitism and fascism.
Chowdhury said: "Without refugees and immigrants Britain would not be where it is today, they are integral to building this society; it's the multi-cultured nature of Britain. Today we are rallying against racism, to show those who face racist slander, attacks and even murder that we are behind them and it's not something they should deal with alone, or ever for that matter."
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