Remembering the Past: A Tale of Racism and Resilience in the UK
Leila Hassan Howe, a veteran activist of the UK’s Black Power movement, recalls the racism she faced as a 16-year-old schoolgirl in London. Growing up in the aftermath of the Second World War, she and other Black girls were racially taunted in a white working-class neighborhood.
Decades later, echoes of racism still reverberate in the UK. The recent riots sparked painful memories for ethnic minority pensioners who remember the rise of the far right in the 1970s. Despite progress, activists like Tariq Mehmood remain wary of systemic changes in policing.
Unraveling the Past: A Fight for Equality
Racial equality movements in the 1970s and 80s made significant strides, challenging discrimination and police inaction. However, the resurgence of racism today reflects a deeper issue rooted in the colonial history of the UK.
As the nation grapples with a new wave of hatred, the battle against racism continues. Individuals like Hassan Howe and Mehmood are determined to confront the systemic challenges that perpetuate racial divisions.