Lucy Keller’s Post

The recent unrest in the UK reveals deep-rooted issues often ignored by those in power. Governments tell us to accept their decisions, labeling dissenters as bigots or racists. Growing up in diverse Manchester, I've seen firsthand the value of different cultures—my informal adoptive Jamaican grandmother her daughter who I called aunty all my life my brothers who are of Syrian heritage from my dads second marriage means like most of use we grew up integrated and immersed in various cultures. The identity of race in my mind only became known and an issue in secondary school when it pushed that we are different and that because of the British past of colonialism we as white British need to understand that communities have pain from these acts long before any of us were born and that to speak up against this narrative was wrong and that we were racist. The real problem isn't the peaceful protesters, but those who turn to violence on both sides and the rhetoric from media outlets. We need open dialogues to address these issues. Let’s not label all white people as far-right, nor all minorities as illegal immigrants or territorist. We as Community workers should share the stories we hear in our communities to foster understanding and find common ground solutions. #CommunityEngagement #Diversity #OpenDialogue #SocialCohesion #PeacefulProtest

These Riots in the UK are fueled by a combination of racism and far-right ideologies that rely heavily on false information about immigrants disseminated by certain media outlets and the likes of Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson. These groups perpetuate harmful myths in their own sad little mind, creating an environment of fear and hostility to minorities especially towards Muslims. Ironically, these far right and their actions harm the country far more than the immigrants they target. This scapegoating diverts attention from real issues and undermines social cohesion, fostering an atmosphere of distrust and violence. Good to know majority of the British people are standing up against these racist far right thugs.

As part of World Day for Social Justice, why not download the core text of our new campaign, Do Justice, and think about about you can support the spiritual and civic renewal of your local town. #DoJustice #WorldDayforSocialJustice https://t.co/tFeK63udTM

The language of lived experience is found in the books we read. Each story offers a glimpse into realities that often go unheard. I enjoy sharing these voices, especially those silenced by mainstream narratives. I’m now guided to practice creating collective community voices. This learning journey invites us to support others as they strive to thrive and work toward freedom from oppressive systems. Engaging with intersectional, anti-colonial literature fills me with hope. Though we live with grief daily, this engagement opens the door to potential change. It's time to challenge colonial end-of-life and cemetery models and recognise diverse cultural and faith practices in death care. Let’s create spaces that honour all lives and the stories they carry. The Spring Edition of Post Adoption News has just been released, where you can read my piece, Reflections on books and readings in the adoption journey: https://lnkd.in/gmWxG3bM #LivedExperience #PostAdoptionNews #ForcedAdoption #GriefandLoss #DeathCare #Equity #Justice #CemeteryReform #Reconciliation #CommunityVoices

We must have tailored, focused approaches for our housing policies if this is a problem that we want decision makers to solve. The mentality that if we just build any and all housing - at any income for “all” - is not going to right the wrongs of the private market. It won’t solve racialized housing deprivation. The mentality that I don’t want “those kinds of people in my neighborhood” is not going to solve racialized housing deprivation either. Proud of the leadership of so many mission-driven organizations, local and regional leaders, and affordable housing developers who get this and put it into policies: - homeownership assistance programs with no-interest loans - anti-displacement analyses with meaningful mitigation measures in comprehensive plans, plan amendments, and infrastructure projects - density bonuses and by-right processes for affordable housing - audits and enforcement against racial steering and predatory lending

In the wake of the summer riots across England, community and faith leaders are urging for more profound dialogue on the underlying causes of unrest. Superficial, large-scale meetings aren't enough to address the disenfranchisement and anger - especially among young people. In the latest Religion Media Centre briefing, participants from our 11 Creating Connections events came together to discuss the need for genuine collaboration and support from government to address issues like safe streets and social justice. As we build towards lasting solutions, it’s essential that faith groups receive the resources they need to make an impact. How can we better support community dialogue and foster real change? Find out more and watch the full discussion. #CreatingConnections #CommunityLeadership #FaithInAction #SocialJustice #GovernmentSupport #SustainableChange #BuildingBridges #UKRiots

While today represents the abolition of slavery in Canada, offering us a reminder of how far we have come as a country, there is still so much more work to be done. Black communities continue to face injustices, here and now. This #EmancipationDay, join us in reflecting, learning, and engaging in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. https://lnkd.in/gHt7nmkX 

Although, Mr. Russel is to be commended for speaking out. If more would speak up, not only on so-called Black holidays; the injustices, biases of over 400 years forced labor and systematic racism could be solved if more knew truth. Thanks to European Americans such as Mr Russel speaking out on the injustices Black Americans still face in 2024 that perhaps those in power that are so intent on maintaining the status quo will repent from their evil ways. That perhaps others of those who believes that they are not responsible in correcting the atrocities their ancestors inflicted upon Black Americans who has advantageously benefited from what they are still keeping those Black Americans of Diaspora from; would face and address that Industralized Slavery, Institutionalized Racism exists today! That worthless so-called #DiversityInclusion, #HumanRights and modern day #JimCrow biases and injustices are merely a coverup for the perpetuation of #SystemicRacism that continually marginalize Black Americans. Also is the engrained mindsets against Black Americans believing the negative propoganda that the US Government, many Blacks who still have that Plantation/Lynch/colonial/slave mentality and nonBlack people would be free of the brainwashing and historical lies told about Black Americans. #RestitutionMustBeMade #ReparationsMustBePaid #400YearsTrauma #BIPOC #BlackAmericaDiaspora #InstitutionalizedRacism #IndustralizedSlavery

I have a lot of thoughts regarding the racist riots and civil unrest but I will (try to)keep it brief, to 5 points. 1) As someone who works in education, I have had to attend multiple mandatory prevent training. It’s a safeguarding concern when a child or young person is being radicalized. It’s time the Department for Education ensures anti-racist training in education mandatory too. Particularly for all within the school community (governors, staff, parents, and pupils). It should also be a safeguarding concern radicalising your child to be a racist. The amount of children I have seen in those riots videos is heartbreaking. 2) Language matters. I am paying attention to what is being said and not said. People reveal themselves in their language. 3) Organisations need to consider both the psychological safety and the real safety of their muslim, Black and Brown colleagues. What are you doing to check in on them and ensure they feel safe? 4) We are all impacted by this one way or another, even if it’s not immediately obvious to you. Compassion and hope is what drives out hatred. Be human in your response and care of each other. 5) Finally, I invite you to picture Britain without immigration. What would it look and feel like? What systems would be in place? What infrastructures would still be standing? More importantly who would then be the focus of the scapegoating with no immigrants? 🤔 Finally, finally, Radical Therapist Network are offering a safe space, a community support circle to those from communities(muslims, global majority) impacted by the racism and Islamophobia. Link below https://lnkd.in/eiWfiHX7

#WorldNGODay | Today, there are several examples where civil society organisations have worked on improving the access and quality of service delivery by state or markets to communities, but missed out on the opportunity to tackle social norms, patriarchal attitudes, and discriminatory practices within the same community. As much as we would want, improvements in community will not happen on their own. Civil society must play a much larger role than what it is doing currently, it must work towards helping communities become more inclusive and progressive. And it is very well poised to do this. It can establish partnerships with community leaders, groups, and individuals to drive change. Read this article by Shamik Trehan to know more. https://lnkd.in/gmsGQ9z