Everything racists hate about east London – its diversity, multiculturalism and greater tolerance – are the reasons why we are proud to call it home.
East London has changed enormously since the summer of 1980, when fascist skinheads murdered teenager Akhtar Ali Baig in East Ham for a £5 bet. Three decades on, our east London is more tolerant, more diverse, a place we are proud to call home.
This hasn’t happened by accident: it has taken years of constant resistance to racism by black communities and local campaigners. Nor is the struggle over. Whether it involves combating racist violence, opposing bigotry against new immigrants or challenging discrimination by public bodies, that activism continues to this day.
We believe a diverse, tolerant, anti-racist east London is worth supporting and defending. If you think so too, encourage your organisation to sign up to the ‘Proudly East London’ campaign launched by Newham Monitoring Project (NMP) and the Clapton Ultras – and consider becoming a member of NMP too.
Individually, you can help us turn the celebration of east London’s diversity into a powerful anti-racist message:
- choose your favourite local place in east London
- have your photo taken outside with a banner or sign that reads #ProudlyEastLondon and post it online. You can download a PDF sign by clicking here or on the image on the right.
- share your photos on Twitter with @NMPEastLondon and @ClaptonUltras.
Look out too for our ‘Racist Free Zone – #ProudlyEastLondon’ stickers, available locally soon.
Anti-racism is either something you talk about or resistance you take part in. Why not get involved today?