Anti-Racism In The UK: Looking Forward In Anger?

The United Kingdom can be proud of its history of struggle against racism. The anti-racist movements were forged, shaped and led by its Black and Minority Ethnic communities who created mass direct action campaigns, that were often driven by new theoretical analysis, and resulted in changes in legislation, political and social outlook and empowerment of those suffering disadvantage.

Over the years, the movement has been weakened, some argue defeated, by a combination of factors, including state responses to direct action; the so called success of the BME middle class and its preoccupation with integration and cohesion; the attack on civil rights; the growth of the "religious right"; as well as the disintegration of the left and progressive politics in Society.

 

Is this an accurate summary of the events? Does Anti-racism have a future? If so what shape and form will it take? What will be the impact of the economic crisis and the Government’s severe austerity measures on the BME communities?

 The seminar, organised by The Monitoring Group brings together key individuals involved in anti-racist struggles to discuss these vital issues. Contributors include:

 

 

Colin Prescod, Chair of the Institute of Race Relations

Mark Wardsworth, Journalist and Campaigner