Peter Lazenby
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THOUSANDS of people across Britain wore red today in a mass demonstration against racism.
Schools, universities and workplaces supported the annual Wear Red Day, staged by the educational campaign group Show Racism the Red Card.
The event was backed across the labour and trade union movement and by organisations including Stand Up to Racism.
Individual supporters included former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who said in an appeal for support on Twitter: “Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Wear Red Day is here.
“Let’s all make a stand against racism — and for hope, unity and solidarity.”
Show Racism the Red Card was founded in 1996 and has its roots in professional football, where racist chanting has long blighted the terraces.
The organisation is Britain’s largest anti-racism educational charity which took its message into schools, colleges and workplaces this year.
Chief executive Ged Grebby said: “Today is all about uniting against racism.
“The need for our anti-racism education work has never been greater, with reported race hate crime up during the pandemic.
“By working with the next generation in schools we can have a big impact towards eradicating racism and creating a better world in the future.”
Public service union Unison voiced support on behalf of its 1.2 million members.
In the north-east, where iconic buildings including Gateshead Millennium Bridge were bathed in red light in solidarity with the event, Unison regional secretary Clare Williams said: “The rise in the far right and a significant increase in hate crime shows how imperative it is to support organisations like Show Racism the Red Card, which works tirelessly to combat racism through education.”
Paddy Lillis, general secretary of retail union Usdaw, said: “Wear Red Day reminds us all that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Regardless of race, religious belief or national origin — everyone must be allowed to go about their lives free from fear of abuse.”
Usdaw takes its own “No Room for Racism” campaign into workplaces, where union reps deliver the union’s anti-racist message: “Not in my name, not in my workplace.”
