Stay Woke in Lewes!

Over the past 12 months, we have seen Black Lives Matter protests calling for action to be taken against police brutality and systemic violence in response to the murder of George Floyd. George Floyd was one man who tragically lost his life, but what about Mark Duggan, Sheku Bayoh, Sean Rigg and the countless other individuals who have lost their lives to systemically unjust institutions? What about all the families who have been robbed of justice by a system that doesn’t value black and brown lives? It is important that we come together and continue to reflect on how social inequalities influence all aspects of society today.

On the 8th of June 2020, the peaceful Black Lives Matter Candlelit vigil in Lewes brought communities together. This was a significant moment for a town where up until recently, blackface was a part of the annual bonfire celebration. Now more than ever, it has become increasingly important that we stand together in solidarity against all forms of inequality and discrimination. We cannot look at social inequalities through one lens. It is important to have an intersectional approach and recognise the wider context. We will be inviting speakers to talk about international human rights violations, climate change and gender equality.