Let's be the change, and end racial discrimination
As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Elaine Johnson, Director of People at Great Places Housing Trust and member of the BOOST Management Team, shares her thoughts on how the housing sector can play its part in helping to stop racism across communities.
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
It is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. That day was 60 years ago, and since then the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled and racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries. We are, however, a long, long way from eliminating racism and having a fair and equitable society for all.
Last summer in the UK we saw violence and rioting fuelled by racism, including shocking scenes of centres housing asylum seekers being attacked, and many of our black and Asian friends and neighbours fearful to leave their homes.
These were not isolated incidents. There were similar events in Europe, and since the election of the Trump Administration in America a political agenda, rooted in racial division and an attack on civil rights, is gaining momentum.
So today let’s reflect on what we can do as a sector, as housing providers, as employers and as individuals to further the cause of eliminating racism.
Within our Movement Meetings we committed to
As a sector: Countering harmful messages via myth busting; educating civil leaders, colleagues that work in housing and the wider community about the truth of how social housing is allocated and who is and isn’t prioritised for social housing. For example contrary to the misinformation being circulated by those instigating the riots; most new migrants are NOT eligible for social housing and have no recourse to public funds. They have less ‘right’ to a social home than UK residents. Asylum seekers who are eventually accepted as refugees are eligible for social housing, but very few succeed due to restrictions. Overall foreign nationals account for only 10% of new social housing lettings.
As housing providers: Being overtly anti-racist. We understand the devastating impact on individuals, families and communities of incidents motivated by hate. We will work tirelessly with other statutory agencies including the Police to tackle racially motivated incidents, taking a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of Hate Crime. On the positive side we will promote stories of multi-culturalism and the richness it brings to our communities, workplaces, clubs and friendship groups
As employers: Celebrating the ethnically diverse talent within our workforces and appreciating the improved outcomes we get from the diversity of thought they bring to our problem solving/decision making.
As BOOST: Continue to understand and then remove the barriers to our ethnically diverse talent emerging and thriving. We will implement inclusive practices in our recruitment to ensure candidates from all backgrounds get an equal opportunity to shine and be at their best. We will educate and upskill our leaders and managers in cultural intelligence and curiosity, encourage them to diversify their networks and to be proactive allies.
As individuals: let’s get comfortable talking about race, heritage and culture. Let’s be curious about how our own heritage has shaped our lives, beliefs, attitude and behaviours and be open to exploring an learning from others about theirs. Let’s not tolerate racism and call it out when we see and hear it.
So, on this day and every day, let’s be the change and create a better society for all.
BOOST is a partnership between Greater Manchester Housing Providers, Manchester Metropolitan University and Aston University to help tackle underrepresentation in social housing leadership and help ethnically diverse leaders to emerge and thrive.
