SRtRC condemn 'Pro-Tommy Robinson' chants by a minority of NUFC fans

A minority of NUFC fans at last night’s pre-season match against Hibernian FC, were allegedly heard to sing both Pro-Tommy Robinson and sectarian chants. After the match, many NUFC fans took to social media to condemn those singing the offensive songs, rightly claiming it has no place at the club.

Show Racism the Red Card, Chief Executive, Ged Grebby said “Show Racism the Red Card would like to thank the Newcastle United and Hibs fans who have been in touch with us expressing their disgust with a minority of NUFC fans who were singing in support of Tommy Robinson at last nights friendly match at Hibernian FC. Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) is a far-right and anti-Islam activist, currently serving another prison sentence for contempt of court. He is a divisive figure and Newcastle United fans should have nothing to do with this “hate preacher”.

“Show Racism the Red Card were established in January 1996 by Shaka Hislop, Newcastle United’s goalkeeper. We have had excellent support off the NUFC in the last 24 years and do not want to see the club linked to racist individuals like Tommy Robinson. We are sure NUFC will monitor the situation in the future and make it clear it wants no links with Robinson or any other far-right individuals. The vast majority of fans support NUFC’s “United as One” campaign and we look forward to working with the club and NUFC Foundation again this season.”

Newcastle United Fanzine ‘True Faith’ also posted the following short article by Chris Shipman which comments on the incident and is well worth a read.

SRtRC

TUC Northern - Anti-racism Ambassadors Programme

Show Racism the Red Card are delighted to announce that through our partnership with TUC Northern we will be delivering an Anti-racism Ambassadors Programme. The programme will consist of 4 half-day sessions over a period of 4 consecutive weeks in September and October. If you are a TUC Member and are interested in attending this event, please see below for details on how to Register. 

Anti-racism Ambassadors Programme - helping union reps and members to effectively challenge discrimination

10, 17, 24 September and 1 October | 1300-1700 | TUC Regional Office, Unite Building, 1st Floor, John Dobson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8TW.

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Introduction

The outcome of the EU referendum nationally, and the wider context, have created an environment in which far right activity is growing. The Northern TUC and trade union movement has a responsibility to act to challenge far-right legitimacy and organisation, and to call out their encroachment into mainstream public life.

We are delighted to announce we are working closely again with Show Racism the Red Card who have over 22 years of experience of educating and campaigning against racism. Following on from the successful anti-racism development day in April, we have developed a more in depth 4-week (four half-day sessions) regional ambassador programme. Each week, the participants will take part in workshops delivered by Show Racism the Red Card staff. By using open, participatory and creative methods, participants will develop skills such as assertiveness, communication, leadership, critical thinking and public speaking.

Session 1: 10 September. Includes introductions, identity - how we feel and community; Anti-racism workshop, judging & stereotyping and exploring racism.

Session 2: 17 September. Covers Islamophobia and Immigration.

Session 3: 24 September. Covers media / social media and extremism.

Session 4: 1 October. Includes getting your voice heard and celebration - discussion on what we have learned and how to take things forward.

The full programme is available here.

By the end of the programme, attendees will have:

• Developed critical thinking skills and be more able to deconstruct racist ideas.

• A better understanding of their own feelings and how to manage them.

• Extended their knowledge of what racism is and how it impacts on individuals (both targets and perpetrators) and society.

• Clarity around Islam and reduced prejudicial beliefs about Muslim people.

• An increased understanding of anti-racism activism and will be more likely to be involved in initiatives.

The training is FREE to union reps and members. Places are limited so please apply early.  Closing date is Friday 23 August. 

To register a place please click the 'Register' button below which will take you to the Eventbrite booking page. Please note you must register a place to attend.

SRtRC report on the Usdaw - Southern members Conference 2019

Usdaw Conference, Portsmouth

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 410,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

On the 29th and 30th June, Usdaw held their annual Southern Members Conference in Portsmouth and invited Show Racism the Red Card to make a presentation to delegates.

Southern Region Manager Steve Goodsell gave a 1-hour presentation on the work of SRtRC in schools and at football clubs, giving members the opportunity to take part in discussions, just as we would do in the classroom. Steve used some of SRtRC's innovative educational resources to look at issues such as 'defining racism', 'stereotyping', 'terminology' and 'influences of racist attitudes'. Delegates were particularly interested in the reported rise of Far Right activity, something that had been discussed in a previous workshop. Steve talked about the growth of groups such as the Democratic Football Lads Alliance (DFLA) and highlighted how football clubs and supporters are being targeted as places for recruitment.

The Question and Answer session covered many different issues around racism, including religion and nationality. Several delegates had experienced racism themselves, either in the workplace or in their community. Levels of racism within the retail sector are on the rise, particularly since the EU Referendum; not only from the public but shamefully from some employers as well. Dave McCrossen, Deputy General Secretary of Usdaw, told delegates 'that there was no place for complacency when faced with racism in the workplace and in society, and that people needed to take action by challenging discrimination - not sit back and turn a blind eye'.

Following the presentation by Steve, delegates were unanimous in agreeing that any monies collected from the evening's Raffle and Quiz Night should be donated to Show Racism the Red Card.

Our thanks to Usdaw for their continued sponsorship of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign and to their members for their kind generosity.

Show Racism the Red Card at the Unison National Delegate Conference, Liverpool

Show Racism the Red Card were present the Unison National Delegate Conference at the ACC, Liverpool on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th of June 2019.

As well as engaging with hundreds of people on the SRTRC stall, the charity also held a very successful fringe meeting on the Tuesday, with around 400 people present.

 The meeting was kindly sponsored by Thompson's Law and featured some excellent speakers.

Show Racism the Red Card chief executive Ged Grebby opened the event, giving an overview of the charity’s anti-racism educational work and the increasing need for it. Ex-Scotland, Wolves and Stoke striker Chris Iwelumo then shared his thoughts and experiences of racism during his time as a professional footballer. Ex-Nottingham Forest striker Jason Lee spoke of his role as Equalities and Education Executive of the PFA and of having to face racism during his career, especially from the press and TV. Unison’s Elizabeth Cameron then spoke of the fight against racism and discrimination in the workplace, before Steve Cavalier (Thompson’s Solicitors- the event’s sponsors) voiced his strong support for SRTRC’s school educational work as well as his dismay at the growing level of racism within football and the wider society. Clare Williams (Unison’s Northern General Secretary) reiterated the need for education in tacking workplace and school-based discrimination, lamenting how the current government and political climate have fuelled the problem. The final speaker was the Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyme and Shadow Secretary of State for Education Angela Rayner, who underlined her (and her party’s) commitment to improving the current dire situation, whilst making her anti-racism stance very clear.

It was a profound and inspiring hour of speeches, and the hundreds in attendance showed their appreciation and support

The fringe meeting closed with a photo taken of the speakers and delegates holding up cards in support of SRTRC’s Wear Red Day 2019. Our thanks to all at Unison and Thompson’s Law for their fabulous support helping to Show Racism the Red Card.

Video Highlights

Unite The Union Conference Summary

UNITE THE UNION CONFERENCE, BRIGHTON

On Monday 24th June 2019 Show Racism the Red Card took part in a fringe meeting hosted by Howard Beckett, Assistant General Secretary of Unite the Union.

The meeting was kindly sponsored by Thompson's Law and attended by 120 delegates, a great turnout especially after a full day's conference. Earlier that afternoon all of the delegates, many wearing SRtRC t-shirts, posed for a photo with Unite General Secretary, Len McCluskey to promote Wear Red Day.

SRtRC Southern Regional Manager Steve Goodsell gave a short presentation on the education work being delivered in London and the South. Steve spoke about the responsibilities of Politicians in regard to the language they use and the views they publicly espouse to describe people, as these filter down into the classrooms and playgrounds of our young people. At a recent SRtRC workshop Steve attended, some young people viewing a photograph of Woman wearing a Burqa commented that she 'looked like a letter box', which they admitted repeating after hearing a media story about a prominent Government MP's disgraceful comments.

Delegates watched a short film called 'Hannah's Story' which features a teenage girl who suffered racism at school which affected her confidence and mental well-being. Hannah talks about what happened following a visit to her school by the SRtRC Wales Education Team, how it made those who were being racist realise that what they were doing, was not only hurtful but against the law. Hannah is happy at school now and some of the people who were making racist comments previously are now her friends. You can watch the full version of the film at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9j8yQk83tY

Howard Beckett talked about the great working relationship between Unite the Union and SRtRC and how much Unite value the contribution that SRtRC make to society with their education work in schools. He also urged members to support Wear Red Day in Scotland on the 4th October and the 18th October in England and Wales.

Susan Matthews (NEC) spoke about 'The systematic racism within employment practices' and gave examples of other forms of racism that many people may be unaware of, such as Environmental Racism. Susan described how some London Boroughs are creating play areas on estates that are only accessible by children of parents who pay rent, as opposed to those that live in council properties. This almost always unfairly penalises Black and Minority Ethnic families, which is happening more and more according to Susan.

Stephen Cavalier of Thompsons Law spoke about the great work of SRtRC in schools and how vital it was that funding is found to not just maintain the current level of delivery but to be able to reach out to thousands more young people across the UK. Stephen added how good it was to see top footballers speak out against racism in the game and in society, and the importance of supporting them. He said it was shocking that Danny Rose of Spurs and England should feel that he looks forward to not playing football because racism is such an everyday occurrence now.

Terry Angus and Simone Pound of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) both spoke in support of the work of SRtRC in schools, but also about the fantastic partnership that exists between the PFA and SRtRC. The football club events held each season are held in high esteem by the PFA, and the clubs themselves. The Community Departments at the football clubs contribute a great deal to the success of the club education programme, with hundreds of players getting a chance to contribute to the events and interact with young people from local schools. Many players continue to make a contribution to SRtRC by way of speaking at events and being trained to deliver educational workshops, two of whom have been honoured for their achievements - Leroy Rosenior and John Beresford, both proud holders of the MBE.

The fringe meeting closed with a photo taken of delegates holding up cards in support of Wear Red Day 2019. Our thanks to all at Unite the Union, Thompsons Law and the PFA for their fabulous support helping to Show Racism the Red Card.

GMB Union Conference report

GMB Conference Report

Sunday 9th to Wednesday 12th June - Brighton

Show Racism the Red Card had one of the most popular stalls at the GMB Conference in Brighton last week. The majority of the delegates who went to the conference visited the stall, with 254 collecting t-shirts paid for by Regional Branches to wear on the final couple of days. Looking around the conference, the majority of people were carrying one of our carrier bags and so our brand was widely publicised. The stall was run by Martina Barton (Admin Worker), Steve Goodsell (Southern Regional Manager) and Ged Grebby our CEO.

£237 was raised from donations and sales of wristbands, badges and T-Shirt's. A further bulk order for 50 t-shirts was made which will raise an additional £400. The football club posters were very popular although several delegates were disappointed 'their' team was not on display, the most notable absentee's being Leeds Utd, Derby County and any Scottish clubs.

Key members of the GMB came to talk to us about the campaign and seemed enthusiastic about the opportunity to fund us on a local basis, and to support Wear Red Day 2019. We were approached by two Councillors who were interested in SRtRC working in their Local Authority area. 

SRtRC Vice President Leroy Rosenior MBE spoke at the main conference and received a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. The GMB officials commented that it was the best speech they had ever heard at conference. Leroy also attended and spoke at our fringe meeting on the Wednesday afternoon. Leroy was joined by Ged Grebby, Tim Roache (GMB General Secretary) Taranjit Chana (GMB National Equality Race Lead) Tony Higgins (FIFPro} and Stephen Cavalier from Thompsons Solicitors who sponsored the fringe and provided lunch for attendees. All speakers were enthusiastically received, with Leroy once more being given a standing ovation. Around 100 people attended with standing room only  come the 12.45 start!

Overall it was a great conference with fantastic support from delegates and management towards the work of Show Racism the Red Card.

May Monthly Round-up - England

The Education teams in England worked to collectively deliver a series of informative, creative workshops and events during May 2019. 

It included:

32 workshops

64 hours of workshop activities, excluding assemblies and fun fitness sessions

1248 young people participated

12 Primary schools   

1 Secondary school

The North East team has again had a busy month. During May, we have delivered 21 workshops into 9 schools reaching 478 pupils. Quotes from pupils highlight the positive impact they have had on those attending:

“I liked how we were able to learn a lot of things about which words are racist and not and also a lot of stories about what people have had to go through to help me understand how shocking racism really is”

“I loved your passion to help people who are getting bullied because they are different”

Teacher comments:

“The relationship the facilitator built with the children from the very beginning of the workshop was brilliant and resulted in some very valuable interactions”

“The facilitator was superb with the children and conversation flowed freely and without confusion”

At the beginning of the month, Patrick from the team delivered workshops at two youth clubs in Middlesbrough reaching 54 young people. On Wednesday 1 May, he delivered 3 small group workshops at Breckon Hill and on Thursday 2 May, a discussion with young people attending Newport Youth Club took place and was led by ex-player and Middlesbrough First team coach, Curtis Fleming.

On Tuesday 7 May, members of the team supported our Campaign team colleagues at another successful club event at Newcastle United. Over 100 pupils from a number of schools attended and took part in Hate Crime workshops and a Question and Answer session with a panel which included Newcastle United Women’s goalkeeper, Michaela Raine, former NUFC players and SRtRC patrons, John Anderson, Olivier Bernard & Steve Howey and Cllr Peter Earley, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning at North Tyneside Council.

This month saw the start of the SEA (School Equality Ambassadors') project, a new project funded from the Home Office: Building Stronger Britain Together programme. The aim is around preventing/educating about Far Right extremism through a targeted 4 week anti-racism course looking at racism’s roots and causes, through to educating about Hate Crime and finally educating about extremist groups and behaviour. We have completed the first block of training with pupils at Churchill Community College in Wallsend and are in the middle of sessions for pupils at Portland College in Sunderland.  Initial feedback has been very positive:

“Lovely presenters! The sessions were well presented and thorough.  The presenters were very professional and spoke to the students in a way that they could easily understand.  The students responded well and answered questions, as well as getting involved in discussion.  It is hoped that now, these students, have a wider view of diversity and are more aware of how flippant, racist remarks and taunts can hurt and potentially harm others.”

The North East Education team were involved in organising a Regional Premiere of the Education Film on Thursday 23 May held at Newcastle Civic Centre. More than 70 attendees enjoyed a screening of the film, speakers including Laura Pidcock, Member of Parliament for North West Durham and Shadow Minister of Labour  and Clare Williams, Regional Secretary, UNISON Northern and a panel Q and A with Show Racism the Red Card's Young Ambassador, Isra Mohammed; ex-players and supporters Kevin Ball and Steve Howey and our own Justine King. Special thanks to Habib Rahman for both speaking at the event and for the support in providing us with such a good venue for the event and congratulations on being appointed as Newcastle’s Sheriff, the first British Muslim to hold the position. Pupils and teachers from two schools, St Bede's in Peterlee and St Joseph's in Hebburn were also in attendance and went away with bags full of SRtRC goodies.

Justine King, our Education Co-ordinator in the North East also appeared on the Drivetime Show on Fast FM at the end of May to talk about various issues around racism and how to educate against it.

Bamburgh School Delivery

Breckon Hill School Delivery

The south regional team visited a total of 6 schools during May. We delivered 3 lots of carousel type workshops reaching a total of 450 students. 3 schools received 11 workshops which amounts to 22 hours. One secondary schools received two assemblies for 320 pupils. The team also assisted at the Charity Football event held at Chelsea FC  and hosted a successful City Hall Showcase event in London. We also supported a KickOff 3 event at Thurrock.

Quotes from Schools:

We booked SRtRC for assemblies for 320 pupils. We were impressed by the professionalism of the educator and the pupils gained much insight into the issues surrounding racism. The pupils and staff have asked for workshops which we are looking into. 

Oxted School

Another excellent day with Show Racism the Red Card. The staff and pupils wanted to say a very big Thank You for creating such an open and comfortable space for such a difficult subject. We hope you enjoyed the artwork the children completed on the day.

Charterhouse Square School

This is the 3rd year we booked your workshops and again you have not disappointed. Looking forward to next academic year.

Fitzharrys School