Islington Council stands in solidarity against racism following hateful online attack

Last night almost 200 residents and staff came together for the online event, which explored how all people can become allies to Black people.

At the event a small number of people made obscene gestures and posted extremely offensive racist abuse. They were removed from the meeting and the council is exploring their legal options including criminal sanctions.

In a joint statement Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Leader of Islington Council, Linzi Roberts-Egan, Chief Executive of Islington Council, Islington Council’s Race Equality Network, and Islington Black History Working Group, said today:

“Last night our staff and local people witnessed a vicious and hateful racist attack. It was an attack on Shereen Daniels, the accomplished anti-racism advocate and campaigner that we had invited to speak to us about allyship, an attack on the Islington Black History Working Group who had organised the event and an attack on our Council's commitment to challenge inequality, racism and injustice in Islington.

“This was a cowardly and hateful act, symbolic of the rise of online hate we have seen in recent times. We know that racism comes in many forms and unlike last night is often hidden from full view. Every individual instance is deeply painful and collectively can feel overwhelming. It is not just about name calling and hate: it’s about systems and processes, it’s also the subtle and complex ways in which people are held back, voices are shut down and opportunities are denied.

“But we will not be silenced. Each instance serves to power our fight. We are resolute in our commitment to be an anti-racist organisation. So we say now if you are hateful and racist you are not welcome in our organisation or in our borough. We do not want you here, we will take action to remove you and pursue all our legal avenues, including criminal sanctions, as we have in response to last night's incident.

“And we will continue to seek solidarity and inspiration from the growing numbers who are stepping up to be part of the solution, from different backgrounds and with different perspectives and experiences to contribute. Together we will not rest until we deliver our mission to dismantle systems, tear down barriers and create new opportunities, new relationships and new services that enable all of our children, our young people, our families and our communities to thrive.”

Islington Council is committed to its Challenging Inequality Strategy. To find out more, if you have ideas for action or if you just want to talk or share your experience please email equalities@islington.gov.uk