We invite colleagues and residents to join us for our week of reflection and learning on the progress we have made as a council with Southwark Stands Together. You can book your place here https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/festival-of-learning-and-reflection-1842939
A commitment to tackle racial inequalities
Southwark Stands Together is a borough wide initiative started in response to the killing of George Floyd and the injustice and racism experienced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and the disproportionate impact of COVID on our Black Asian and Minority ethnic communities. It began with a series of conversations and roundtables over the summer of 2020 where we listened to what you said about your experiences of living in Southwark and what you thought needed to change. Based on these discussions we developed a programme of action to address the racial injustice highlighted.
Festival of learning and reflection
We want to let you know what we have been doing to make this change happen, find out if you think this is making a difference and talk to you about some of the things we should be doing next, and how Southwark can continue to stand together to deliver a fairer and more equal society.
During the week of 20 March to 24 March we will be hosting a series of conversations to explore the issues around the key themes that emerged in summer 2020. The programme will demonstrate that the council remains committed to making change happen and we think this is a good moment to reflect on what we have and have not achieved and need to do next.
All the events will be taking place at Tooley Street where we will also have an exhibition on ‘seat at the table’ celebrating local Black political representation, and photographic display of the original protests.
Our Community Conversation programme includes:
Monday 20 March 9:30 to 12:30
A session hosted by Southwark’s Public Health team to explore and strengthen their work in using partnership approaches to reduce health inequalities for Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.
Monday 20 March 1:30 to 3:30
Making change & amplifying voices in Southwark’s arts and culture sector panel conversations with Culture Together grant recipients and participants on the Arts Boards Diversification Programme facilitated by our Culture team.
Monday 20 March 4pm to 18:00
The Education team will share progress on their plans to tackle racism in schools, and host a Q and A. They’ll be talking about how they are working with schools to develop and share Anti-Racist practice and are looking forward to listening to your thoughts on what else they should do.
Monday 20 March 17:30 to 19:30
The Employment and Business teams will be hosting a market place to showcase employment and business-related council programmes with an opportunity to share your vision for work in 2030 and steps needed to get there.
Tuesday 21 March 9:30 to 2:30
An event organised by Community Southwark where and to discuss how we can improve teams from Southwark will be there to join discussion on BAME-led groups experiences in applying for funding https://communitysouthwark.org/event/giving-bame-led-groups-better-access-to-funding-opportunities/.
Thursday 23 March 6 to 8pm
A workshop to explore how we are making sure that the voice of our diverse communities is amplified and reaches all parts of the council, especially as we shape the vision for Southwark in 2030.
Friday 24 March 6 to 8pm
Our young independent advisory group will showcase the work they have being doing with police to improve the Met’s interactions with young people in the borough, followed by a discussion.
You can book to attend one of the events through https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/festival-of-learning-and-reflection-1842939
