Anti-racism group launches in Eastbourne

Eastbourne Stand Up to Racism officially launched on World Against Racism Day.

There were banners from different community activist groups including the Eastbourne Trades Council, Eastbourne Greenpeace and East Sussex Save the NHS. There were also two banners from the anti-racism group alongside hand-made placards.

Local resident and one of the group founders Louise Walton said, “It was really great to meet people that we had been working with virtually on Zoom in real life, at a safe distance of course. And it was great to meet so many people who were genuinely pleased we had set up the group.

“We are extremely pleased our launch was so successful and that we have reached out to so many great anti-racists in Eastbourne.”

Tyler Vanko, a student at Brighton University based on the Eastbourne campus, joined the group on the day.

He said, “I’ve always wanted to be part of something that can make a positive difference for future generations.

“Last year has taught us how important it is to educate and share our personal experiences of racism and help those who sadly can’t help themselves and fight this battle on their own. We are all human beings after all and we should all treat each other equally.

“I’m grateful to Stand Up to Racism for allowing me as a young student to do exactly that.”

Eastbourne resident Graham Dean said, “It was brilliant to see so many colourful banners and flags on the beach at Eastbourne marking the setting up of the group. There was real solidarity in everyone attending, in a Covid safe way.

“We are all determined to show support for vulnerable refugees desperate for help after fleeing war, persecution or torture. Anyone suffering racism should know there many people in Eastbourne prepared to stand with them against intolerance.”

A day after the beach demonstration the group held a Zoom event called Eastbourne Welcomes Refugees with a variety of speakers, poets and singers.

The event included an interview with a refugee from Kurdistan living in Eastbourne who told people the journey his mother had taken with three small children across four countries to get here to be with their father who had fled from torture.

Anyone wanting to support the anti-racism group can follow it on various social media platforms.