Eastbourne anti-racism group launches ahead of World Against Racism Day

Residents from Eastbourne have formed an anti-racism group and are ready to mark World Against Racism Day next week.
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An Eastbourne branch of Stand up to Racism (SUTR) has been set up by residents. SUTR is a national campaign that opposes all forms of racism.

Nationally is has support from the Trades Union Congress and the local branch is supported by Eastbourne Trades Council.

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The group was started after racist comments on social media were spread in reaction to the refugee boat that was rescued and brought into Sovereign Harbour earlier this year and a painting appeared of a swastika on a local community building.

Photo from SUTR Eastbourne SUS-211103-104821001Photo from SUTR Eastbourne SUS-211103-104821001
Photo from SUTR Eastbourne SUS-211103-104821001

To mark World Against Racism Day on March 20 the group is asking people to make homemade signs and take selfies showing support on the day and then email/post directly onto the Facebook group page.

SUTR is also wanting supporters to use the hashtags #WorldAgainstRacism and #TakeTheKnee.

A zoom event will also be held on March 21 at 4pm.

Local resident and member of the Public and Commercial Services Union Keith Crane said, “We would have liked to have organised a safe socially distanced and fully risk-assessed gathering on the day.

Photo from SUTR Eastbourne SUS-211103-104831001Photo from SUTR Eastbourne SUS-211103-104831001
Photo from SUTR Eastbourne SUS-211103-104831001
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“Regretfully we can’t come together because protests are banned in the UK and organisers can face a £10,000 fixed penalty fine.

“It’s absurd because students and teachers who will have been crammed together indoors in lessons all week won’t be able to gather safely outdoors to oppose racism without possible arrest and fines.” 

Local resident Louise Walton said, “We recognise that the majority of people in Eastbourne oppose racism but a small minority of racists can be very vocal, especially on social media.

“We want to give a voice to the decent majority in Eastbourne who value a united diverse community and we want to convince others that racism is not acceptable in modern society.”

More information about the group and future events can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/ebsutr

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