Black Lives Matter – Information and Support

The College of Social Sciences is committed to supporting all of our colleagues who have been directly or indirectly affected by what has been going on in the world, when a black man named George Floyd was tragically killed in the US city of Minneapolis by a police officer. Since the 25th May there have been increased protests for #Blacklivesmatter, and over Social Media such as #Blackouttuesday. We stand in solidarity with the ongoing challenge to achieve equality and civil rights for all.

BLACK LIVES MATTER. Want to know how you can help?

  • Read up on why people are protesting.
  • Learn about Racial Inequality.
  • Make sure to prioritise black people’s voices and not speak over anyone with actual, lived experience of the issues at hand.
  • Keep listening and learning. Spend your time in lockdown further evaluating what you know, and what your own individual perceptions might be. It is our job to educate ourselves.

1)  Consider adding your voice in a positive way. Be an advocate for equality in your own circles of influence. 

BLM3

2)  Learn by watching videos/listening to others share their stories. We encourage those who are perhaps not directly affected to seek out information rather than forcing black peers to direct us, as this might be emotionally exhausting and triggering to discuss repeatedly. There are some powerful, informative messages online.

3)  Get involved in our University BAME Staff network. 

4)  Use Social Media to pro-actively support – Online campaigns have been one of the most effective ways for people to show support, and raise awareness of the anti-racist movement. However, when engaging in social media, before posting check whether your postings are supportive to the Black Lives Matter movement.

5)  Read up about the Anti-Racist Struggle – There are lots of reading lists on the internet which will help you learn about racism and privilege. The University's Centre for Research in Race and Education (CRRE) conduct world class research on racism and race inequality in education. More information and articles can be found here.

 

List of related books from University of Birmingham Academics

White Privilege: The Myth of a Post-Racial Society by Kalwant Bhopal

Foundations of Critical Race Theory in Education by Edward Taylor, David Gillborn, Gloria Ladson-Billings

The Politics of Compulsive Education: Racism and Learner-Citizenship by Karl Kitching

(Journal) Race Ethnicity and Education edited by the University of Birmingham's School of Education

More information and resorces

Black Lives Matter Colleague BAME Network TIMEOUT Magazine: How To Support Black Lives Matter Independent: Support George Floyd Petition
Anti-Racism and BAME Inclusion Books and Articles in Higher Education Hope Not Hate: To White People, On Racism Stylist Magazine: How to Write to Your MP About Racism Guild of Students Statement

Jean Harris, Employee Advisor: j.harris.3@bham.ac.uk Telephone: 0121 415 8774

The Harassment Advice Service: harassment@contacts.bham.ac.uk or telephone: 0121 415 8774

Workplace Wellbeing provide a 24/7 helpline for immediate emotional support, call:

0800 1116 387

You can find links and information to support your Wellbeing on the University of Birmingham HR Services intranet page.

The BAME Colleague Network aims to provide support and advice for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues at the University of Birmingham and ensure that their views and needs are recognised by the University. Follow them on twitter @BameUob

If this or any other issue is affecting your mental health and you need to talk to someone, our CoSS Mental Health First Aid team is a dedicated resource for colleagues experiencing any mental health difficulties. Find out more and who to contact

Further support can also be found from the Trade Unions on campus UNISON and Birmingham UCU.

Sandwell African Caribbean mental health foundation https://www.sacmhf.co.uk/ - They support the local African and Caribbean community who are affected by mental ill health. You can also donate to support their Foundation.

Black African and Asian Therapeutic Network https://www.baatn.org.uk/ - Home of the largest community of Counsellors and psychotherapists of Black African, Asian, and Caribbean Heritage in the UK. 

Some guidance on supporting young people’s mental health, who are affected by this can be found here:  http://makeourrightsreality.org.uk/supporting-your-mental-health-as-young-black-person/

Some informative learning resources, including short videos and podcasts to share with children on black history can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/black-history-month-primary-and-secondary-resources/zjwf8xs

For anyone supporting students affected by this, please see the CoSS Student Wellbeing page.

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