Stephen Lawrence Annual Lecture
Yesterday’s evening commenced with the Keynote Lecture by Professor Joy James, Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Political Sciences, USA.
Professor Joy James led us through an inspiring and challenging talk unpacking the resources that critical theory can provide in a political age of intensified repression, individualism and rampant propaganda.
This was followed by a panellist discussion, Chaired by Dr. Fatima Rajina (YES, my niece), Legacy in Action Senior Research Fellow, Stephen Lawrence Research Centre (SLRC).
Dr Rajina was an absolute superstar addressing the audience and holding the stage together!!
The Panellists:
– Dr Chantelle Lewis (Oxford University)
– Immy Kaur (Civic Square Founder)
– Dr Michael Bankole (University of London)
*Key takeaways:*
Diversity within government isn’t currently widely representative of views of communities and often steered by government to push politics and ‘state power’. – Dr Michael Bankole
Just because someone looks like you in government, doesn’t mean they represent your voice – Professor Joy James
A dominant narrative currently appears to around extremes and hate, concerns particular following the Rwanda Bill.
Heavy terms such as colonialism, imperialism, elitisium, capitalism, racism can be hard to talk about but also vital to address.
Solidarity and reflective representation is important. – Professor Joy James
You can not deny what you see, you see, please then say what you see. – Professor Joy James
Use your position, resource when your are in a position to give back and to speak up.
Having hard conversations, acknowledging and fixing the mess, building trust to build up is important. – Immy Kaur
We have to pour into ourselves, looking into our community, addressing things we may not be proud of. – Dr Chantelle Lewis
We may not see the change from our work today or reap the rewards in our lifetime but it doesn’t mean it isn’t making an impact!
*My final thoughts*
Within Britain our colonial past is part of our history, the people of present day Britian need to be able to talk about it.
The reality is that people in history, most of whom that are not alive today, made some very bad choices.
It is important to talk about it, acknowledge it, sit with it, to be able to move forward as members of the British population today, inorder to look forward collectively.
We have more in common with each other than which divides us. We are all part of the human race!
In closing, I resonate with Dr Bankole and his poignant analogy of planting seeds of hope today, which may blossom tomorrow – which is reassuring given all the positive work being done by many.
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