Our Class Our Culture: Anti-racism in the Lothians

Edinburgh Morning Star Readers and Supports Group hosts Anti-racism in the Lothians as part of the Our Class Our Culture event series.

Police forces in Britain have been found to be systemically racist. Racist bias is embedded in our public and private institutions. Racism continues to plague workers, from organisational discrimination to workplace cultures of bigotry. The far-right is on the rise, scapegoating migrants for the demise of Britain and stoking racist hatred. Politicians and pundits spew racist invective across our tabloids and TV screens.

The problem exists, and has existed in Scotland for many years. The fight for equality continues with each generation. As Tony Benn said, 'There is no final victory, as there is no final defeat. There is just the same battle. To be fought, over and over again.'

In this event, we hear about those who fought that fight and who fight it today in and around Edinburgh. From the work of Alfred Labinjohs in the '80s, through the Lothian Black Forum, to the campaign for justice for Sheku Bayou, activists and academics at the forefront of the struggle share stories and discuss how we combat racism in our communities and workplaces and how to end it, finally.

Speakers include:

• layla-roxanne hill, activist, academic and author of Black Oot Here: Black Lives in Scotland
• Martin Cavanagh, president of PCS
• Henry Dee, history at Glasgow University

The speakers will be followed by an open discussion.

All proceeds go towards The Morning Star fighting fund.

The Morning Stars' Our Class Our Culture series is a selection of events covering working class culture and history, understanding our past to inform the struggles of the present and envisage a future of peace and common prosperity for the working class.

The next Our Class Our Culture event in Edinburgh is Anti-Racist Organising in the Lothians on 17 June 2024.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom