BLACK Lives Matter – The phenomenon we are experiencing is nothing new, what is new is that the wind of change is blowing and it won’t be stilled.
Black lives matter and George Floyd’s was just one of the many lives taken away illegally and inhumanely by law enforcement bodies.
Over the last 20 years black people here in the UK and USA have been used as target practice.
Since 2015, according to the Washington Post, 1,252 black people have been shot and killed in police custody.
We in the UK have no reason to be complacent. There have been many cases of miscarriage of justice regarding the police and black people.
So called ‘black on black’ killing is no different – in fact it’s an extension of racism which pervades society and traps young black men in a life of crime.
There may be no physical knees to our necks but we are being suffocated by the systems – the legal system, education system, political system, economic system, the courts, housing, the lack of opportunities.
Black people can’t solve the problems of racism and discrimination – we have no power or leverage for the simple reason that power lies not in our hands but with white society.
But the wind of change is unstoppable and the time is now and yes we can and we will.
Name and Address supplied
WE have sent this letter to Councillor Anthony Lovell, Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio holder for climate change:
“We write you on behalf of Redditch Climate Action Network to congratulate you on your appointment to portfolio holder for climate change.
As you are aware Redditch Borough Council declared a climate emergency in September 2019 following a period of pressure from the public. A climate change panel was formed in order to address climate change.
We have a number of questions which we would like to put to you.
1. What has the climate change panel achieved since its inception?
2. How do you plan to move forward in this issue in the new role of portfolio holder?
3. When will the climate emergency be made official by a motion voted through the chamber and with an ambitious target date for the council to achieve carbon neutrality?
4. Given that the county council has shown itself to be unsupportive so far in meeting some of the ways that could help Redditch address climate change issues, how will you be advising the council in moving forward despite the barriers placed on us by Worcestershire county council ?
5. How will you involve the public in this endeavour? It is of much consternation that the public has thus far been excluded from attending meetings, despite their keen interest in the issue.
We would very much like to meet with you to further discuss our ideas, although we appreciate this may not be practical under current social distancing protocols.
C Davies, N Patel, S Harvey.
On behalf of Redditch CAN
I MUST admit I was pretty upset when Redditch decided some years ago that the people of Studley could no longer use their municipal tip and had to go to Stratford to the Burton Farm one instead.
A 24 miles round journey hardly seemed good for the environment then and it still doesn’t now.
However thanks to the online booking system in Warwickshire I’m smiling now, as while folks in Redditch are queuing all the way along the road to get into Crossgates, I was able to book an appointment, turn up on time, no waiting and then pop into Stratford for a bit of shopping.
All while Redditch dumpsters were stuck in a traffic jam.
Thank you Stratford!
L Sherwood, Studley
I JUST want to say well done to the majority of the people in Redditch. Everyone is doing very well in sticking to the lockdown guidance and because of this things are starting to reopen. It’s going to be very slow and rightly so but at least it’s all going in the right direction. Keep going Redditch.
S Preston, Greenlands
THREE months ago parents were happy to see their children bunk off school to support Greta Thunberg and the climate change fraternity. Now they are moaning because, due to the pandemic, the schools are closed and the children can’t get an education. Funny old world isn’t it?
D Vincent, Winyates
I WOULD like to thank the person who started the Redditch Positivity rock line because this initiative has brought smiles and the community together.
The creativity and positivity of Redditch residents is clearly on display.
Well done everyone!
Dr N Patel, Southcrest
CONTENTMENT can be found in being alone
By ourselves without feeling lonely,
Timeless and mystical are the thoughts winging their way
Cherished memories that are often ours only.
These recollections as a soft blanket come to enfold us
To provide comfort at times of great sorrow
Yet give hope to the spirit all humans have
Of a brighter and calmer tomorrow.
We can share with others some memories
Older folk can remember still,
The Dunkirk beaches and the brave little ships
Who had their own vital role to fulfil.
We are now fighting a quite different battle
But our values are still just the same,
As we reach out a helping hand to each other
Another war under a quite different name.
LM Wadlow, Bordesley
