A Campaign has been launched to tackle racism in the borough of Broxbourne.
As part of a national campaign, “end racism this generation”, a host of organisations are exposing discrimination in all its forms and finding ways of eradicating it from society.
Despite a long history of cultural diversity in Broxbourne, with Italian, Greek or Greek Cypriot, and Ukrainian communities settling locally after World War Two, discrimination against ethnic minorities persists.
However, organisations are working to improve the situation.
Michal Siewniak, of CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) Broxbourne and East Herts, said: “Hertfordshire, like many regions in the country has changed significantly in recent years.
“Broxbourne has seen quite a significant influx of new migrants from Poland, Lithuania, and Turkey but also some African and African-Caribbean communities.
“The campaign, its aims and objectives, reflect in many ways what CVS has been set up to do – work with and on behalf of the community, break down barriers, challenge prejudice and most importantly – create a platform for effective engagement and integration.”
Among its work are numerous community-based activities.
Sporting highlights include a seven-a-side Euro 2012 tournament, which included teams from the emergency services, Italian and Polish communities, and a basketball tournament in Wormley in 2013.
There have also been trips to the Museum of Immigration and Diversity and Houses of Parliament and a testimonial gatherings to remember Nelson Mandela.
Michal added: “Unfortunately, racism is still present in our daily life.
“Negative media coverage, assumptions or negative perceptions can create a hostile environment and can make things worse.
“That is why it is crucial to work together, in partnership. Only collaborative approach can bring many benefits to groups and individuals and shape the future of communities in a positive and tangible way.”
One example is the annual celebrating our communities event, which in 2014 will take place in Waltham Cross town centre on Sunday September 14.
A showcase of local talent and performances, it has hosted every genre from Chinese folk to Polish blues and singers from the gypsy and traveller community.
It includes input from the Ethnic Minority Association (EMA) in Broxbourne, the Society of Africans and Caribbeans (SOCA), Gypsy And Travellers Empowerment (GATE) Network, and Broxbourne Polish Association.
Social housing provider B3Living is also heavily involved.
Performance and equalities manager Catherine Bailey said: “Everything we do is about creating great places where people want to live, and at the heart of that approach is understanding people’s needs, and helping communities to break down preconceived ideas and celebrate differences.
“We have signed up to the end racism this generation campaign because we support the goal of challenging racism.
“We believe that no one is born racist – and if we ‘learn’ racism then we can also ‘unlearn’ racism.”
She added: “We know that some people find it hard to get to know their neighbours or to meet people from different backgrounds so we organise events to bring people together.
“We also support much smaller events such as local barbecues or street parties for the golden jubilee in 2012 or for European neighbours day, and hold quarterly diversity open forums on a variety of topics, such as what it’s like to be Muslim and hearing from Irish travellers.
“We have found it a fantastic way to create conversations and safe spaces for people to get to know their community better.”
If you have experienced or witness racism or other hate crime, contact Sam Bailey at Hertfordshire Constabulary on (01992) 533651 or contact the safer communities team at B3Living on (01992) 453725 or [email protected].
