Communities and trade unions across Birmingham are mobilising for the Together Against the Far-Right demonstration in London on Saturday 28 March -showing the city’s unity in the face of rising division.
Six coaches are already booked, with more expected, as groups from across the city prepare to join what is shaping up to be one of the largest anti-racist mobilisations in recent years. Over 125 coaches nationwide and more than 450 organisations are backing the rally.
Organisers say the demonstration will send a powerful message: communities across Britain stand united against racism and division.
Recent attacks by right-wing politicians and commentators have singled out Birmingham—but the city tells a very different story.
John Cooper is a member of Stand Up To Racism and one of the coach organisers. He says “Birmingham’s diversity shows that multicultural communities can live and thrive together—and that’s why the far right targets it. On 28 March, we’ll show racism and division have no place in our city, and no place in our society.”
Lakshnie Hettihewa is organising the Birmingham bloc and says, “In troubling times like these we need to show up together and in coalition to be clear that the far right does not represent us or our communities. That’s why we are marching together on the 28th to show our solidarity and commitment to being a city interested in liberation not oppression”.
Trade unionists from the city are also mobilising. “The far right calls Birmingham ‘broken’, but every day we see people from different backgrounds standing together, supporting each other and fighting for a better future. That’s the Birmingham we’re proud to represent,” says Kate Taylor, NEU.
“I am marching because I am sick of people trying to divide our communities and weaponise violence against women and girls to promote racism. We have to stand in solidarity with all who are being targeted. I am a proud adopted Brummie and I love being in a community that sticks together,” says Tracy Abrahams, Women Against the Far Right and a PCS Committee member.
Campaigners say a strong Birmingham turnout in London will “set the record straight” about a city with a proud history of anti-racist struggle and community solidarity.
Sabiha Aziz is an activist in Yardley. She says, “Birmingham is a city built on choice and diversity. I’m attending this march to protect that freedom. We value our multicultural identity, and we refuse to let division define our streets. We’re marching for a city where everyone can live without fear.”
“I am outraged at the recent rise in racist attacks in the West Midlands. The racial hatred we are witnessing, from verbal harassment, to physical assaults, to the most horrific sexual violence are not isolated incidents, they are part of a wider pattern of racism – driven by divisive fear-mongering politicians,” says Shirin Housee, Birmingham Black Sisters.
Sheera Johan is president of the Indian Workers Association. He says, “the fight against racism can only be won with the unity of all the progressive forces coming together.”
“To become an anti-racist city, we must defend our communities against racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, fascism and anti-Black racism—forces that seek to divide us. We stand united. That’s why we will join the national demonstration to represent our diverse city,” says Jagwant Johal, BRIG – Birmingham Race Impact Group.
Jude, a Kings Heath resident, sums it up, “we are all citizens of one world, members of one big, diverse family. I love that Birmingham reflects that.”
On Saturday 28 March, Birmingham’s message will be clear: BIRMINGHAM IS NOT BROKEN. BIRMINGHAM IS UNITED.