#blacklivesmatter racism is a human problem

It would appear those security guys were nothing to do with Superdrug, the assault just happened in a Superdrug store.

So where was the Superdrug security then? Every store has one.. or did they just not intervene??

Anyway the assault happened on their premises..

I don’t think Superdrug employ security guards in most of their stores.

seriously?? most shops with products on display have door security.. then again I live in a poor area.

If I was black and 15 years old I’d challenge a security guard about why he is following me.. but not then expect to be assaulted and no one else intervening.

The Police are also cnuts for not letting parents know where the boys were held..

15 years old = a child

All too often we see black children treated like adults in the eyes of the law. institutions and businesses see it that way too.. which is plain wrong

I agree with everything you’ve said.

I did some insurance consultancy for Superdrug a few years ago and they didn’t employ security in the majority of their stores, it was a bugbear for the staff. Things might have changed since then but I would be surprised.

Yes, these are "street rangers", effectively roaming private security employed by shopping centres, group of high street shops, local council, etc.

A fair bit of controversy on how they are recruited, what their powers are, who instructs them, etc

street rangers, are just vigilantes in uniform. There were two at Manor Park Station this evening. God only knows what vetting, training, duties they have serving communities and local businesses.

I fear that their unconscious bias will dictate where and when to intervene or apprehend a suspect

Instead of discussing bun and cheese / fish dinners at this time, joyous time.

Mrs M received some bad news recently. Her (favourite) uncle will have an epic homecoming. Nine-nights /death yards, storytelling, libation, tons of West Indian tradition, before he finally rests in St Vincent and the Grenadines, his birthplace over 80 years ago and his spiritual home.

I’m only posting this here, because he was from the Windrush Generation, many have mentioned on family chat how hard it was to settle in the UK and how traditions have changed through the last seven decades.

Rest in Power, big man :(

The struggle continues
https://www.jcwi.org.uk/windrush-scandal-explained

Okay, I know it’s football, which often attracts the worst from society. But the decision from the Italian Football Federation just reinforces the point that racism will be around a whole lot longer..

https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/thierry-henry-furious-romelu-lukaku-serie-a-ban-had-enough-no-to-racism/bltf947c57043138065

This stuff isn't going to get any easier under Meloni is it?
Carnt even speak English these days

Father figures and fashion tips. Lost loves and jollof rice. African empires and illicit sex. Good days and bad days. Six young Black men meet for group therapy, and let their hearts – and imaginations – run wild.

Saw this yesterday at the Apollo Theatre, West End. Terrific performances (acting, singing and dancing), loads of positive reviews since it opened at the Royal Court Theatre. *****

For young black men trying to make sense of the world they live in.

celebrates, critiques, parodies and deconstructs an impressive range of perceptions surrounding black male identity, doing so with care, nuance and pride.

For UK society, pay attention because this production touches every emotion in its humanity, harsh realities and approach.

A powerful and deeply moving meditation on Black masculinity and Black life in Britain. But underneath all the pain, there’s an abundance of light, laughter and boyish energy too

https://theapollotheatre.co.uk/tickets/for-black-boys-who-have-considered-suicide-when-the-hue-gets-too-heavy/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65300168.amp

Fetishised, lampooned, abused, left to die..

a stereotypical view that black women not feeling pain, being quite aggressive and loud, very strong, so we're able to take more pain

..when they really need care and attention at their most vulnerable time of adult life.

Unsurprisingly, no mention of how the funds might be targeted to reduce inequality.

WOKE: journey of a word

Matthew Syed traces the origins and evolution of a term that's become synonymous with our era of angry debate.

Once a watchword for African Americans in the early 1900s, 'woke' is now used as an insult across the political spectrum. As the word has spread, what people actually mean by it has become less clear than ever. In this series, Matthew follows the evolution of 'woke' through five key stories.

In this final episode, Matthew looks into the actions of Governor Ron DeSantis, tipped by some to be the next President of the United States. The politician has labelled his state of Florida as 'Where Woke Goes To Die', introducing a 'Stop W.O.K.E.' bill aimed at reducing the spread of identity politics in education and the workplace. Matthew hears from Sam Rechek, the student who has successfully challenged the bill in the courts over its restriction to free speech. DeSantis is just one example of the embrace of 'woke' by the political right. As the word appears commonly in the media today, Matthew considers its multiple meanings, including whether it corresponds to a new set of ideas on the rise in society.

Contributors: Nicole Holliday, linguist at Pomona College, writer James O'Malley, Prof Matthew Goodwin, University of Kent, Women of Keele Educate.

Presented by Matthew Syed
Produced by Sam Peach

Interesting podcast series

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001jccv

It's the 30th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence's murder today.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/22/stephen-lawrence-murder-30-years-met-police

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/keir-starmer-sadiq-khan-stephen-lawrence-mayor-london-b1075998.html

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/21/britons-race-issues-since-stephen-lawrence-murder?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001l8xv?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Memorial Service broadcast from St Martin’s in the Field.

Super excited to announce  that On May 28th 2023, I’ll be taking on the challenge of the 60 miles of RideLondon’s exciting (and challenging) new London to Essex course to raise funds for Sierra Leone Grammar School.

https://2023ridelondon.enthuse.com/pf/stephen-ismail-thomas?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=EnthuseSendGrid&utm_medium=email

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https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/01/duwayne-brooks-on-losing-stephen-lawrence-and-fighting-to-be-londons-tory-major

Incredible and heartbreaking story from Duwayne Brooks.

Some good news for a change.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-65471314.amp

a small victory but good news.
When racists feel it in there pockets they soon fix up

The last couple of months have been really tough. for those we know, have known living in sniper’s alley aged between 47-60. By the way, this doesn’t just apply to black men, but a warning for all of us.

What really hits home are ignoring medical advice, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, work and life stress, excessive drinking/smoking have in some part been a contributor. It is absolutely devastating especially when there is a lot of masking, pantomiming, bravado, machismo..

The homecomings have become too regular and too early. If you are reading and if any of this resonates, please please make sure you have a full MOT every year. Listen to your body, GP, family and close friends. And live your best life.

As one pastor said, maybe said many times at funeral services, keep your house in order, have a positive life plan, make sure you have contingencies. Get your shit together.

If your wife/partner/children/mates are nagging you, it’s probably because they are afraid they will lose you too soon, when you still have time do something about it.

much love
almac ❤️❤️

Fully agree bro
I lost a long time friend to a suspected heart attack. He had blood pressure.
Stress I feel is one of the biggest killers

It is really hard, I am sorry to hearing that.

I notice that tributes at homecomings are led by women generally. Revelations from partners, siblings even children. Rarely by the men, too lost for words, grief stricken perhaps.

knowing/coping with a debilitating disease, long term illness, cancer treatment, heart condition etc. maybe not knowing the full picture, also I suspect some men living in denial. All takes its toll.

I agree though, that stress is a major concern.

#sorry many edits, too emotional

please please make sure you have a full MOT every year

This is so important, it saved me last year. We’ve lost several friends over the past five years, mostly black but not all, who failed to act on warning signs until it was too late.