Can we end racism in a generation?

UK race equality think tank The Runnymede Trust is currently in the midst of an innovative new project looking at how we can end racism in a generation.

Called Generation 3.0 the project partially focuses on young people three generations on from the post-war migration of the 1940s and 50s, as well as on creating spaces for older and younger people to come together to share their experiences and views on how to end racism.

As part of the project Runnymede has made two exciting short films on the issue. The first, called “Clench – what are you fighting for?” is a short fictional film set in Greater Manchester, focusing on a boxing coach working in the predominately white area of Salford and his experience training a young mixed race boxer from the diverse area of Old Trafford.

The second film, named “Is Croydon Racist?" is a documentary on race equality in the outer London borough, featuring interviews with residents young and old. A trailer is currently available online, and will be launched this Friday, followed by a panel discussion with local MP Gavin Barwell.

In addition, over the past year, Runnymede has taken over a number of empty shops, converting them into temporary discussion hubs for people to share their views on how to end racism in a generation.

These “pop-up shops” have already temporarily opened in Birmingham and Manchester Piccadilly Station, and have been visited by over 450 people including Ministers and local MPs. Those visiting the shops have, overall, been positive about the aim of ending racism, and have shared their views on how this could be achieved, be it through education, government initiatives or community centres which bring together different groups.

Runnymede will now be opening a pop-up shop in Croydon town centre in November at 3 Katherine Street, Croydon, CR0 1NX.

Open between 3-7 November, our Croydon pop-up shop will be taking place in one of the most diverse areas in the UK, which is forecast to become 50% ethnic minority by 2020. However, despite being an area where minorities are often no longer in the minority, Runnymede has found that racism still impacts on people’s lives.

As well as the launch of our film “Is Croydon Racist?”, there will be workshops with local schools, a joint event with South London Citizens, as well as a drop in discussion on the recent riots. A full schedule of events is available here.

Commenting on the project, Runnymede’s Director Dr Rob Berkeley said:

“As a country we have made real progress towards ending racism, but challenges still remain in our schools, criminal justice system, and workplaces. Legislation is only part of the answer, so we are asking people in communities up and down the country how we can work together to end racism in a generation. We've come this far through the common sense and action of British people from different backgrounds. If we have the ambition and will, we can put an end to the tragedy of racism that means people have fewer life chances simply because of the colour of their skin.”

Vicki Butler, Public Affairs Manager, Runnymede Trust