Almost 100 people gathered in Derry’s Guildhall for the launch of the North West Anti-Racism Charter.
EVERY local authority in Ireland is to be asked to adopt the North West Anti-Racism Charter.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Ruairí McHugh, vowed to write to his counterparts across the island when he spoke at the official launch of the charter in Derry’s Guildhall.
His promise added to what was an immensely uplifting event, one that heard from a range of speakers including activist, trade unionist and nurse Beverly Simpson and writer, poet and intercultural dialogue facilitator Fahmeda Naheed.
The Anti-Racism Charter was developed through a series of meetings and community consultation workshops convened by the Bloody Sunday Trust, the North West Migrants Forum and Irish Network Against Racism, with the final version authored by Dave Duggan.
Opening the launch ceremony, Director of the Bloody Sunday Trust, Maeve McLaughlin, described the charter as a statement of intent, providing a way for businesses, organisations, community groups, schools and individuals to push back against the rise of racist messaging and actions.
Ms McLaughlin revealed that prior to the launch, 22 charters had already been adopted across the north west with a further seven due to be dispatched to Donegal in the coming days.
Mayor Ruairí McHugh revealed that he has a copy hanging proudly in his office. Encouraging others to follow suit, he told the audience, “I would like to thank the Bloody Sunday Trust, North West Migrants Forum, Irish Network Against Racism and writer Dave Duggan who authored the final version of this charter.
“It is a powerful statement from our community that we reject racism, xenophobia and hate in all its forms.
“The people of Derry and Strabane have a long and proud history of standing together against division and standing up for civil rights. This charter is a continuation of that legacy.
“By endorsing it we are sending a clear message that our city and district is a welcoming place for everyone.
“It is a testament to the strength and unity of our community that organisations, schools, businesses and individuals have come together to take a stand against racism.
“I am delighted that 22 organisations have already adopted the charter and I’m sure there will be many more seeking it out after today.
“I would encourage everyone to invite their friends to adopt it and I am very proud to be able to say that it is already on display in the mayor’s parlour here in the Guildhall.”
Asked if he will promote the charter beyond the north west, Councillor McHugh said it was his intention to bring a formal motion of adoption before Derry City and Strabane District Council. After that he will write to Stormont and all councils across Ireland inviting them to adopt it.
Fahmeda Naheed, who travelled from Cork for the event, said the Anti-Racism Charter was much more than a paper document.
Ms Naheed said, “I have dedicated my life to dialogue, education and community, because I believe that hearts can change, minds can open and bridges can be built.
“This charter matters because it is a living document, it calls on us to reject racism in all its forms and it encourages us to live together, love together, struggle together and to strive together.
“This charter matters because it speaks to the fact that racism is real.
“It replaces silence with courage, it replaces vague diversity with clear activism and for me, it connects to my own story,” Ms Naheed added.
Beverly Simpson, representing the North West Migrants Forum, described the charter as a symbol of “togetherness, activism, dedication and commitment to change”.
It marked the beginning of a new movement, one of “collective agreement to be a beautiful city and district, regardless of race, sexual orientation or religion,” she said before addressing those who would oppose such a sentiment.
“Embracing diversity and difference does not dilute your culture. Despite all the misinformation, it enriches your knowledge and creates a beautiful multi-faceted view of our world.
“Diversity allows us to enjoy Chinese, Indian, African or European dishes. We can enjoy music and songs from drums to opera. We can experience a shared love of football, table tennis, ballet.
“That is diversity.
“Dr Martin Luther King once said that the time is always right to do what is right. With an increasing move towards a divisive society, now is the right time for this charter.
“We will say in words and actions, not in our name, not now, not ever,” Ms Simpson added.
The launch was brought to a close with a powerful rendition by theatre group Sole Purpose Productions and its Songs Without Borders choir of We Will Overcome, sung in a number of different languages.
