BE it the enslavement of Africans and African Americans, the historic segregation of ethnic groups or the systemic racism many face today, discrimination and brutality against black people has plagued our world for hundreds of years.

Today, many people, perhaps naively, still live in denial about the extent to which racism exists in our communities and still influences decisions.

Instead of embracing the fact hundreds of thousands of people still harbour a preconceived opinion of black people, many pretend it does not exist, and believe we have fully achieved equality.

But racism - not least from the far-right and Neo-Nazis - is still prevalent, and although slavery was technically abolished in America some 155 years ago, many still remain shackled to an unjust system.

Although, the majority of people may not be racist, it doesn’t mean others are not, nor does it mean systemic and subconscious racism no longer plays a role in shaping societies.

In the wake of the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in the US, the wider conversation around racism has been reignited across the globe with protests and demonstrations taking places in a number of cities.

It has also acted as catalyst for reflection, not least in our own backyards.

Government figures show black people in Essex are still five times more likely to be stopped and searched by Essex Police despite the force’s support of equal opportunities.

Gazette: Rally - protesters at last month's Black Lives Matter demonstrationRally - protesters at last month's Black Lives Matter demonstration

Sophie, 21, a student at the University of Essex, organised Colchester’s peaceful Black Lives Matter protest last month in a bid to shine a light on the issue.

“From as young as eight I have experienced covert racism,” she said.

“I have always been a victim of micro-aggressions, which, although in some situations they could be unintentional, have scarred me for life.

“I have had strangers come up to me and touch my hair without consent and boys in my college class treat me as if I was a pet.

“I have lived in England my whole life, this is my home, but I am constantly asked ‘Where are you from’, implying that I do not belong here.”

Although Sophie’s anti-racism demonstration was a success, protesters were condemned by some for what was perceived as a lack of social distancing in contradiction to Government rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sophie, however, believes people with such attitudes need to consider the wider picture.

“People complaining about social distancing are missing the importance of the cause,” she said.

“To see black people protesting for their basic human rights, and your only concern is social distancing, is absurd.

“Racism is a pandemic and it has been going on for 400 years and people that are going out to protest understand there is a global pandemic going on.

“But how long will I have to endure racism and micro-aggressions?”

Gazette: Enough is enough - Trudey Asante, 23, from ColchesterEnough is enough - Trudey Asante, 23, from Colchester

Trudey Asante, 23, also from Colchester, moved to the UK when she was eight-years-old and also attended the Black Lives Matter protest last month.

She, too, experienced forms of racism while in school and believes it still festers in the town and in Essex despite some people contesting racism is a more national issue.

“In my opinion, racism does exist in Colchester. It may not be fully in your face but it is there,” she said.

“I mainly experienced it whilst growing up in school, I was already the only black person in my class and some of the children would make fun of me.”

Trudey has now urged communities to accept racism exists and to work to exterminate the prejudice.

“Racism exists because society has allowed it to continue to happen and has been deeply rooted within generations,” she added.

“The only way racism can be stamped out is for everyone to take accountability for the problem and come together.

“We are equal human beings, no-one is above anyone based on skin colour and ignoring the problem is not going to help.”

As Trudey says, turning a blind eye is not the solution, and is the very reason why demonstrators will once again tackle racism head-on by protesting on Sunday.

Organised, again, by inspiring Sophie, the protest will act as a platform from which real change can be eventually achieved.

“I was so surprised by the turnout before because I did not think people cared so much. It was overwhelming,” said Sophie.

“1,500 people turning up is an indication of how important it is for change to happen and that is when I knew people in Colchester were aware of how important these protests are.

“Change starts at the grass-root levels but big change starts with ordinary people.”

The Black Lives Matter protest takes place in Colchester Castle Park, from 11am, on Sunday.