BLM In The Stix leading campaign to tackle racism in rural areas

Hundreds of people turned out for BLM In The Stix’s protest along the edge of the River Colne.

Since the event, dozens of groups have contacted organisers asking how to launch their own campaign.

In response, and in the first of its kind, anti-racism leaflets and resources have been released online for allies in rural areas.

The resources aim to support white people on how to be anti-racist, help black creators and business owners and advise on writing to MPs to demand change.

A video showing the Wivenhoe and Rowhedge community standing up to racism, while a poem about white privilege is read by the author A L Kennedy, has also been released.

Read more >>> Rural activists stand together against racism as hundreds line river

Linking themselves together with colourful tape, the socially-distanced protest was recorded by drone and posted online.

Gurpreet Kaur, founder of the Wivenhoe Black Lives Matter group and co-organiser of the protest, said it was fantastic dozens of communities had already accessed the anti-racism guide.

She said: “What we are doing is really needed and niche.

“Research and evidence shows a real lack of resources and support out there for BME groups in rural communities to fight racism.

“Already the response to our guides has been great.

• Protestors along the River Colne. Picture: Red Rocket Studios

“One group has already adapted our flyer for their own needs and that is exactly what we wanted and one post reached more than 9,000 people.

“Rural communities do care about racism.

“We want BLM In The Stix to reach all of the UK and we want to network and co-ordinate with other areas and groups to share resources and not re-invent the wheel.

“Sharing actions, tools and ideas with others will help us eradicate racism together.”

• Protestors along the River Colne. Picture: Sunflower and Spider

The guide also highlights the importance of starting conversations with friends and family and lists books, programmes, and podcasts to help white people learn more about becoming allies to the black community.To get your free guide or share ideas, email blminthestix@gmail.com, visit @blminthestix on Facebook, twitter or Instagram or go to linktr.ee/blmstix.