SOLIDARITY
DAY 2ND JULY 2006
The
bomb attacks on the 7th July 2005 rocked the UK: many of us were deeply affected in different ways; CSRECL's Mukami
McCrum was herself almost caught up in the chaos, not being far from where the horror took place that day.
As
with September 11 2001, we were aware that the number racial incident reported rise significantly at times like
these, with ordinary citizens of Minority Ethnic background being further isolated and viewed with suspicion by
the wider community when the reality was that everyone was affected by what happened in London that
day. We felt that everyone should be included in working towards better community relations: after a series of interfaith
meetings in Central Scotland, held at our offices soon after July 2005, the idea of Solidarity Day was born.
After
months of preparation, including fundraising, working closely with local community and faith groups, agencies and
statutory bodies, the Solidarity Day March and Rally finallt became a reality (albeit a very wet one!).
Despite
the weather around 80-100 people joined the event through the day and proved that no amount of rain could dampen their enthusiasm
for breaking the curse of racism.
After
a march from the Falkirk Steeple to Callendar Park, headed by Perth piper Scott Bruce, the rally, MC’d by Ian Scott
got off to full swing: the African rhythms of drum group Waa Sylla could apparently be heard for miles!
From over
50 comments gathered from participants of the day, 100% reflected a positive day, with 5% requesting Solidarity Day become
an annual event! (CSRECL will definitely be investigating the possibility of follow-on events).
