The recent anti-immigration riots in the UK are a stark reminder that we must stand up for all communities. Immigrants have made invaluable contributions to our society, from fighting alongside us in wars to enriching the culture and economy of modern Britain. The Commonwealth and many other nations have shed blood for this country, earning the right to call themselves British.
I was born in Kampala, Uganda, and came to the UK in 1972. It was an extremely difficult time for my grandfather and father, facing systemic racism in a country where signs in pubs said, “No dogs, no Blacks, no Irish.” But we have come a long way. Just as disability is more accepted in society today, so too is the rich diversity of modern Britain. I’ve experienced firsthand the kindness of the British people—always ready to help when I’m out with my long cane. So why should we let a minority of ignorant individuals take the “great” out of Great Britain?
At Blind Ambition, we strive to stamp out all forms of marginalisation of disadvantaged groups. I don’t see people in terms of colour—and I don’t mean that just because I’m visually impaired. People are people, regardless of their colour, disability, age, gender, orientation, religion, or any other difference. Don’t stay silent if you witness injustice—speak out and support those affected. You might think your voice won’t be counted, but it only takes one voice to start a journey toward change. Look at Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King…
“It’s easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Our family faced racism in the eighties. It was terrifying to cross the street for fear of being attacked by skinheads, to have bottles thrown through our windows because of the colour of our skin. But we lived through it, and we grew stronger. This time will pass, just as it did before, but we must stand united and fight against racism and injustice.
Despite the racism we faced, I went on to have an interracial marriage. My parents stood by me, embracing my English husband, just as his parents welcomed me into their family as a South Asian Hindu woman. I believe in standing for what is right and in creating a world free of bullies and ignorance—both in my life and in the work of Blind Ambition.
Let’s stand together for a more inclusive, united kingdom.
#Inclusion #StandAgainstHate #UnitedKingdom #BlindAmbition #NoToRacism #UnityInDiversity
