A letter from December 15th, 2020

Dear FutureMe, Like generations before me, when I read about racist *******, I think to myself “Oh no, not again. When will people ever learn? Will things ever change?” It was heartbreaking to realize that despite all the great efforts of so many people over the years in the fight for racial equality, (e.g. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, victims of anti-Semitism and others of all races) people of colour were still being routinely cut down purely on the basis of the colour of their skin. I thought I’d sink into despair. Thankfully, this pessimism didn’t last long. I was heartened to see the global outcry over the ******* of George Floyd by people of all races and ages. It gave me hope that things will change for the better, not all non-black people and not all police officers are the enemy. When you see sport stars like Lewis Hamilton and movie starts like John Boyega risking their careers and popularity by making a stand by taking the knee and calling on others to do so, it’s so inspiring. The toppling of statues of slavers didn’t upset me one bit. In fact, it was educational and inspirational. I didn’t know that some of these so-called icons were involved in or supportive of slavery, inequality and racial supremacy/inferiority, so it was educational. One of the best things to come out of outrageous acts is the opportunity to consider and discuss events. If these events that cause international outcry lead to more positive and inclusive changes in school curricula, policing, poverty, employment and equal opportunities, they will not have happened in vain. If we keep channels of communication open between races, ages and classes, things will improve. When I read that Millwall Football fans booed when players knelt in support of Black Lives Matter, I wasn’t surprised, but when I heard that they simply didn’t want to make this gesture and preferred to show support by linking arms instead, I thought this was not necessarily negative, just an alternative. As long as support is shown, it’s a good thing. I would tell my future self not to despair, but to believe. Believe that a bad act can lead to good changes. Believe that people can change. Believe that people can unlearn racist and ****** attitudes, and embrace positivity and inclusivity instead. From the cradle to the grave, we can always learn and we can always change. We’ve had a black president when a few generations ago we merely had black slaves. Imagine how much more will have been achieved 5 years in the future. JB