Message from Chris Naylor: standing with BAME communities
Birmingham Irish • June 4, 2020
Amidst the pain and distress of recent events, Chris Naylor would like to express a message of comfort, support and solidarity from Birmingham City Council to those from BAME communities. Below is his full message, released on 2nd June, we hope this brings some kind of peace to those are hurting at this time. Our love and prayers are with you all.
"Dear All,
Birmingham City Council stands with all those from BAME communities who are dismayed and hurting at this time. I am writing today to assure you all that anti-racism and race equality is an absolute priority for this city. Our actions, our voices, our allyship count now as never before.
The city council will always stand up for the rights of all citizens and support people of all backgrounds. As a city and a council we have a rich heritage. We know that diversity is our strength and that only when we embrace difference can we create systems that work for everyone.
The global solidarity protests in the name of George Floyd are both painful in the clear distress of those for whom racism is a daily experience, and powerful in the force for change that the protestors represent. I want to ensure that people in Birmingham can protest safely and will be working with partners to make this a priority.
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of the council, and other members, will be making their own statements of support. Meantime, we will light the Library of Birmingham purple tonight to show our support for – and solidarity with – the Black Lives Matter movement. Racism has no place in our city or anywhere else.
These are early days for me in the council, but in the coming weeks I will be wanting to speak to as many of you as possible about the prospects and hopes we have for this city and, in turn, for the council. By this I will mean a city that enables all citizens to thrive.
Only together can we build back better.
Chris Naylor, Interim Chief Executive”
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