On one of the sunniest Saturday afternoons I can ever remember in Belfast, thousands gathered at the Belfast City Hall for a Rally Against Racism. This event followed the controversial comments of Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, whereby he patronizingly expressed having enough trust in Muslims to 'go to the shop' for him or provide him 'the right change' in a transaction. In an attempt to lend support to Pastor James McConnell's hateful demonizing of Islam, Robinson dug himself into a hole the size of his own ignorance. His flippant remarks and unapologetic condescension inspired the people of Belfast to take to the streets in a gathering for a better Belfast. This episode of anti-Islamic political discourse is occurring during a prolonged period of increased hate crimes across our city, whereby ethnic minorities are being attacked in the streets and put out of their homes.
In times when our leadership (eg: religious leaders and politicians) should be defending basic human rights and promoting respect in our communities, it is an outrage that these very same people are propagating hate and mistrust.
In a heartfelt, tear filled interview; Alliance Representative Anna Lo called for a DUP apology in the wake of Robinson's ill-conceived actions. In her message she explained that the personal racist attacks against her have been enough to drive her away from Northern Ireland, a place she has loved and contributed to for much of her life. She spoke to the crowds chanting her name and holding "I stand with Anna" signs on Saturday saying, ''I came here for 6 months, that was in 1974. And I'm still here (crowds cheer) and I am not going to go away. I am not going away because of you." She continued to wow the crowds, myself included, as she described we were coming together in support of all ethnic minorities, citing opportunities like finalizing the Racial Equality Strategy, which has been under construction for nearly a decade.
The straw that broke the camel's back and brought people to the streets was the anti-Islamic sentiments expressed, and subsequently defended, by the First Minister Peter Robinson. Since the blunder made on the 28th of May, the First Minister has apparently made a private apology to a small group from the Islamic Cultural Centre in Belfast. One man who was in that room spoke during the rally and explained the fear some members of his community feel in leaving their homes. His reply "Today I will say, my sisters go out. The people of Northern Ireland are with you. We are one of them and they are one of us." In his inspiring message he explained that although they accepted Robinson's apology, he sees now that if the comments were made in public, so should the apology be made in pubic. With this I agree wholeheartedly.
Peter Robinson owes an apology, not only to a few Muslims, but to the entire Muslim community. He owes an apology, not only to the Muslim community but to ethnic minorities in Northern Ireland. He owes an apology, not only to ethnic minorities, but to all those he represents. He owes an apology to all of us living in Northern Ireland and dreaming and working for a better Belfast and a more understanding world. He owes us an apology for allowing hate and disrespect to colour the world's view of Northern Ireland, and for encouraging racism to breed in our wee country and beyond.
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| Family passes the Flag Protest following the Rally Against Racism |
The Northern Ireland I fell in love with all of those years ago, and which I now call home, is not a place of racism and fear mongering. It is a place where people are kind, welcoming and above all clever! Northern Ireland is a place where humour and wit seep into every conversation. It is a place where people make jokes with one another, but never at someone else's expense. The Rally Against Racism is a testament to the kind of place Northern Ireland can be. The rally was an emotive and powerful day for me as I was united with people, newcomers and home-grown alike, who believe in a world where people are connected, not because of where they were born and what community they belong to, but because of what they share. This Saturday I shared a great deal with the people with whom I stood side by side. I shared a powerful love and hope for Belfast, and the fervent belief that together, we can make change in Northern Ireland.
