We live in unprecedented times: a global pandemic, economic depression, global environmental challenges and, in the last few weeks (sparked off by the Black Lives Matters movement in the US), a resurgence of protests in the UK against racism and our contested history of involvement with slavery, colonialism and Empire.

Flowing from the latter there are growing demands for us all to take action against racial inequality and injustice – not just to express verbal or other forms of support through street protests or the issuing of statements.

This Nine-point Plan is a response by Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council for us all to TAKE ACTION across Northamptonshire. These are our suggestions. They are neither comprehensive (others may wish to add to them) nor “written in tablets of stone”. We hope nonetheless that they will prompt discussion and debate – but also lead on to the actions proposed.

Some of the terminology used may be unfamiliar. We hope this will lead to people wanting to know more, rather than dismissing what is being said simply because of the unfamiliarity. We hope that our attempts to explain/define some of the key terms used (these are highlighted in italics), or to provide further information, are helpful. If you need further clarification – please ask us!

It is vitally important in our view that genuine dialogues are opened up to explore these issues in greater depth and these conversations take place in a spirit of trying to find solutions to the racism and inequalities that exist and taking action.

If you do not think there is a problem at all, and are not prepared to re-examine your views and ideas, then it is unlikely dialogue with us will be very productive.  If however, you are prepared to engage with us in a spirit of openness and respect, then we will be very pleased to engage – and hopefully engage in action together.

Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council

June 22^nd 2020