The BLM movement means a lot to me. I want us to be recognised, included, and respected in our community regardless of our skin colour or country of origin.
Black Lives Matter isn’t just an American movement, it’s a world movement as racism exists everywhere in the world. It is a big battle that we need to fight daily and give our support in every way we can. We need to stand together and have our voices heard and recognised.
When I heard that our sister Iolanda was going to organise the protest, I knew I had to be part of it because it’s a matter that concerns not just me but all my brothers and sisters who have been discriminated against. I saw the protest as an opportunity for us to come together in solidarity to speak out against racism and fight for our rights.
Seeing George Floyd been treated that way was painful and it was a call to us that there’s more to be done. Of course, it’s a long road ahead of us but we have started the journey of getting what we want, which is to put an end to racism and discrimination.
I had an experience that was really sad for me and it was during the days after Brexit. I went to a gym in Wrexham for my workout routine and while at it, I heard a British girl saying to her friends ‘Oh they are still around’. I was shocked because they had thought that Black people would go back to their country after Brexit and didn’t expect to find myself and the other lady there.
I have always been a person who wants to live in a fair society and I remember when I was in Portugal, I joined a lot of protests as discrimination and racism is very much prevalent there as well.
It’s important for them to know that we need to fight every single day to be part and respected in the society we live in. So, I would say continue to fight for the next generation and the next. Do not let anyone abuse you and if you experience racism, discrimination, or abuse, do not keep quiet, speak out and get the necessary support.
No justice, no peace.
