‘We have been receiving more hate since Black Lives Matter protests’, Bernadetta Omondi echoes sentiments of the black community.

Peterborough Matters caught up with the chair of Peterborough racial equality council and a teacher by profession, Bernadetta Omondi to look back at the Black History month, which was marked in October.

Bernadetta says not just one month, but every month should highlight the efforts of the black community and celebrate black history.

She highlighted the concerns faced by people taking part in the Black Lives Matter movement, which calls for equality for people of all races and has become a worldwide movement since its founding in 2013.

Widespread protests were triggered following the death of George Floyd, who died on May 25 while being restrained by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The moment was recorded by several bystanders and then shared on social media, with the video showing an officer kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for several minutes, while he pleads for air.

Millions of protesters across the globe joined in to show solidarity to the black community, including silent protests in Peterborough.

Bernadetta said that since these protests have been organised the community has been experiencing more hatred and negativity from people.

This was reflected in a report published in October by the Home Office which showed a rise in hate crime figures nationally.

The report suggested that the national rise is "likely to be related to the Black Lives Matter protests and far-right groups' counter-protests in England and Wales following the death of George Floyd on May 25 in the United States of America", although these findings were provisional.

In the period from January 1 to September 30 there have been 362 reported hate crimes in Peterborough, which was a slight drop from 412 reports made to the police in 2019.

In the whole of Cambridgeshire, however, there has been an increase in recorded hate crime - in line with reports that hate crime has reached its highest recorded level in England and Wales.

Sharing the experiences faced by the community, Bernadetta said: "'All Lives Matter' - people are walking up to us and shouting that.

“We are not refuting that. We agree all lives matter. But this time, due to the ongoing incidents against the black people, we want people to take note of black lives.

“The logic is simple. For example - your whole body matters to you. But if there’s pain in one area, you try and take care of that more and concentrate on it more. In the same way all lives matter but if the black community is facing hardship due to people’s behaviours, we should concentrate on that. We want people to take note of our lives too.

“I have been very busy with hate crime referrals coming through not just from Peterborough, but from Huntingdon, from Fenland and even Lincoln.

“There definitely has been more negativity towards the community since these protests. It has impacted people's mental health in a big way.”

Bernadetta said that protests are not the best idea when it comes to putting views across, adding that ‘dialogue can help bridge gaps'.

She said: “The black community has been left behind for a long time now. I ask - why are there not more people in leadership roles from our community? Why are there not people in other prominent positions from our community?

“We black people have to work harder to get a job, despite being equally qualified for the role. But I still think communicating and educating will have a longer impact when raising awareness.

“You need to pass information to other people about yourself, your culture, who you are. And if you want change, then join the system, educate them, and get to a position where you can have an influence on changes being made.

“Join panels, join discussions, find a way to put your voice forward.

“There is a lot of prejudice out there. If you see a black person or an Asian person with a hoodie on, instantly some people think he is dealing drugs. How do we come to that conclusion?

“I would urge people from the community, young and old to come forward and take part in initiatives and panels.

“I have put my name forward for the stop and search panel set up by Cambridgeshire Police. Let actions speak louder than words.

“I am looking forward to a Black Leaders Council being set up alongside authorities including PCC where we can put forward our issues and concerns.”

The members of the community hope this will be a stepping stone for a positive change in the city.

Source: PeterboroughMatters