Events

‘Rally of unity’ planned in Edmonton

Campaigners want to show solidarity with the country’s first black female MP

Edmonton Green Station and (inset) Diane Abbott MP
Edmonton Green Station and (inset) Diane Abbott MP

A rally in solidarity with the country’s first black MP and “condemnation of the reported racist and misogynistic comments” made against her is being planned in Edmonton on Saturday (23rd).

Conservative Party donor Frank Hester is reported to have said Labour MP Diane Abbott made him want “to hate all black women” and that she “should be shot”. 

Community leaders, church groups and supporters will unite to show their disapproval of the comments. The rally is planned for 2pm at Edmonton Green Station.

Pastor Pat, minister of GCM Church and event organiser, said: “We are coming together to stand firm for generations of black and marginalised women.”

Oveta McInnis, chair of Enfield Caribbean Association, said, “It’s important that we make our views known. We cannot stand by and allow such public examples of racism and threats of violence to go unchecked. I am thankful to everyone who turns up to support black women in our community.”

Dionne John, chair of Enfield Black Heritage Hub, said: “Enfield has the largest black population in relation to its surroundings boroughs. It is important that we show solidarity and black voices are heard.”

Earlier this month, Abbott, who currently sits as an independent MP, spoke at the Hackney rally about racism in all its forms. The rally in Edmonton a community response and will include poetry, song, as well as speeches from activists and prominent black leaders.


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