Black Lives Matter: Political Leader Mandu Reid tells PM “I can’t breathe”
The leader of the Women’s Equality Party published a letter that she sent to the Prime Minister on the day of the Black Lives Matter protest in London.
On 3 June, 2020, Mandu Reid wrote, “Dear Mr Johnson, My name is Mandu Reid and I am the Leader of the Women’s Equality Party. I am also the first Black person to lead a national political party in the UK, and I am writing to you, Prime Minister, because I can’t breathe.”
Reid’s words resonate as people all over the world mourn the death of George Floyd, the black American who was killed when a police officer knelt on his neck for over 8 minutes. Black Lives Matter protests have been the subject of much media criticism over recent weeks, as black people and allies voice grief and outrage at the number of black men and women who have lost their lives to police brutality.
Amidst the turbulent news cycle of recent weeks, WE issued a Black Lives Matter Statement, sending a clear message that racial injustice is not just an issue in the US. This feeling is echoed by many British people, as thousands left lockdown to attend peaceful protests in Manchester, Liverpool and London.
On Twitter yesterday, Reid voiced support of John Boyega, the black British actor who risked his career to give a raw speech at the London protest. Boyega became emotional at the rally as he paid tribute to Mark Duggan, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Black, and other black men and women who have lost their lives due to racial injustice and police brutality.
Pointing out the breadth of racial inequality in the UK, Reid’s powerful letter to Boris Johnson goes on to raise issues such as the Grenfell fires and the disproportionate effect of Coronavirus on people from BAME communities. The party leader calls for “an immediate Covid-19 racial equality strategy” and access to healthcare for everyone in the UK, regardless of migration status.
It’s clear that the Women’s Equality Party is no vehicle for White Feminism, as it has occasionally been accused. This party cares deeply about the voices of women and minorities in the UK. Crucially, WE is non-partisan, working cross-party to achieve its aims. So even if you are a member of another party, you can join WE as an Affiliate Member.
In fact, WE is for anyone who will not tolerate inequality.
Now, with Mandu Reid’s influence, British politics may finally be made to recognise that Black Lives Matter.
Read the full letter from Mandu Reid to Boris Johnson below.
Want to help? Use this Amnesty International Black Lives Matter letter template to write to your MP and ask them to take racial injustice seriously.
