BY SAMANTHA RENNALLS
I remember walking down Oxford Street on Friday 8 July 2016, joining masses of other Black people to cry, “No justice, no peace.” Only a few days after protesting again, with that same plea for humanity, I can’t help but reflect on how our vulnerability has once again been put on display, for others to either walk alongside us (though some join only while it’s “on trend”), ogle from the sidelines in silent awe, or even fight back, believing that Black people asking for equality amounts to Black people asking for too much.
I’ll admit, though, that this time has been different. As we marched from Parliament Square to the US Embassy in London in early June, many more white people showed up to support the protests. My white friends more openly acknowledged the existence of white supremacy, and displayed a willingness to learn more. This “awakening” has led to masses of materials being shared to help white people understand their emotions, and educate themselves about whiteness. I can’t help but notice how much less material has been shared to help guide, support and validate my experiences as a Black woman navigating this situation.
