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Black Lives Matter

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked a global protest against racism and injustice towards black people. In support of this, we respected the silence of #BlackOutTuesday across our social media channels.

Black Lives Matter

We have also spent time listening to some of our members and athletes who have reached out to us to ask what actions we are taking to improve our understanding of the impact racism has in the UK on our members, lifters, volunteers and staff and how we can help address injustice and continue to represent a diverse community.

We would like to extend this invite to any BWL members who would like to share their personal stories to show the impact discrimination has on individuals and how we can listen, learn and take action to build a stronger community . We will share these stories on our website for everyone to view. Please email your stories to enquiries@britishweightlifting.org.

As an organisation it is our mission to continue to strive for equality - we are proud of the diversity of our community and we will continue to endeavour for better representation for all. This includes making sure that we continue to listen and learn and take the appropriate steps to ensure we come together as one team to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

We have asked our Regional Pathway Coach (Jenny Tong) and an up and coming lifter (Khrys Speed) for their thoughts on how people can better educate themselves and help fight the inequality that continues to impact black people.

“You cannot enjoy the rhythm & ignore the blues”

“As we enter LGBTQ Pride month, we must make space to acknowledge and denounce the systemic racism that continues to oppress black communities here in the U.K. as well as in America. We stand in solidarity with the black community, BWL members, athletes, employees and all those fighting for justice and the protection of black lives.

"There is still a lot to learn by many about the systemic racism and injustice faced by the black community. Taking action to genuinely support the stand against racism means that we must listen, learn and understand more. British Weight Lifting recognises that we can do more to educate ourselves on how racism affects our BAME community in the UK day to day, in the work place and in the gym, and so can you.

"If, like us, you want to help fight inequality towards black communities and dismantle racism but aren’t sure how, here are some useful resources on where to start:"

Books

- The New Jim Crowe by Michelle Alexander
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- How to Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
- Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

Articles on White Privilege

- Understanding White Privilege
- White Privilege in Coaching

For Young People

Films & Documentaries

The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Hulu with Cinemax
When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix

Sign Petitions for Changes to the Curriculum

- Battle racism by updating GCSE reading lists
- Teach British children about the realities of British Imperialism and Colonialism

Write to your local MP

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UK Based Funds and organisations

"We would also like to take this opportunity to celebrate British Weight Lifting’s history of black excellence with the likes of Louis Martin, George Manners, Mrtyle Augee, Precious McKenzie, Mercy Brown, Emily Campbell, Zoe Smith and Delroy McQueen being some of our best and most notable performers. The only way to enable a better future for the next generation to follow in their footsteps is to make sure the BWL community continues to be committed to inclusivity and anti-racism. Any action you can take big or small will help us achieve that”.

Jenny and Khrys