Even in war there is Racism!

Just as we thought we were getting back to "normal", whatever "normal" is now, there is conflict in Ukraine and many people are fleeing. Humans - White, Black and Brown are trying to survive but still, not all humans are equal. African, Caribbean, Asian and other students/people of colour stuck in Ukraine are facing racism whilst they also try to survive. Reports have said they are being pushed back and prevented from boarding trains and left stranded at Railway stations, borders and even being shot at simply because of the colour of their skin.

There are thousands of International Students at the University of Kyiv in Ukraine and many of these students are trying to get out of Ukraine but are being prevented by both Ukrainian and Polish boarder guards. I have followed one student on twitter @nzekiev and his plight has been harrowing, you can see many more at #Africansinukraine and here.

Under the UN Convention, everyone should have the same right fleeing conflict regardless of the colour of their skin or what passport they carry.

Instagram users @korrinesky has filmed and spoken about her plight as she tries to get to Romania and @toksyk27 has set up a fundraiser to help. As Allies, we have to use our platforms to amplify voices and make sure that everyone is safe. We need to apply pressure to make sure that those in positions of power make sure that the Black, Asian, POC Students are safe and not racially abused.

What can you do?

• Use your platform to amplify the voices of those on the border or in Ukraine

• Contact your MP, Embassies and the Press to make their plight known

• Make as many people as possible aware of the plight Black, Brown, POC are facing and the racism they are encountering

• Lobby the British and American Government

• Most of the students belong to Common Wealth Countries - what is the Common Wealth doing??

• Donate - but make sure it is genuine!

• Do not lose interest!

There is no better time to start. It's 2022 and being Black or Brown should not mean you are dehumanised.

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy 2022

Thank you for your support in 2021, let's continue to influence Change.

As the year draws to a close, its time for me to reflect on all that has been achieved. I set out to use my platform to drive change by helping individuals and organisations on their Diversity journey. In order for change to happen, Awareness, Education and Action is vital. Being able to speak about the comfortable and uncomfortable parts of diversity is a must to ensure that a truly inclusive culture is created and maintained. Creating safe spaces to listen to and have conversation is key.

I would like to say a big Thank You to all the individuals and organisations I have worked with and who have reached out. Allies need Allies and more Active Allies are needed within Communities and Organisations to influence change. The 30 day Allyship Challenge proved very successful and from the 1st of Feb 2022, it will be a 6 week course. Contact me for further details.

For those of you who would like to start your Allyship Journey before the new year - I am running an Allyship Workshop on the 30th of December 2021- 10am to 12noon. The cost is £95. This is the last workshop of the Year.

The Allyship Community and BookClub has grown from strength to strength this year. It is never too late to join. Our December Book is Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin. Get your copy and join us on the 5th of January 7pm GMT - we would love to have you.

Its never too late to start your journey. We need more Allies. More people in positions of influence to use their platforms to create change. Let 2022 be the start of the journey for those who are yet to start and for those of you who have started, let's continue on that journey.

Wishing you all a very Happy, safe and Reflective holiday season and I look forward to working with as many of you in 2022.

In Conversation with Jared Karol: A white Guy Confronting Racism

Thursday 9th December at 14:30 GMT

Join Allyship founder, Chikere Igbokwe, in conversation with author Jared Karol about his new book, A White Guy Confronting Racism.

About this event In this unmissable event Chikere and Jared will be having a fireside chat facing difficult truths and leaning into what it means to do the self-examination demanded of us if we are to begin enabling impactful change.

Join us as we explore what Madison Butler describes in her foreword as Jared disrupting the “status quo of whiteness by unapologetically recognizing Black humanity”. Jared Karol (He|Him) is the founder of JaredKarol.com, a consulting firm specializing in guiding White people to confront racism and be unapologetic anti-racists. As a trusted advisor, he guides executives, people managers, and dedicated change agents at Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits. A sought-after professional speaker, panel moderator, leadership coach, and facilitator of difficult conversations, Jared’s storytelling approach inspires and influences individuals and groups worldwide.

Chikere Igbokwe (She|Her) founded both the Allyship community and Inclucive, a DEI Consultancy to help organisations build inclusion into their foundations. She values long term partnerships and is passionate about equality, equity, social justice and amplifying unrepresented voices. She is a subject matter expert on gender, recruitment, retaining diverse talent, understanding race including anti-racism and allyship. As an experienced Executive Recruiter, Facilitator and DEI Leader, Chikere is on a mission to educate employees, make organisations more diverse and inclusive and to equip them with the know-how to be change-makers.

Book your ticket here