In 1981 England when Black communities rose up in confrontation with the police against a backdrop of racism, lack of employment, and economic recession, the government’s official response was an inquiry and report by Lord Scarman. The enquiry spoke to various people connected to the uprisings – but it was clear that Black voices were very absent, or dismissed. As such, the final report claimed that “institutional racism” simply did not exist, and there should be additional “hard” and “soft” policing in affected areas to prevent further “serious disorder”. We live today with the legacy of that failure to listen. In an attempt to recover the voices of those who weren’t heard at the time, Empathy Museum, 81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance and the Ubele Initiative are making a special version of #AMileinMyShoes, to archive and amplify stories of Black people who experienced the uprisings. Could that be you, or someone you know? If so we’d love to hear from you. More info: https://www.empathymuseum.com/1981-uprisings/
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