Research Action Coalition for Race Equality (RACE): The Launch
This event was beautifully illustrated by Camille Aubry
Written by Tobi Odanye, Research Assistant for RACE
On Wednesday a new partnership, ‘RACE’, between Black South West Network (BSWN) and the University of Bristol was successfully launched in a dynamic and interactive online webinar. The panellists consisted of a diverse group of individuals all of whom work in positions battling racial injustice, including community organisation leaders, academics, researchers and statisticians.
Introducing the launch, Dr Nicole Truesdell described RACE as a step forward in “co-producing and co-creating knowledge through an anti-racist lens”. Indeed, the partnership was established to further support and work alongside organisations addressing racial disparity particularly through the use of evidence and research.
The launch began with a stimulating conversation about the power and role of research and data in the movement for racial justice. As discussed by Dr Saffron Karlsen and Professor Arathi Sriprakash, knowledge production can often be undemocratic and actively limit the work of organisations taking a stand against racial injustice. Abdullahi Farah, with over 50 years of experience in community-based initiatives, expressed this frustration stating he was “tired of academics collecting data and then disappearing”. He also explained his organisation is often “lucky to get something back- and even then, the data is cherry-picked”. The potential of RACE in this regard is clearly vast, as the partnership aims to identify which research on racial disparities exists in the South West and which gaps data are hindering the progress of organisations in the anti-racist space.
Another dimension of this conversation was explored after Desmond Brown noted “commissioning bodies or organisations have to understand that having data isn’t enough”. The panelists discussed how lived experiences of the racially oppressed are not always captured by data and how this can lead to a fatal misconception that such experiences do not exist in society. The conversation again showed how important the work of RACE will be in the anti-racist space, as the coalition is committed to highlighting these gaps in data.
Toward the end of the discussion, one attendee asked the panelists a thought provoking and pertinent question; “how do you keep motivated?”. A powerful response was provided immediately by Leon Tikly who explained that Black boys in Bristol face a double battle in their race and location and are thus likely to achieve below the national level. Leon explained it was these injustices that keep him going. Desmond Brown also provided a stark reminder of how bad racism has been even in his lifetime, stating “I remember the gaslighting and microaggressions as a child. There was a long case of apathy. For me, when Judah Adunbi got tasered, I thought: ‘Is this what a full life leads to?’”.
The answers were both startling and empowering for panelists and attendees alike, instilling hope that the movement for racial justice is attainable and is a battle worth fighting. The launch event came to an end with further information from Angelique Retif about the direction RACE is heading and some of its highly anticipated projects that are already underway. As described, RACE will gather and provide up-to-date regional data on racial disparities from WECA, the ONS, Bristol City Council and other regional stakeholders. The partnership is also actively mapping the network of organisations engaged in efforts for racial equality in the South West. The mapping will serve to support collaboration, co-production and communication for all organisations operating in the area.
The launch proved an outstanding success and was characterised by open, honest and inspiring conversation. The future prospects of the RACE partnership are exciting with work already underway and so much interest from numerous organisations in the region.
The launch is available to watch in a recording via the BSWN Youtube Channel.