Liverpool's most influential Black Lives Matter campaigners have said more needs to change in the city and across the world.
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement began in July 2013, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of African-American teen Trayvon Martin. But it was thrust into the global spotlight with the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, sparking protests across America and the rest of the world.
The movement was picked up here in Liverpool, with thousands taking a knee outside St George's Hall to show their solidarity with black communities in the city and across the world. It ignited debate in the city about street names and statues, but also had an impact on less diverse parts of Merseyside.
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In the months that followed Mr Floyd's killing, the city saw its first elected Black Mayor. Many had high hopes for the future of Black people across Liverpool but many believe not enough has changed and Black people's experiences have not changed.
Earlier this year Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell branded Merseyside Police "institutionally racist", something Chantelle Lunt, the founder of M erseyside Black Lives Matter Alliance, was pushing for as a sign for the beginning for change.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said she categorically did not believe Merseyside Police is institutionally racist, that her officers and staff were committed to helping and protecting communities and that they wanted to play an active part in ensuring the force was anti-racist.
Chantelle, herself a former police officer, has dedicated her life to campaigning for equal rights.
She said: "I think two years down the line some organisations have stayed the course. Some organisations are only doing the bare minimum and some organisations are only coming out when it is Black History Month. One thing that BLM should have done was embed this anti-racist practice in everyday actions.
“It wasn’t a moment, it was a movement.
“It was for the duration. So if organisations or communities or people are looking now saying, oh actually did I do anything about that or did I post a black square and maybe talk about Black people for a few weeks? Have we still remained committed to it? And if the answer is no, then you need to change that because our experiences have not vastly improved.”
About four percent of the white population on average across the North west is unemployed, a figure which has not changed over the last few years. Around seven percent of people who are not white on average across the North west are unemployed, a figure which has slowly decreased on average.
While many key events and statements have been achieved, the overall progress across the city has been labelled as 'glacial' by Liverpool's first elected Black MP.
Riverside MP Kim Johnson said: “The death of George Floyd and the resurgence of BLM did shine a very bright light on race inequality in the city, with major organisations suddenly realising that they needed to make significant changes in reflecting the diversity of the city.
“However the rate of progress is extremely glacial, with Black staff still under-represented across the public sector including the council, health, the civil service, police, universities and schools - none of these sectors recruit staff that truly represent or reflect the communities they serve.
“The same applies to the private sector including finance, retail and the media. There still continues major under-representation and systemic institutional racism that prevents Black people in this city – from the longest established Black community in Europe - accessing the same opportunities as their white peers.”
Ms Johnson said she recognised the BLM movement was far bigger than just one person and it needed the entire community behind it. The MP said she was grateful for the council's work and its contribution to the debate for change.
The Liverpool Against Racism Festival was recognised as the biggest contribution the mayor has given to the movement. The week-long event celebrated, honoured and awarded local leaders and organisations for their contributions to progressing equality, diversity and inclusion.
Joanne Anderson’s strategic engagement manager Lucy Cashman said: “I’d say Joanne’s biggest achievement in supporting the BLM movement since becoming Mayor is by far her launch of ‘Liverpool Against Racism’ – a history-making festival and the first of its kind seeking to stimulate a conversation about, and action against, racism.
“Joanne described the festival as "a cultural response" to recent events, in particular the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 which incited global protests. Joanne’s ambition was for the festival to set Liverpool apart as a city that doesn’t shy away from addressing the issue of racism.
"With a focus on community cohesion, the festival acted as a platform for people and organisations to creatively respond to hate crime.”
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