Hundreds Join Unity Day March and 'Walk Together Against Racism'
Hundreds of people gathered in the sunshine at Shepherd's Bush Green on Sunday morning to join a Unity Day march followed by a rally in Ravenscourt Park.
Invited by Hammersmith and Fulham Council to "walk together against racism and xenophobia", people of all ages and backgrounds heeded the call.
The marchers, led by H&F Mayor Mercy Umeh, headed west along Goldhawk Road, then east onto King Street holding banners aloft and chanting "Hope Not Hate".
The march led to Ravenscourt Park, where there was a celebration rally featuring a range of speakers, including Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter, Mayor Mercy and H&F Youth Mayor, Phoenix High student Aminata Koroma, pictured here.
Other speakers included Lord Alf Dubbs, with a speech described by former Blue Peter presenter and novelist Janet Ellis as "wise and funny", Cllr Sue Fennimore, The Bush Theatre's Artistic Director Madani Younis and Wiktor Moszczynski of King Street's Polish and Cultural Centre, or POSK, which recently suffered a graffiti attack which the police are investigating as a hate crime.
Children at the event were entertained by Albert and Friends Instant Circus and the multi-cultural entertainment included Turkish and Greek music from singer/songwriter Djanan Turan and Indian dance from the Bhavan Centre.
Afterwards people flocked to Twitter in praise of the event, which was organised by H&F Council Leader Stephen Cowan with the support of local organisations including Westfield and the Bush Theatre.
The Bush Theatre's Executive Director, Jon Gilchrist @Jon_Gilchrist said:" Today we celebrated Hammersmith and Fulham - a privilege to be part of it."
Kim Louise @Kinseys_speaks said: " Attended @LBHF #unityday and heard Kindertransport passenger Lord Alfred Dubs speak. Incredible day."
Salina Christmas @salinachristmas said: " #UnityDay, Ravenscourt Park. Great effort by our council, @LBHF. Wore the Yorkshire rose brooch, a nod to Jo Cox."
KHafi Kareem @KhafiKareem said: " A fantastic march and #UnityDay rally today. Thank you @LBHF for recognising how important this is! #LoveConquersAll."
Adam Matan @adammatan said: " The Polish centre in @LBHF faced unfair and ignorant racism, we stand in solidarity with them today."
And Christina Matteotti @cmatteotti summed up the mood, saying: " @LBHF thank you thank you thank you for organising today's #UnityDay. Inspiring and a reminder we are stronger and better together!"
July 18, 2016
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