Newham has launched a Race Equality Alliance to combat systemic discrimination and disadvantages experienced by local residents because of their race or ethnic origins.

With more than 100 different languages spoken in the area and a kaleidoscopic mix of ethnic groups, Newham is one of the country’s most diverse areas with 72 per cent of residents from Black, Asian or other ethnic groups.

Although this diversity plays an important role in shaping the identity of the Borough, many people in this community face multiple economic, social and health inequalities, including routine acts of discrimination. These have been exacerbated during the pandemic.

The Race Equality Alliance aims to set an action agenda that will identify realistic and practical ways to combat these problems. The first action, however, will be to choose a chair for the Alliance and a selection process will be launched in the coming weeks.

The inaugural meeting was co-ordinated by Newham’s Commissioner for Social Integration and Equalities Dr Rohit Dasgupta. The Alliance members are: Gargi Bhattacharyya, professor of sociology at the University of East London; Joy Emonfomwan; Dean Francis, an environmental scientist with The Urban Mindfulness Foundation; Lorna Jackson, Head teacher of Maryland Primary School in Stratford; Paul Leslie, Chief Executive of Rights and Equalities in Newham; Olanrewaju Alani Odunlami (Lanre), social worker and Newham Covid 19 champion and Aidan White, Publisher of Newham Voices.

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