‘We stand with Diane’ protest attracts thousands
The recent egregious display of disrespect and violation necessitated this rally for black women in Hackney and allies who share our outrage. It’s time to confront anti-black racism, misogyny, and the dehumanisation of our MP. Today, many black women are distressed and traumatised. If this can happen to such an educated, phenomenal woman, what fate awaits the average black woman? We must stand up and fight.”
A MID RESOUNDING applause and chants of “We stand with Diane,” legendary Hackney North MP Diane Abbott expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support outside Hackney Town Hall on Friday, March 15, from thousands of antiracist advocates who united against violence targeting black women.
Hackney’s townhall became the epicentre of a protest led by local black women, including councillors, activist Sulekha Hassan, and former BAME officer for Hackney North, Lucie Scott.
The catalyst for the protest was the widely condemned racist remarks attributed to multimillionaire Conservative Party donor Frank Hester, targeting the long-standing MP. The protest attracted a diverse assembly of thousands, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, all demanding justice and equality. Corbyn condemned the abuse directed at Abbott over the years. “The vile language and continuous threats she faces are sickening. Yet, she remains steadfast, supported by her community. I am proud to stand here tonight in solidarity with Diane. Our message is clear: we are not going anywhere. We stand with her and all those striving for real societal change.”
Scott said: “The recent egregious display of disrespect and violation necessitated this rally for black women in Hackney and allies who share our outrage. It’s time to confront anti-black racism, misogyny, and the dehumanisation of our MP. Today, many black women are distressed and traumatised. If this can happen to such an educated, phenomenal woman, what fate awaits the average black woman? We must stand up and fight.”
Professor Chris Imafidon, educationalist and adviser to government, urged continued solidarity: “Black men and black women need to stand together because this is an assault on the combination of what we represent. Provided you are of the race that has been attacked, insulted and denigrated; you’ve got to stand with Diane.”
The protest served, too, as a platform t o condemn the systemic violence and discrimination faced by black women, particularly those who, like Abbott’s mother, arrived in Britain from Jamaica during the Windrush era. Affectionately hailed as the ‘political queen’ of Hackney’s black community, Abbott delivered a stirring address that resonated deeply with the gathered protesters.
Despite her visible emotion, Abbott’s words rang out with resolute determination as she denounced the entrenched racism pervasive in various sectors of British society.
Sharing poignant anecdotes from her family ’s history, Abbott highlighted the invaluable contribution of black immigrants, including her mother, who have often been overlooked and undervalued.
“My mother arrived in this country in the 1950s as a nurse, part of that generation of black women who helped build the National Health Service. Yet, they were relegated to a special SEN grade, denied roles as Ward Sisters or matrons, and often relegated to night shifts. The disrespect persists, year after year.
“Just a year ago, I stood outside this very town hall, rallying for a 14-year-old black girl who was strip-searched by the police. We must stand firm to ensure that future generations of young black people do not endure the same racism we have faced.”
In addition to Abbott ’s impassioned address, the protest featured electrifying performances from poets and activists. Sheba Montserrat’s stirring words, “If you mess with Diane, you mess with us,” reverberated throughout the crowd, emphasising the urgent need for systemic change and highlighting the pervasive nature of institutionalised racism across various domains.
As the protest concluded, organisers reiterated the importance of sustained activism and community mobilisation in the fight for racial justice. They also warned of further protest and called for the Labour whip to be restored to Ms Abbott, who has sat as an independent MP since last April, for causing an ‘anti-Semitic’ storm, after she suggested Jewish people did not face lifelong racism.