LET’S KEEP LIGHTS ON

I READ Mrs Jane Singleton’s letter in last week’s Observer decrying the illumination of the Town Hall in memory of George Floyd with incredulity.

Oh my word, in so many countries, people around the world have been inspired to draw attention to their own disturbing racial histories and policies

People of all persuasions were moved by the police killing of Mr Floyd. Dictionary.com gives us: verb (used with object), il·lu·mi· nat·ed, il·lu·mi·nat·ing. to supply or brighten with light; light up. to make lucid or clear; throw light on (a subject).

The illumination of our wonderful 19th century Town Hall by the councillors, for I am sure Councillor Dad didn’t act alone, has indeed thrown a light on to repeat “our own disturbing racial history and policies”.

No baby is born racist or bigoted; they learn that from their parents.

As long as parents pass on their bias and prejudice - tacitly or explicitly racism or ethnocentrism will always be with us.

Look no further that Mrs Jeanette Parkes’ letter preceding Jane Singleton’s, illuminating a cowardly act on some elderly Asian gentlemen in Great Harwood.

Bigotry and prejudice grow and fester in the dark, options and opinions that are plain wrong and evil need to be writ large and illuminated.

So, let’s light the Town Hall up 365 nights a week and have scrolling display of the victims of bigotry, racialism.

And yes by all means include the names of PC Keith Palmer, Lee Rigby, Member of Parliament Jo Cox, Stephen Lawrence and many more.

Maybe this ever growing list of names will stimulate one or more readers to walk up St James Street to our lovely Reference Library to find out more about people like Assa

Traore or Giovanni Lopez.

Maybe even find out more about poor murdered George Floyd and be illuminated to other facts, yes he served prison time and find that after his release he became involved with a Christian church and ministry, where he mentored young men.

He delivered meals and assisted on other projects.

Later he became involved with a ministry that brought men into a church-work program with drug rehabilitation and job placement services.

Modern civilization yes is built on two centuries of oppression and tyranny but we are moving slowly away from that.

Let’s keep the lights on please.

Dave Pickup Clayton-le-Moors