Wow, time really does fly. Incredibly it’s almost five years since I launched this website. I’ve written thirty-odd blogs in that time, but one in particular will always stand out.
I’ve never sought to build a narrative through this blog, but reading over past articles two themes stand out: the importance of social justice and the power of education to build a better world. These two themes really fused in “every so often you meet someone special.”
This week in Full Council I was asked about Hate Crime in Brent. This was my answer…
Hate Crime is utterly abhorrent. It has no place in this world – and least of all in Brent.
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Last week I attended a meeting of Brent Council Directors. The room was completely full. Everyone in that room was white. Everyone except for two people – one of whom was the minute-taker.
This has to change.
This is a picture of me and my friend Maggie.
We’re both Councillors.
One of us is a senior manager in the NHS. One isn’t.
One of us drives a rather nice car. One doesn’t.
And one of us can rent a home from the estate agent we’re standing in front of. One can’t
Maggie is the senior manager. Maggie has the nice car. But only I can rent the home.
That’s because I’m white and Maggie is black.
Remembrance Day is special.
In a triumphalist world it is special that once a year we choose not to glory in our victories, but to commemorate those who have fallen. The poppy is a symbol of heroism – but the heroism of sacrifice, not of victory.
Michael Pavey 