United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Today, on the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reaffirm our collective commitment to eradicating racism—not only in our workplaces but throughout society. As trade unionists, we stand united in the fight for racial equity and justice.
You may have heard in the news today that one of Stephen Lawrence’s murderers, currently serving a prison sentence, admitted at a Parole Board hearing to being at the scene and punching Stephen.
Today, on the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reaffirm our collective commitment to eradicating racism—not only in our workplaces but throughout society. As trade unionists, we stand united in the fight for racial equity and justice.
You may have heard in the news today that one of Stephen Lawrence’s murderers, currently serving a prison sentence, admitted at a Parole Board hearing to being at the scene and punching Stephen.
First and foremost, our hearts and thoughts go out to the Lawrence family, who have never wavered in their pursuit of justice for Stephen. It was the trade union movement that supported and highlighted this horrific racist murder, leading to the Macpherson Inquiry, which ultimately concluded that institutional racism exists within the police.
As the GMB National Race Lead and Co-Chair of the GMB National Race Network, alongside Dawn Lovatt, we are committed to providing a platform for all Regional Race Leads. Each month, we convene online to share developments from our respective regions, exchange best practices, and organize national efforts to address racial issues collectively.
If you wish to contribute to or engage with the Network, please contact your Regional Race Lead. If you are unsure who your Race Lead is, you can reach out to your Regional Equality Officer or Eleanor Saunders, GMB’s Equality and Inclusion Officer.
The National Race Network is composed of lay members who serve as Regional Race Leads, sit on the Central Executive Council, and, most importantly, are deeply passionate about eliminating racism in all its forms. In the coming months, we will be rolling out webinars covering topics such as GMB’s structures, how Black Global Majority lay members can become more active, and other critical race-related issues.
Today is a day for many of us to stop, breathe, rest, restore, and reflect on the everyday racism we are subjected to. It is real.
Be kind and gentle to yourself. We attach a list of organizations that you can reach out to today and any other day.
As Jayaben Desai demonstrated through her moral victory against the racist and misogynistic corridors of power—including the police, unions, employers, and the state:
“We have shown that workers like us, new to these shores, will never accept being treated without dignity and respect.”
In strength, peace, and solidarity,
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley
Eleanor Saunders
Equality and Inclusion Organiser
Internal & Industrial Relations Department, National Office
GMB Union
As the GMB National Race Lead and Co-Chair of the GMB National Race Network, alongside Dawn Lovatt, we are committed to providing a platform for all Regional Race Leads. Each month, we convene online to share developments from our respective regions, exchange best practices, and organize national efforts to address racial issues collectively.
If you wish to contribute to or engage with the Network, please contact your Regional Race Lead. If you are unsure who your Race Lead is, you can reach out to your Regional Equality Officer or Eleanor Saunders, GMB’s Equality and Inclusion Officer.
The National Race Network is composed of lay members who serve as Regional Race Leads, sit on the Central Executive Council, and, most importantly, are deeply passionate about eliminating racism in all its forms. In the coming months, we will be rolling out webinars covering topics such as GMB’s structures, how Black Global Majority lay members can become more active, and other critical race-related issues.
Today is a day for many of us to stop, breathe, rest, restore, and reflect on the everyday racism we are subjected to. It is real.
Be kind and gentle to yourself. We attach a list of organizations that you can reach out to today and any other day.
As Jayaben Desai demonstrated through her moral victory against the racist and misogynistic corridors of power—including the police, unions, employers, and the state:
“We have shown that workers like us, new to these shores, will never accept being treated without dignity and respect.”
In strength, peace, and solidarity,
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley
Eleanor Saunders
Equality and Inclusion Organiser
Internal & Industrial Relations Department, National Office
GMB Union
GMB National Race Network
Resources/self-care for Black Global Majority community
- BLAM UK BLAM UK CIC – We aim to promote a positive dialogue of social identity and culture through history
- Zuri Therapy: Zuri Therapy is BACK! – BLAM UK CIC
- Black and Brown Rainbow: Free phone telephone number for Black and Brown LGBTQI people 0800 054 1957. Email: [email protected]
- Dewa: Deaf Ethnic Women's Association - Inclusion London
- Alfie: Home - ALLFIE (the Alliance for Inclusive Education)
- BAAN Therapy: Home - The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (baatn.org.uk)
- MIND.UK: Mental Health for Black People in Britain | Black Mind UK
- Racial Equity Network: REN - Race Equality Network | Local and National BAME Community Network of Organisations
- Black Beetle Health: Black Beetle Health
- Centre for Mental health: Black mental health and self-care in a time of crisis - Centre for Mental Health
- Milk Honey Bees: Milk Honey Bees | Healing, Empowerment, Resilience
- Agender Alliance: Home - Agenda Alliance
- Black Minds Matter: Black Minds Matter UK
- Leading Routes: Home - Leading Routes
- Home Girls Unite: Homegirlsunite.com – Support group
- Directory of Black-led Organisations
- Black Mental Health Manifesto: Black Mental Health & Wellbeing Alliance | Black Mental Health in the UK (bmhwa.co.uk)
Updated March 2025
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