Race may be a social construct, as Nikhwat Marawat explains in one of his previous posts, but the effects of it are very real.
In this piece, Nikhwat arms you with the tools you need to combat racism – whether that’s support with mental health, learning your legal rights, finding a community that understands you or simply being a better ally.
1. What can I do about it?
The effects of racism can manifest itself in your life in a multitude of ways. If you as an ally wish to strengthen your anti racist understanding I would recommend reading:
- The Autobiography Of Malcolm X
- Orientalism by Edward Said
- Women, Race and Class by Angela Davis
- I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I would also suggest exploring this beginners list of anti-racism resources. Compiled by the Survivors’ Network, this will help to strengthen your learning journey.
If you as a person of the diaspora have been affected by racism in any way there are many actions you can take.
2. If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger from racism make a record of the issue
Please also report this to the police as soon as possible (if you feel safe and able to go to the police), the more details you have on hand the better.
However, if you are uncomfortable contacting the police there are a number of organisations you can record the incident for you instead. Find these in our Racial Justice Support Hub.
If you are concerned about contacting the police because they have been racist, there are organisations that can support you. These include, The 4Front Project, Inquest and StopWatch.
This tool will help you to find your local police station, as each case has to be reported on a region-by-region basis. There is understandably a difficult relationship between some members of communities of colour and the police. But in any point of emergency contact the police and keep a record of everything for your own peace of mind.
3. Know your rights
Racism under the law is a crime and there are four main acts governing this:
- The Protection From Harassment Act 1997
- The Crime and Disorder Act 1998
- The Criminal Justice Act 2003
- The Equality Act 2010
If you are experiencing racism from the police regarding stop and searches, you can contact The 4Front Project to learn your rights, as well as groups like Ystop.
This link to the Citizens Advice Bureau explains in greater detail the steps you should take to deal with specific issues around racism, whether in your personal life or within the workplace.
4. Racism can have an impact on your long term mental health. Find specialised services/support groups that cater to your needs
The Spark directory lists intersectional mental health support organisations tailored to your faith, race, sexuality, gender and disability.
There is a variety of support here, ranging from The Chinese Mental Health Association, Therapy for Black Men, Sarbat LGBT Sikhs.
5. Racism can impact not just your mental health but your wider livelihood
Be sure to explore Spark’s dedicated directory of community organisations who can support you in a multitude of ways. Whether it is financial, legal or spiritual. They will have something for you.
There is a community who cares for you.
This article was contributed by a Spark Community member, Nikhwat M, between 2020-2022; at the time of writing, the details about the content and author were accurate. The next revision is scheduled for April 2025.