Black Lives Matter - A Statement from LUPUS UK

[Paul_Howard]

Black Lives Matter

[Milliecox]

So important Paul

[Lupusrelative]

Well stated Paul!

[Kevin53]

Thanks Paul. Yes a world where we respect and support one another. Best wIshes Kevin

[whisperit]

Well said. Thanks, LUK x

[Karm]

Well said Paul. As a black -british Caribbean female I appreciate that lupusuk has said something. I know it's not always easy for organisations and people who are not of BAME to know what to say, but saying nothing at all sometimes sends out a message of negativity. But I also understand that when someone says nothing it's not because they don't want to, there are many reasons why, so I try not to jump to conclusions when I see that maybe certain people and companies and organisations haven't spoken out, there may be a very genuine reason for them staying silent. All it takes is to have empathy, That's all, you don't have to say the "right thing" it's about honesty and knowing that, even though I'm not from that race etc I understand you have hardships with certain issues and as a human being in general, that type of violence towards someone no matter what colour you are, is not ok. Yes, it's a huge issue in the BAME society especially with black people with the mistreatment we receive (happened to me today!!!) From alot of different directions, and sometimes when this sort of stuff happens that happened with George Floyd, it makes racial discrimination happen more.

But everyone needs to remember that not everyone is the same just because those police officers done what they did, it doesn't mean that all white people are the same and that's another stereotype that people think black people have is that as we are protesting we are protesting against all white people, when that is definitely not the case. We are protesting to try and be heard and seen and to say what's happening On a everyday basis is not ok. We may not always like one another, but there is no reason to hate some one just for the colour of their skin. We all breath the same air, and all bleed the same, so why should there be so much segregation in the world? Sorry, long chat over, just want to say thank you lupus UK and all members who are speaking out or even thinking positive thoughts. It's very much needed and appreciated. Keep safe and keep well. Karm 🖤

[Fila62 in reply to Karm]

Appreciate that you are being a nice person and trying to be fair but the reality is that the system is not fair, the health system the work place the justice system

Why do you feel the need to justify not speaking out silence is due to fear and I applaud white people who speak out against injustice against us black people they can protest Speak out and not be beaten to death we can’t.

Let’s just thank Lupus Uk and Paul for remembering and acknowledging the injustices and systemic discrimination we face everyday.

[Karm in reply to Fila62]

I'm just being honest. I'm not one to use the "race card" as they say but as a black person I know when something is racial, just that look, tone of voice says it all, and that's something nonwjite person will ever understand, as much as they might try. I'm totally with you @Fila62 and agree with what you have said, don't get me wrong I'm not trying to stick up for the police or anything like that, far from it but in some situations I can see why a white person would stay silent, bit again as j said all it takes is "condelolances, I'm sorry for your pain" that doesn't take much. I have seen people speak out and I think they are just doing it to look good and when they could have spoken out or done sitting they didn't . It shouldn't take such a horrific incident to occur for anyone black, white or different to say anything. There are organisations like the head of the NFL that stayed silent and then when he did speak out it was foolishness, he just listed the same stuff the players had said, didn't come from the heart. So again sometimes there is a reason for silence, it's not always negative, but I can't tell or know why or stay silent, but again I can't judge also. I would rather a white person speak out and it be genuine and come from real feelings than just speak out to get likes or to make themselves look good. Why do we have to die just for people to say that it's bad what's happening to black people. It needs to be talked about more

Medical racism is a real thing 100% @Fila62. I totally agree. For some reason as black people we have to justify everything we do, down to going to buy a loaf of bread when the shop assistant is following us around the shop!

I have seen that I have cried and told my consultant that although my blood test is coming back looking ok and certain markers are looking better, the pain I'm having is still there so obviously there is something their missing or what they are looking for in the test in not what they should be looking for, I'm told to up my tablets and see what happens. When I need a IV treatmen that costs thousands and I'm refused it and told to have the rituxamab IV again that hasn't done anything the last 3 times I have had it (because it's cheaper)

[happytulip]

So pleased to see Lupus UK making a statement on this.

[Kikime]

Let’s hope your team reflects your message and we can have a open dialogue about medical racism and how it affects black people with Lupus.

[happytulip in reply to Kikime]

Would you be comfortable discussing/explaining medical racism? I just want to understand.

[scorpiolady]

Thank you Paul the acknowledgment from Lupus UK means a lot

[Hidden]

Well said Paul I totally agree.

[CecilyParsley]

Thank you Paul. As a white woman I have never experienced discrimination for the colour of my skin. I find it abhorrent that we live in a society where some people are racist. We should call them out each and every time. It is not ok. It will never be ok. Black Lives Matter.

[Fila62]

🙏🏽

[eunidarling]

Hello Paul

Thank you for your statement.

It is inspiring that the voice of Lupus UK is being expressed in relation to this issue.

A majority of people are hoping that the recent events against discrimination and oppression is just not another watershed but rather that there will be a collective effort to end the ongoing injustice.

You are much appreciated