The reason for this petition is simply because as a British Pakistani citizen it's been a long time coming that this petition is made- but what with the uproar of the Black Lives Matter movement it seems only valid I bring this up now.

We are going round and round in circles in terms of having progressive conversations regarding racism.

One thing I have noticed too many times on National Television is White journalists constantly taking the lead on the conversation when it comes to racism when the truth of the matter is they've never experienced it- so what gives you the right to question it?

Every time a Black activist, author, politician, educator etc comes to speak their piece and explain the problem they are faced with the same outdated and insensitive questions "Is Racism even that bad?" "Is racism really that big of a deal here in the U.K?" - (don't believe me have a look through the following):

https://youtu.be/xn6t74KJoO8 

These questions are not helpful, Black people are tired. People of colour are tired all over the world of having to explain over and over again why you should take this matter seriously. Why it's such a big problem- if you know nothing of the subject matter give your space to someone who does. If you have no one within your company that can speak on the matter first recognise the problem- then hire them.

My hope is to have more Black and POC leading the conversation on issues that affect them day in & day out. As we are the only ones who can actively engage and open up an honest conversation about the deeply rooted racism within the country.

White people are more than welcome to be apart of the conversation, by listening, learning and by all means ask questions- but you leading the conversation is what needs to stop.

The point of this petition is to stop giving individuals who have no idea what they're talking about the power to lead a conversation in a topic that they will never understand.

When the country, when the world begins to hear and listen to our experiences and see that it exists only then will we begin to make the change we need to see. 

Collectively we must stop asking if we are racist and ask how we can be Anti-Racist.

(This petition is to stop those who aren't educated on a subject matter to stop leading the conversations, allow those who are educated about the matter to lead. This can be applied to all topics i.e. homophobia/islamophobia etc.)