As a 12 year old, I care about racial equality because how are we as humans meant to make the world a better place if we can't even accept that everyone is different and unique in their own ways? And the fact that people are discriminated just for their skin colour shocks me! I know it's cliche and most people have heard it before, but it's not the outside that counts! Every human being should be treated the same and have the same chances in life because at the end of the day, your opinion on someone should be based on what type of person they are on the inside, not because they have a certain colour skin or are from a certain place.

Research indicates that in the last twenty years there were at least 105 deaths in the UK caused by racism! Of these, eighty-five were in England, five in Wales, twelve in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland. Within England, twenty-eight murders took place in London. Twenty people were killed whilst at work as taxi-drivers, shopkeepers and at pubs or clubs. Whilst the majority of the murders that were recorded involved attacks in the street, eight came from attacks on people in their very own homes! Of these, several were arson attacks.

However, racism can even have drastic effects on children, in real and fundamental ways! It hurts not just their mental health, but their chances for a good, successful life. If we care about the mental health and future of children, yes, but also all people in general, we need to take real steps to end racism — and to help and support those who are affected by it. 

I bet you didn't know that biologically we are truly just one race, sharing 99.9% of our genes no matter what the colour of our skin or what part of the world we come from. But historically we have found ways to not just identify differences, but to oppress people because of them. Despite our biological sameness, people continue to look for differences — and claim superiority. However, what we as a community need to do is to accept people's differences and encourage one another to become the best version of ourselves we can be, and make the world an all round better place to live.

Some of the many steps we can take to help resolve racism are:

1. Acknowledge racism in all its forms and to recognise its existence.

2. Overturn racist and discriminatory laws.

3. Equality in everyday things such as wages

For example In 2018, the average Black worker earned just 62% of what the average white worker made.

4. Educating those around you about racism and its effects

5. Commit to anti-racism to the end!

I hope after reading this you understand what a serious topic this is and that you will join the endless fight to help end racism!

Please sign the petition and spread the word!

Thank you.