For 20 years Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) has been educating young people about racism in schools and with the help of role-models, including professional footballers, at special events at football clubs and through educational films. On Friday 21st October, Show Racism the Red Card is encouraging individuals, schools and organisations to show their support and raise funds for the campaign by taking part in Wear Red Day 2016.
People are getting involved all over the UK and lots of trade unions have pledged their support, with members of USDAW, The NUT, Unite the Union, PFA, GMB, Nautilus, Equity, Musicians Union, Prospect, BECTU, NUJ, TUC and PCS, set to wear red and donate.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, said: "With a rise in hate crime post referendum, the work of Show Racism the Red Card is so incredibly important. GMB never has and never will let racism go unchallenged, that's why we're proud to wear red today to support the organisation and the message. Members will be raising funds and organising events across the country. We encourage everyone else to do the same and get behind SRtRC to show everyone, everywhere that we say 'no' to racism."
Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett said:
“Usdaw is delighted to be supporting Wear Red Day for the second year running. This is an exciting and timely opportunity to raise the issue of racism at work in a way that engages everyone. Hundreds of Usdaw members will be involved on the day raising valuable funds for Show Racism the Red Card and making it clear that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect when they go to work.”
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said:
“Unite is a proud supporter of Show Racism the Red Card and its work in educating our young and tackling racism in our communities. With reported hate crime and racist incidents on the rise, its work is now more vital than ever. Using the beautiful game of football to challenge racism in society is a stroke of genius. On its 20th anniversary we would urge everyone to show racism the red card by supporting this great cause and by proudly wearing red this Friday.”
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON said:
“I’m proud to wear red and support Show Racism the Red Card. At difficult times like these we need to fight racism and bigotry harder than ever – and SRtRC are on the front line of that fight.”
Ged Grebby, Chief Executive, SRtRC said
“We have been inundated with offers of support for Wear Red Day 2016. I think that the worrying rise in racism* following the EU referendum has provoked a reaction from people who are against racism and want to show their support, particularly for our education work with young people.
“People throughout the UK will be wearing red on Friday and donating to make a difference and we thank everyone, young people, schools and organisations for their support.”
The Wear Red Day initiative has gained support from current and former professional footballers throughout the UK, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Rachel Yankey OBE, Yoan Gouffran, Callum Chambers, Izzy Christiensen & Lucy Bronze, being joined by SRtRC patrons John Barnes, Chris Kamara, Bryan Robson & Chris Hughton giving the campaign their backing and encouraging others to get involved and raise funds to support the delivery of anti-racism education.
Wear Red Day 2016 has also received support from the following football clubs: Manchester United FC, Manchester City Women FC, Middlesbrough FC, Newcastle United, Sunderland AFC, Everton FC, Doncaster Belles FC, Plymouth Argyle FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Huddersfield Town FC, Reading FC &Derby County FC
Wear Red Day 2016 is being supported nationwide and two councils in the North East are very visibly showing their support.
In Stockton-on-Tees, the lights around some of the borough’s most prominent landmarks will be turned red in support of #WRD16.
And in Gateshead and Newcastle the famous Millennium bridge will be turned RED, to mark the support of Gateshead Council.
For every £5 raised, SRtRC can educate a young person for a whole school day. Show your support – Wear red and stand against racism this Friday.