Beyond Covid-19 is a programme of online event organised by Southwark and Lambeth Green Parties taking place during the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic.

For this event we will be looking at how Council processes can perpetuate racial prejudice and structural inequality in residents’ lives. Even more importantly, we’ll be looking at how we can address and overcome these obstacles.

We are delighted to welcome guest speaker Benali Hamdache.

Benali is an experienced Green campaigner and missed out on becoming an Islington Councillor in the 2018 elections by just 73 votes. He has previously been the Green Party’s Equalities Spokesperson and was co-author of our LGBTIQA+ and BAME manifestos.

In an interactive event, Benali will guide attendees through identifying areas where racism and other forms of prejudice can show in local Council decision making. He will use case studies to find solutions to these problems, so that we can be better prepared to recognise and tackle them in real life scenarios.

This event is for all members and supporters, not only those working directly with councils, so please share the invitation widely.

Note: RSVP for this event is via the Lambeth Green Party Action Network site, which you can reach here. You need to sign up for this event to receive the necessary log in details.

If you wish to send questions for the speaker in advance, please send them by email.

For (optional) background reading ahead of the event, you may find the following links of interest:

• Our Commitment to People of Colour (Green Party, 2019)
• Green Party Manifesto (2019) – Discrimination is addressed in The Green Quality of Life Guarantee (p.60).
• Staff accuse Lambeth Council of institutional racism (The Guardian, 2018)
• Racist bullying rife in London council (The Guardian, 2003, focused on Lambeth Council)
• How councils can work with local people to combat racism (The Guardian, 2014)
• Definition of systemic racism in sociology - focused on the United States, but a useful introduction to understanding systemic racism.