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Asher Craig: ‘Avalanche of race hate mail was a tipping point’
Bristol’s deputy mayor has spoken out in the wake of an “unprecedented torrent of racist abuse”.
The passing of a reparations motion to address the city’s role in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and its enduring impact was a defining moment in history, but with it came a hate-fuelled backlash.
Asher Craig says she received nearly 2,000 racist hate emails in less than a week, while mayor Marvin Rees was sent more than 4,500.
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The level of abuse has met with widespread condemnation, with the head of Bristol’s Commission on Race Equality (CORE) likening the hate mail to the “litany of attacks that led to the killing of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and many other civil rights leaders”. Avon & Somerset Police are investigating.
https://twitter.com/CllrAsherCraig/status/1370681469916614656
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Craig says she remains “resilient and resolute in the face of this unprecedented torrent of abuse”.
The deputy mayor has thanked people for the many messages of support she has received from across the country, adding: “I have the support of my family, friends, colleagues and what clearly is a growing number of allies who have made it clear that this is totally unacceptable and is certainly not a true reflection of my city.”
In a statement on Facebook, Craig said: “Last week’s avalanche of race hate mail was a tipping point for me as the level of abuse has been ever present throughout our time in office. But this level of hate is unprecedented and the vitriolic nature of the example I posted was just a snapshot of what Marvin and I have to endure.
“I am a proud Bristolian (born & bred)
I’m Jamaican
I’m of Afrikan Heritage
I’m British
I’m a woman
I’m a mother
I’m someone’s daughter.
“I am so many things. Race alone does not define me and should not be used to denigrate me or others. I really have become immune to what is the daily onslaught of racism we experience, most of which is not as blatant or obvious as a Tweet or email.
“Sometimes keeping a dignified silence is harmful to one’s mental health and wellbeing and I realise there have been times where I’ve been triggered by the racist micro-aggressions and undertones in meetings I’ve had to endure.
“Racism is truly a worldwide pandemic and the cure, I’m afraid, will require a lot more than a vaccine shot.”
Professor Olivette Otele has condemned the racist emails – photo courtesy of Bristol University
Condemning the appalling racist abuse, Professor Olivette Otele, chair of Bristol CORE, said: “Words galvanise populations. The virulent attacks on the mayor and deputy mayor should not be isolated and seen as heated anger on the eve of elections.
“They resonate with the killing of so many people of African descent in recent years. The attacks need to be placed in a context of hatred that led to the killing of George Floyd and so many others.
“Irrespective of our political sympathies or affiliations, we cannot stand by and remain silent when democracy is in danger. Racial slurs and threats have become regular occurrences in the lives of politicians from minority ethnic groups. We cannot simply accept this as a norm.”
Otele said there are “no quick fixes for racism so ingrained in our communities”, adding: “There is so much work to be done but there is also a tangible feeling of hope that things can change for the better.
“We remain resolute, focused on what we have been set up to do and stand in solidarity with all those who stand for justice, peace, and determined to root racism out in our city, nationally and around the world.”
Bristol superintendent Andy Bennett said: “I’d like to make it clear that we condemn any form of hate crime and that we take all reports extremely seriously.
“Any further reports made to us will be thoroughly investigated.”
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
Read more: ‘History is made’ as Bristol passes slavery reparations motion
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