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This year will forever be etched into the history books because of Coronavirus; but the events which occurred in America involving George Floyd, whose death sparked global action from the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, should also never be forgotten. If we use the lessons of history wisely we can prevent the recurrence of past mistakes and humanity can progress in a positive way. 

During October 2020, ‘we’ at Merseyside Police's BAME Staff Association will be participating in numerous events and activities to celebrate 'Black History Month'.

This year the BBC film 'Anthony', reminded us of the senseless, shocking, racist murder of Anthony Walker during 2005. Anthony was a son, a brother and would have been an uncle, possibly a father and more. But his potential will never be realised, it was stolen from him and his family, who despite having to deal with their loss, found the strength, will and faith to create something positive, 'The Anthony Walker Foundation' (AWF).

The AWF was established in 2006, Anthony’s family & friends did not want his murder to be another statistic, they wanted his name to live on with a positive, lasting legacy. The AWF works to tackle racism, hate crime and discrimination by providing educational opportunities, victim support services and by promoting equality, equity and inclusion for all.

Like Merseyside Police’s BAME Staff Association, AWF’s vision aspires to achieve -

- a global society where race, religion and ethnicity do not put either individuals, groups or communities at risk.

- where racial intolerance & violence is unacceptable and cultural diversity is embraced; and

- where opportunity, equality and equity for all is the norm.

For those reasons, during October 2020, Merseyside Police’s (MerPol) BAME Staff Association invite you to take part in a sponsored event to raise money for AWF. We would love for this event to trend on social media, so please help us by sharing this link and by getting involved.

Please take part in our ‘Sponsored Virtual 10k or 5k, Cycle, run, jog or walk’ in aid of ‘The Anthony Walker Foundation’ (AWF).

We have chosen to run this as a ‘Virtual’ event because of Coronavirus. So, what do we mean by ‘Virtual’? Take part:

1. By raising money through our ‘Just Giving’ page. This enables us to more easily track how much the event has raised. It also aids with social distancing because it’s a digital platform where the money will be directly transferred to AWF.

2. By sharing our ‘Just Giving’ page link using social media and by asking your sponsors to simply comment, stating who they are supporting for the event.

3. By cycling, running, jogging or walking 10k (6.2miles) or 5k (3.1 miles) between 19^th & 25^th October 2020 (Please only participate if you are fit/able and medically capable and at a pace which is sensible for you).

4. At a location of your own choice, this could be at a park or on a treadmill (Please ensure you let a friend or family member know that you are participating and let them know the route you plan on taking).

5. In your own time, it’s not a race.

6. On your own or with a friend (socially distanced of course). As long as you abide by the governments directions regarding COVID19.

7. By sending tweets during/after the race to @MerPolBame and @awf_liverpool using the hashtag #RunForAWF. You could include your own hashtags to promote positivity and anti-racism. You could also include photos/videos/screenshots of you running, the scenery in the park or of the treadmill readout/app you’re using.

8. You could also consider using inspiring hashtags such as #KeepMoving or by adding quotes such as Martin Luther King (MLK) - ‘If you can’t run, walk, if you can’t walk, crawl…keep moving’ – Whatever you decide, let’s make it positive.

Once completed, show us that you’ve completed the run by sending screenshots of the mobile/smartwatch apps you used to track it or by taking a photograph of the treadmill display.  Then tweet photos of your cycle, run, jog or walk and/or screenshots of your apps to show you’ve participated.

There are no hard and fast rules, this is simply about raising both awareness and funds in order to support the AWF to continue its fantastic work in educating our youth and eradicating racism. Your support for this event will also add valuable contribution in assisting our own efforts to help develop an anti-racist culture.