A campaign to tackle prejudice and hate crime in all forms has been launched in Derry/Londonderry – entitled “We All Belong.”
The campaign will work with groups from across Derry City and Strabane District Council area, including members of the Foyle Racial Equality Forum, victims and survivors, ex-prisoners and the LGBTQ community to organise events and workshops.
We All Belong is a two-year initiative to engage with people to ensure that prejudice and hatred is no longer tolerated, and will feature people from all walks of life trying to break down barriers
The Londonderry Bands Forum (LBF) – core funded by the Community Relations Council – was asked to be a part.
Derek Moore, LBF Regional Coordinator, highlighted the importance of musicianship and how it relates to education and inclusiveness.
“We have been working across the city for many years to build understanding and acceptance,” Derek said. “It can be a challenge at times, but one cultural group expressing and celebrating their culture should never demean or diminish another culture. We all have a role to play in improving education and understanding.”
We All Belong is funded through the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland, and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.
Derek is keen to point out that this awareness campaign is significant for the city.
“Londonderry boasts that it is a city that all ethnicities and religions are accepted and it was a natural and significant thing for me and the Londonderry Bands Forum to take part.
“The LBF’s 500 members are a major part of the life of this city, with a strong influence in the community. And this campaign parallels a lot of the educational and outreach work we have been engaged in since 2013.”
While barriers still do exist, it is through cooperation and communication that headway can be achieved.
“Communication is key to breaking down barriers,” Derek explained, “and the LBF has been at the forefront of groundbreaking engagement processes. The growing confidence in our membership and our continuing questioning of stereotypes is a major influence in attempting to challenge and change entrenched attitudes.”
We All Belong
You can find out the latest events, workshops and news about the We All Belong campaign here:
Further Information
The Londonderry Bands Forum is core funded by the Community Relations Council. Learn more about our Core Funding Scheme.