THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
LAST WORD
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12
LOOKING FOR CHANGE
T he world is suffering through a very tumultuous and painful period currently. Yet the reading shows us the power and strength of unity which can be seen by the powerful protesting that has gripped the world, spreading from Minnesota across the Atlantic to London, and highlighting the sense of indignation of young people, and their willingness to take action. I am confident that ours is the generation that will bring about long-lasting change. The African and Caribbean Society of Dulwich College is now in its third year, and I am proud to be part of the change we seek, and proud to work with like-minded peers. A great talk that I can recall was on the fetishization and eroticization of the black body. This served as an eye opener into how the black body is still exploited in this age. In addition, we had talks ranging from an open forum on mixed cultural and racial identities to a debate on decolonising the curriculum. Others will remember the electrifying talk from Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director of the Young Vic theatre. These talks are small steps along the road to educating ourselves about racial equality. But we need everyone to engage. Having consulted with David Duroshola and members of the African and Caribbean Society, I would
The shocking events of 25 May in Minneapolis unfolded just as the members of the editorial team were making final preparations for publication of the Alleynian . It is essential that we respond to George Floyd’s death, and to the continued stain of systemic racism that it represents, with more than just words. Yet words can also play a huge part in ensuring that we communicate not just the significance of what has happened, but the urgent need for change. We asked Arese Joe-Ashodi (Year 13) if we could publish an adapted version of his assembly talk, given on 8 June, in which he reflected on the necessity of both a shared solidarity, and of individual reflection, as we push for change. That sense of solidarity was evident in the webinar held on 9 June by the African and Caribbean Society, of which Arese is a member, together with the equivalent societies of JAGS and Alleyn’s. The discussion focused on the issues highlighted by the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, with around 300 students and teachers from the three Foundation Schools in attendance. In preparing to hand over the editorial reins to my successor, Arjaan Miah, I sincerely hope that, as he writes his editorial in a year’s time, he will be able to reflect on a year not just of words, but of real change.
like to share some ideas about how, as individuals, you can help us achieve the change we all hope for. One: understand and acknowledge that you are not powerless. We live in an age where we each have a social media platform which we can use to raise awareness through sharing and promoting campaigns and fundraisers, and sharing signs of solidarity. Write to your MPs or to leaders of your institutions to let them know you are committed to change and to anti-racism. Two: educate yourself on casual racism, which puts you in a better position to recognise and to condemn it. Three: take time to understand your peers and friends from different backgrounds and to engage with and acknowledge their difference without objectifying them. We should be ok talking about race rather than ignoring it and pretending inequalities don’t exist.
Finally, I would like to end with the message that:
Change begins with you.
Change begins with understanding and using the power of diversity.
Change begins with listening and not just hearing.
Luke Jensen-Jones Editor, the Alleynian 708
Change begins and ends with being proactive in speaking out against injustice.
Thank you.
198
199
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker