Introducing BARCO!

Our aim is to unite the people of Brighton & Hove in the approach to anti-racism and ensure that Black people's experiences of living, working, studying and visiting our city are free from any form of racism.

The Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation (BARCO) was established in 2020 during the international spotlight over anti-Black racism. The organisation is formed to serve the needs of people who identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, belonging to the Black African diaspora, or of Black mixed-race heritage in Brighton & Hove.

We are not a ‘BAME’ or ‘BME’ organisation.

The media attention anti-Black racism has received over the last 18 months brought forward long-standing issues of systemic and intentional racism that are unique to Black people.  Within our city of Brighton and Hove, we saw crowds of over 10,000 people from all backgrounds, races and political viewpoints take to the streets to demand change.

BARCO has put itself forward to be a leader in creating this change. We believe tackling racism is everyone’s responsibility, not just Black people’s. BARCO is here to engage with and help individuals, businesses and the wider community to tackle racism in our city. We are an independent CIC and operate as a consultancy first and foremost. We manage the BARCO website/hub and take on the development role of helping Black-led organisations, services and initiatives in the city co-create and work together on shared objectives. We target organisations, institutions, businesses and the wider community. We encourage them to improve their understanding of anti-Black racism and help them find ways to deliver better racist free experiences for Black people living, working, studying and visiting Brighton & Hove.

Our aim is to unite the people of Brighton & Hove in the approach to anti-racism and ensure that Black people’s experiences of living, working, studying and visiting our city are free from any form of racism.

We hosted our first event on the 21st of August – a celebration of Black culture and joy taking place at St Peter’s Square. Please follow our website and socials for further information.

Twitter: @barcobrighton

Contact: [email protected]

 

Author: Bud Johnston, Brighton Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation