THE `next phase' of anti-racism work and solidarity action in Northern Ireland will be discussed tomorrow at an event to mark the official expansion of a grassroots campaign.
United Against Racism (UAR) is launching its `north-west' branch at Derry's Playhouse with a hybrid public meeting.
Ivanka Antova, convenor of the UAR Belfast branch, said: "During the pandemic the far-right has been emboldened and attacks against migrants and minority ethnic people have become frequent.
"It is essential that the anti-racism network on the island grows and that people continue to unite against racism."
The first Northern Ireland branch of the all-Ireland members-led organisation launched in Belfast in 2018 following an attack on a mosque.
Organisers said Thursday's meeting, `What next for Black Lives Matter', will be compliant with Stormont's social distancing recommendations.
In June, the Public Prosecution Service announced no-one would be taken to court over the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, organised in Derry by the North West Migrants Forum at Guildhall Square.
Policing of the protest and a similar gathering in Belfast was heavily criticised and resulted in an apology from Chief Constable Simon Byrne.
People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said it is "vital" to "continue to make sure there's a spotlight on and active challenge to racism and all forms of discrimination".
"The response to the Black Lives Matter protests here showed the depths of institutional racism towards our black community.
"It's also clear the far-right are attempting to utilise the pandemic to scapegoat ethnic minorities."
Please visit https://facebook.com/events/s/what-next-for-black-lives-matt/4536716866444486/ for information.
