Published: 15 November 2024
From: Community
ºù«ÍÞapp Borough Council, in partnership with Sussex Police and community leaders, held a unity event yesterday evening to celebrate the diversity of ºù«ÍÞapp and thank local people for coming together during the period of heightened community tensions that took place across the country over the summer.
The unity event was attended by community leaders, ºù«ÍÞapp ambassadors, council members and other key representatives from across the local community. Attendees signed a unity pledge in a show of togetherness and support.
The event opened with a speech from Councillor Michael Jones (Leader of ºù«ÍÞapp Borough Council), followed by speeches from Councillor Yasmin Khan (Cabinet member for Public Protection), the Mayor of ºù«ÍÞapp, Councillor Sharmila Sivarajah, Councillor Duncan Crow (Leader of the opposition) and ºù«ÍÞapp’s MP Peter Lamb.
Community leaders also spoke at the event including representatives from the Hindu faith, Christian faith and Muslim faith, as well as Marilyn Mansfield-Clark from Diverse ºù«ÍÞapp, Paul Taylor-Burr from ºù«ÍÞapp Campaign Against Racism and Youth Mayor, Elijah Norton.
The event, which was compered by Chris Oxlade from the ºù«ÍÞapp Town Centre BID, also featured fantastic performances from Tamil Learning Centre ºù«ÍÞapp dance group, Ukraine soloist Sofia and DMT school musical theatre group.
I very much wanted to have an event where we could unite and talk about what brings us together. We all have something to contribute to our local life here in ºù«ÍÞapp, recognise our differences and celebrate the strength that gives us in dealing with all of life’s challenges and successes. Thank you to so many for coming tonight, for representing your community and most importantly making a strong statement that there is no room for hate and division here in ºù«ÍÞapp.
Councillor Michael Jones
Leader
ºù«ÍÞapp Borough Council
ºù«ÍÞapp is the most diverse town in Sussex. We have always welcomed people from different countries, cultures, of all faiths, nationalities and backgrounds, this is what truly defines us. Our unity is our beauty and strength.
Councillor Yasmin Khan
Cabinet member for Public Protection
ºù«ÍÞapp Borough Council
Regardless of our background, the vast majority of us in ºù«ÍÞapp get along well with each other, but events at home and abroad has led to some people being targeted for abuse because of their ethnic or religious background. That is always unacceptable and we stand united against all forms of discrimination.
Councillor Duncan Crow
Leader of the opposition
ºù«ÍÞapp Borough Council
This was the first unity event that we have held here in ºù«ÍÞapp and I would like to thank all of those who took part. We heard some really moving speeches from politicians, faith leaders and community representatives as well as some talented performances. This was a real celebration of what makes ºù«ÍÞapp special, and I was honoured to sign the pledge on behalf of all our residents.
Councillor Sharmila Sivarajah
Mayor of ºù«ÍÞapp
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