One Year On: Anti-racism campaign in Worcester has "overwhelming" response
Today is the one year anniversary of the death of George Floyd
An anti-racism campaign setup in Worcester has had an "overwhelming response" a year on from when it was started.
Over 30 businesses across the city have signed up to display posters which actively show they are anti-racist.
It comes as the world marks the on year anniversary of the death of George Floyd who was murdered by ex-police officer Derek Chauvin in the U.S last year.
George Floyd died after Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for nine minutes whilst handcuffed which sparked global Black Lives Matter protests.
Yasmin Agilah-Hood decided to start a campaign to help businesses in Worcester show their allyship to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
In an open letter penned last year, Yasmin said: "I have lived in Worcester for 4 years and I have experienced more racism here, than I have living in Somerset as a child or London and Bristol as an adult.
"Let that sink in. With regards to racism, Worcester is the worst place I have lived. I have been racially abused three times in the workplace, as a chef, as a waiter and as a carer. I overhear racism, I am subjected to fetishism, the trope of ‘I’m not racist but’ or ‘Where are you really from’ on many nights out as well as the unconsented touching of my skin or hair.
"Given the current climate and the lack of multicultural representation in Worcester and uninvited visits from the EDL it is important that as Worcester grows, people of colour feel supported and valued".
The hospitality industry in Worcester has sprung into action to show their support and have posters displayed in their venues.
Hann Webb, Operations Director at Bottles Wine Bar who joined the campaign, said the reason why they wanted to be involved was "simple".
Hannah said: "The safety of absolutely every human being which comes into that bar is important.
"We want every single persona and human to have a lovely time in the bar and there's no reason why we shouldn't get involved in a topical campaign like this.
"It's about showing a unite front against racism"
"I've certainly had questions about the posters when I've been in bottles, not always positive comments, but even any comment means the awareness has been raised.
Hannah helped Yasmin roll out the campaign using her contacts at various hospitality venues and helped her distribute posters around the city.
Hannah continued: "I went round asking businesses if they wanted to display the posters and I didn't say they didn't want to take part.
"I think we're really lucky to live in a community where we're all like-minded in hospitality and I was just taken aback by the overwhelming response I had".
"It's really about showing a united front here in Worcester and being part of a wider movement across the globe".