The persistent anti-immigration narrative in the Brexit debate has been amplified by the election of Trump in the USA last November. It is an international development that augurs ill for millions both in America and around the world.
I voiced my concerns in The Voice newspaper back in January, clinging on to a hope that an alliance of the American media, Congress and the Judiciary would be sufficient to constrain the damage, both direct and collateral, of a loose- cannon Trump executive.
In August, however, Trump’s insouciance toward right-wing populism allowed the spectre of civil unrest to raise its ugly head in Charlottesville. Catalysed by a white supremacist rally inspiring public hate and violence in the streets, it was with sadness that I then watched Kathryn Bigolow’s excellent but deeply disturbing ‘Detroit’. In dark serendipity, it was released almost simultaneously with the Charlottesville trouble. What should have been a history lesson for us all was instead a movie of historical record, illustrating perhaps that we have learned nothing in 50 years.
Black History Month is a vital annual reminder of the struggle, reinforcing the message that we must seek every-which-way to counter the scourge of racism that continues to blight our world. I remain resolute in that mission, reliant on my faith and a belief that the goodness of humankind will prevail. I wish everyone participating in BHM 2017 warmest wishes and strength in your own challenges as the coming months unfold.
HELEN GRANT MP