Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter

 

Firstly, we want to acknowledge the death of George Floyd and the pain felt by his family and black people the world over as they are reminded of the traumas they have experienced, directly or across the generations, as a result of racism and systemic inequalities.

 

We recognise the existence of systemic and structural racism and other inequalities in the UK too, and the suffering that comes as a result of it. We stand in solidarity with black people and the #blacklivesmatter movement.

 

We recognise that racism, and related inequalities, are the lived realities for many mindfulness participants in the groups and services, practitioners and other staff in organisations offering mindfulness sessions and interventions. BAMBA will support mindfulness training organisations by sign-posting to resources for developing more inclusive working practice.

 

We show our solidarity with the intention to address the structural racism that has meant that the field of mindfulness too is not as accessible and equitable as it needs to be to black, BAME and all people of colour.

 

The Executive Committee, Advisory Board and Directors of BAMBA are committed to addressing racism and related inequalities in the governance and training of mindfulness and the voices heard and represented in the field of mindfulness and the organisation itself. We also recognise privilege in BAMBA itself and commit to understanding and education within the BAMBA Executive and membership as we move forward to addressing privilege and broadening access to mindfulness in the UK. BAMBA is committed to increasing access to mindfulness to black people and other people of colour.

 

Mindfulness is calling on us to respond to this situation with awareness and compassion. This is because mindfulness is a capacity that helps us to notice our thoughts and reactivity and supports us to bring awareness to our emotions, habits and biases. Mindfulness calls us all, and BAMBA as the governing organisation of mindfulness in the UK in particular, to bring awareness to the suffering caused by racism. Mindfulness practice is also imbued with kindness and compassion, these foundational qualities are calling on us to respond to this situation with these qualities.

 

“Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And that’s the only way forward.”- Ijeoma Oluo

 

BAMBA commits to challenging all forms of discrimination and respecting and valuing difference.

What can we each do to help challenge inequalities and support the Black Lives Matter movement?

Remaining open to learning helps us to connect to the common humanity between us all. See suggested action and educational content below and more via this link

Support Black and BAME family, friends and colleagues whenever they are facing racism and health inequalities, particularly at this especially stressful and traumatic time.

Sign petitions calling for action and donate to organisations fighting against injustices. Find out more via hashtag #BlackLivesMatter online & Black Lives Matter UK Fund  

Inform yourself and others – practicing willingness to open and learn

 

Listening

 

Watching

 

Books

 

Articles and reports

 

Read our Policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

BAMBA’s activities are only made possible through membership and voluntary support.

Should you wish to donate, your donation will be used to continue the maintenance of standards and inclusive access to mindfulness-based training in the UK.

We are grateful for your contribution to this vital work.

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