About
This is a space to virtually protest. To forge stronger connections and consolidate our existing solidarity. A platform to acknowledge the realities of racism, embrace the awkwardness that comes with taking action, commit to making a difference beyond this moment and channel energy into a movement for real lasting change.What is beyond the hashtag?
In response to the killing of George Floyd on 25th May 2020 by a Minneapolis police officer, peaceful protests, demonstrations, and acts of solidarity have erupted across the world in a global reaction to systemic racism and centuries of oppression. These protests have taken many forms and united many races whilst, possibly most importantly, solidifying the notion that it’s not enough to not be a racist, but we must all stand up and be actively anti-racist.
With the world being in the grip of a global pandemic, and movements and gatherings still limited, many people have turned to the digital world to spread their message of unity and solidarity through online campaigns and coordinated hashtags. Whilst, collective action at physical gatherings are not an option for everyone right now we wanted to create a space where we could all stand in unity in the virtual world, by going beyond the hashtag to forge a collective network of ideas, events, solidarity, creative outlets and educational resources.
Who are we?
We are a bunch of mates from Bristol, from various community groups, festivals and pubs, responding to this devastating moment and all that has led up to it.We understand the wording may not be right and that the site is a bit too focussed on the immediate response. It’s an invitation to open a deeper conversation, a jump off to the next step, beyond Blackout Tuesday, the intention to be here for each other for the long haul.
We don’t have the answers. We have ideas. We have friendship. We have bravery. We have imagination. We have willingness to learn. We have the intention to be the change. We need you.
If you’d like to get involved in future projects, get in touch on hashtagbeyond@gmail.com
Read Ngaio’s article below about why she brought us together for this project and how creativity could bring communities together; through solidarity and commitment to change.
‘Exhausted’
That's what we are. As a community, we are exhausted at having to have this conversation and deal with the expected response of 'oh, but is it really that bad?' 'oh, is it really happening here though?' 'oh , but do you really know that was racism?' People have come...