Cultural leaders in Leeds pledge to continue to fight racism as they back Black Lives Matter

Five women who are at the forefront of culture in Leeds have pledged to continue to fight racism in the city as they back the Black Lives Matter movement.

Amanda Huxtable of Eclipse Theatre in Mabgate, Kully Thiarai of Leeds 2023, Keranjeet Kaur Virdee of South Asian Arts in Mabgate, Sharon Watson of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Kathy Williams of RJC in Chapeltown are all key figures in the art, theatre and dance industries in Leeds.

They have released a joint statement following the death of George Floyd, who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes.

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In the statement, they reflect on the systemic issues of racism in society and their own personal experiences as black and Asian women.

Amanda Huxtable (right) is the Artistic Director & CEO of Eclipse Theatre. pictured with writer Marcia Layne (left), performer Flo Wilson (centre) during Bag Lady in 2013. Photo by Alexandru BoicuAmanda Huxtable (right) is the Artistic Director & CEO of Eclipse Theatre. pictured with writer Marcia Layne (left), performer Flo Wilson (centre) during Bag Lady in 2013. Photo by Alexandru Boicu
Amanda Huxtable (right) is the Artistic Director & CEO of Eclipse Theatre. pictured with writer Marcia Layne (left), performer Flo Wilson (centre) during Bag Lady in 2013. Photo by Alexandru Boicu

They pledged to continue to "ensure the voices and experiences of our communities are cherished and celebrated" and "work together, in peaceful creative protest".

The women said: "Yesterday, like many of the communities we serve, we observed #BlackoutTuesday.

"As Black and Brown women leaders in the city of Leeds, we are no strangers to the systemic and structural issues of racism, sexism and inequality in our society.

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"Our own personal experiences mean we know first-hand the impact racism can have on us as individuals, on our families and friends, and on our wider society.

Kathy Williams, co founder and dance director at RJC Dance based in Chapeltown. Pictured in August 2018. Picture Tony Johnson.Kathy Williams, co founder and dance director at RJC Dance based in Chapeltown. Pictured in August 2018. Picture Tony Johnson.
Kathy Williams, co founder and dance director at RJC Dance based in Chapeltown. Pictured in August 2018. Picture Tony Johnson.

"For all of us, our work and practice represent our commitment and pledge to fight racism and injustice in all its forms.

"We do so in the organisations we lead, and now we do so as a united voice, with and for the people of Leeds and our region.

"Over many years, as female leaders in the creative sector, we have actively sought, in overt and discreet ways, to change the damaging cultural narratives that dominate.

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"Through our creative practice we have made work that reveals the stories and lives of our diverse communities, our rich heritage, our unseen talent and our passion for life.

Sharon Watson CEO and Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Pictured: Sharon Watson speaking speaker at the third annual Celebrating Women event held in Leeds Town Hall in 2016. Picture Tony Johnson.Sharon Watson CEO and Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Pictured: Sharon Watson speaking speaker at the third annual Celebrating Women event held in Leeds Town Hall in 2016. Picture Tony Johnson.
Sharon Watson CEO and Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Pictured: Sharon Watson speaking speaker at the third annual Celebrating Women event held in Leeds Town Hall in 2016. Picture Tony Johnson.

"Recent events do not deter or alter our course of action, indeed it has made us even more resolute.

"We will continue to ensure the voices and experiences of our communities are cherished and celebrated in the work we create.

"Working together, in peaceful creative protest, we will collaborate with all the communities we serve to find a better day, encouraging all cultural leaders, politicians and fellow decision makers to do the same.

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"Like many of you out there we carry huge hurt and sadness. We are with you in solidarity, and with an open heart.

Keranjeet Kaur Virdee is the Artistic Director & CEO SAA-UK. Pictured in 2013 when South Asian Arts-UK are celebrating its16th birthday. Photo James HardistyKeranjeet Kaur Virdee is the Artistic Director & CEO SAA-UK. Pictured in 2013 when South Asian Arts-UK are celebrating its16th birthday. Photo James Hardisty
Keranjeet Kaur Virdee is the Artistic Director & CEO SAA-UK. Pictured in 2013 when South Asian Arts-UK are celebrating its16th birthday. Photo James Hardisty

"We send our condolences to George Floyd's friends and family at this time and demand justice for his community."

Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds Town Hall were lit up in purple on Tuesday, June 2 in memory of George Floyd.

Mr Floyd's death prompted public figures and organisations across the world to take part in a “blackout”, as the US continues to be gripped by unrest.

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A joint statement, by leader of Leeds City Council, Coun Judith Blake and Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Eileen Taylor, said: “Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds Town Hall will both be lighting up purple in memory of George Floyd.

"We are incredibly proud of how diverse and multicultural our city is and we stand in solidarity with all those across the world who are struggling against racism or any other forms of prejudice."

Council chief executive Tom Riordan yesterday added: "As a proudly diverse and multicultural city, Leeds will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends around the world who share our unshakeable belief that racism has no place in society."

Kully Thiarai is the Creative Director & CEO Leeds 2023. Pictured in Doncaster in 2018. Photo taken by Bruce Rollinson.Kully Thiarai is the Creative Director & CEO Leeds 2023. Pictured in Doncaster in 2018. Photo taken by Bruce Rollinson.
Kully Thiarai is the Creative Director & CEO Leeds 2023. Pictured in Doncaster in 2018. Photo taken by Bruce Rollinson.

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