This week, we have been reflecting on the principles that guide how we journey with one another at 4Front. The 4Front Freedoms provide us with a framework, grounding all of our interactions and ways of working in aspirations for freedom. They are a set of guidelines - rights and responsibilities - for all 4Front members and our staff. Rooted in love and care, they shape our work and encourage us all to practice our ideals daily. With the desire for freedom as our foundation, we are continuing to build an environment which empowers all.
In solidarity,
The 4Front Project Team
Highlights
4FRONT featured in new children's book Superheroes by #Merky Books
This week, we’re excited to announce that our Director, Temi Mwale, will be featured in #Merky Books first ever illustrated children’s book, Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength. This book is filled with inspiring journeys to encourage children to harness their power for good. This feature looks at why 4Front was created and what our work is about. Temi shared “I want children to know that there are people who care deeply for them. We are fighting for them. We are fighting for the society that they deserve, for the future they deserve. I need them to know that they have the power to transform their communities and the world.” We hope that this book not only inspires, but empowers the children who read it. Written by Sophia Thakur and illustrated by Denzell Dankwah, featuring a special introduction by Stormzy, the book will be available on 16th September. Pre-order now, here.
Newsbite
Dalian Atkinson’s killer has been convicted. But we need institutional accountability.
By Sophia Purdy-Moore:
On 15 August 2016, ex-footballer Dalian Atkinson died as a result of excessive use of force by police. West Mercia officers shot Atkinson with a taser, beat him, and kicked him in the head. On 23 June, the court found PC Benjamin Monk guilty of the manslaughter of Atkinson. According to INQUEST, this is the first time in 35 years that a UK police officer has been found guilty of manslaughter following a death in police contact or custody. Although this is a landmark conviction, we have yet to see justice properly served as UK police continue to use force excessively and disproportionately against Black people. Read more... [via The Canary]
Spotlight
War Inna Babylon: The Community’s Struggle for Truths and Rights
We’re spotlighting, War inna Babylon: The Community’s Struggle for Truths and Rights - a new exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. This work sheds light on the collective resistance, actions and grassroot work pursued by Black communities across the UK in response to decades of institutional racism. This exhibition, which launches on July 6th, was curated by London-based racial advocacy and community organisation, Tottenham Rights, alongside Kamara Scott and Rianna Jade Parker. The exhibition marks ten years since the police killing of Mark Duggan, which sparked England-wide uprisings against police brutality and racism. War innna Babylon will also chronicle the impact of state violence and systematic racism targeted at Black British communities, and those communities’ resistance, through a programme of events running until 26th September. If you would like to attend, book here.
JENGbA (Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association)
We’re spotlighting, JENGbA (Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association) - an organisation campaigning on behalf of, and with, those wrongfully convicted under draconian joint enterprise laws. On July 7th, JENGbA will lead a protest against the legislation’s damaging ramifications, highlighting over 1500 prisoners affected and loved ones and families still fighting for justice. Joint enterprise allows convictions of people who 'could' have ‘foreseen’ the actions of others. It has routinely been used in an unjust and racist way, wrongfully convicting people, especially those tarnished with the ‘gang’ label - who are prosecuted merely on the basis of their friendships and associations. Join the protest and check out their website for more information.