Standing in Solidarity

During the course of this term, the wider world has undergone many notable changes and not least is the most recent Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd. It is a time of reflection and accountability for us all and we are hugely proud of the way Hammond students reacted to the unfolding events. Below is a project curated and organised by our Senior students with support from staff, in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. The result is an honest and open invitation to start a dialogue about how we can use our voices to make a fairer society. Here's their message and the resulting video project:

"A week ago today, people from all over the globe came together in recognition of Blackout Tuesday. This was a collective action to reflect on recent events, and to protest against racism and police brutality.

Blackout Tuesday was a moment. A powerful, beautiful moment. It is essential we now continue this moment and make it into a movement. We must continue to learn and to educate, to protest and to fight... and to stand in solidarity. We cannot afford to let this moment pass without change. We cannot allow the appalling treatment of any members of our community to continue. We simply cannot.

In reflection of this, students and staff have come together this week to create a video full of honesty, experience, art and organic feeling. It will be available here on our Facebook page and on The Hammond's YouTube channel, with the hope of reaching as many people and promoting as much awareness as possible.

We urge you to continue to listen to those who are speaking out. Different histories, ethnic backgrounds and cultures should be celebrated by all. Today and everyday we will stand by our black community.

Words should not remain as words. We will use our voices, and our voices will inspire action. And our actions will create change. Learn about how you can be part of the change.

Black Lives Matter.

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

Some viewers may find sections of this video upsetting, viewer discretion is advised."