'We shouldn't need to face racist attacks in 2024'

In 2024, it is disheartening that we still need to discuss racism and the attacks that come with it. Lynval Golding, a founding member of the band The Specials, expressed his frustration over the recent riots that have brought back memories of his experiences in Coventry during the 1970s and 80s. This summer, violence erupted across the UK, fueled by misinformation circulating online and a growing anti-immigration sentiment. In response to these troubling events, the organization Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) is being revived, more than 40 years after its predecessor, Rock Against Racism (RAR), first combined music with a political message. A poignant event is set to take place in Coventry this Saturday, featuring local bands, which holds special significance given the city's history of horrific racist violence. The memories of the 1970s and 1980s are still fresh for many British Asians, who recall a time when racist violence was rampant and the National Front was gaining prominence. During this period, they faced daily harassment and police brutality. Golding posed a troubling question: 'How can people reach a point where they would want to burn down a hotel with other human beings inside? ' The Specials were among many bands, including Steel Pulse, Aswad, and The Clash, that participated in RAR events. This movement emerged in 1976 as a response to the alarming rise in racist attacks, and LMHR was launched in 2002 to continue that fight. Clive Dixon from Coventry LMHR emphasized the need to adapt the movement to combat the frightening rise of far-right ideologies across Europe, stating, 'We must not be afraid to confront it again. ' Golding expressed pride in the work The Specials accomplished with Rock Against Racism in the early 1980s. The late 1970s and early 80s were marked by increasing racial intolerance and violence in various parts of Britain. Coventry, in particular, experienced a shocking wave of violence, including two racist murders, one attempted murder, and numerous attacks within just five months. This violence served as the backdrop for the establishment of the 2 Tone movement by Jerry Dammers. In April 1981, a 20-year-old student named Satnam Singh Gill was brutally stabbed to death in broad daylight in the city center, reportedly for simply walking with his white girlfriend. This tragic event followed the murder of Dr. Amal Dharry, who was also stabbed outside a chip shop in the Earlsdon area. Both deaths sent shockwaves through the community. In response to the violence, local groups, including the Anti-Nazi League, united to form the Coventry Committee Against Racism (CCAR), which also prompted The Specials to organize a benefit concert in the city. Once a prosperous city, Coventry faced significant challenges due to economic downturns, as noted by Dr. Nirmal Puwar from Goldsmiths University in London. Growing up in Coventry meant always being on guard, as racism influenced daily activities, including when to go out and with whom. Dr. Puwar explained, 'The hostility became part of your very being. ' Asian individuals were specifically targeted because they represented a difference that some found threatening. Co-author of the book Racist Tones, which documents stories of racism from the 1970s and 80s, Dr. Puwar recalled how football crowds were particularly intimidating. 'Match day felt like a curfew for families, as you had to ensure everyone was home due to the anger and violence that often erupted. ' Jitey Samra, whose family owned a business in the Foleshill area, shared her experiences of normalizing the racist incidents she witnessed. One particularly terrifying moment involved a driving instructor who made racist comments during a lesson, prompting her to flee the car in fear. The atmosphere in Coventry following the racist killings felt heavy, as if a dark cloud had descended over the city. Golding, despite using music to promote anti-racism messages, experienced horrific racial violence himself. He was attacked in a park while trying to intervene in a racist incident and had to run for his life through the city center. In early 1982, he was also stabbed in the neck at a nightclub, leaving him traumatized. Reflecting on the attack, he said, 'It was emotionally painful, and it took years to feel safe in a club again. ' The trauma of such experiences lingers for those who have endured them. In response to the violence, the CCAR organized a march for racial harmony in Coventry, which attracted thousands of participants. The demonstration stretched for a mile and included groups from across the country. However, tensions escalated when the marchers reached the city center, where the National Front awaited them. Dixon recalled, 'It all got a bit tense as the police tried to keep us apart. ' Reports from that time documented the presence of skinheads along the route, giving Nazi-style salutes and chanting. When the rally reached Cathedral Square, mounted police were deployed, and the crowd responded with rocks and bottles. The clash resulted in minor injuries to eleven police officers and the arrest of 74 demonstrators. In contrast, the concert at Butts Park Stadium was peaceful, and Golding felt proud to have participated in it. Musician Ace Ambrose expressed her excitement about being part of the re-launch concert for Love Music Hate Racism. She emphasized the importance of musicians taking a stand against racism, stating, 'Music is a universal language that binds us together, regardless of who we are. ' Duke Keats, another musician, highlighted the movement's role in showcasing the rich diversity of the city. He expressed pride in being born in a place where various cultures come together. Golding reflected on the significance of the work done by The Specials and other bands in supporting Rock Against Racism, asserting, 'Is there something wrong with us for wanting to promote love and unity? I don't think so. ' The re-launch of Love Music Hate Racism is scheduled for November 9 at LTB in Coventry, serving as a reminder that the fight against racism must continue.