This is the aftermath of when the Authorities don't listen and get it wrong. Significantly this commenced the day after the famous Handsworth Carnival with many enjoying themselves.
The night air on 9th September 1985 filled up with dust and smoke from burning and collapsing building which created something reminiscent of pictures that we were seeing on the news from Beirut at the time.
This was not just about the Police stopping a vehicle on Lozells Road, but the attitude and behaviour of the Officer's whilst conducting the stop.
Clearly, this was the result of the build up of tension.
We always hear about lessons being learnt, however, have they really been learnt, or acted upon.
There is without a shadow of a doubt better dialogue with Senior Police Officer's at Command Level, however, is this really getting down to the Officer's of the street that are there to protect and serve our communities.
Today, we still have several disproportionalities, in terms of criminal justice, stop n search, racial profiling, unexplained and unaccountable Deaths in Custody, introducing our youngsters to cells and releasing them without any further action and not forgetting stereotyping.
One has to wonder why it is that after so many reports, here in Birmingham as Julius Silvermann in 1985, Judge Singh in 2003 and further reports in 2011, are concerns at grass roots in our communities have not progressed effectively.
Let's not also forgot about the tragic loss of human life.
Two things I recall from 1985, is driving along Lozells Road at about 9pm and seeing shops being set on fire, alongside shopping trolley's being rolled down the road full of goods. Also, the then Home Secretary Douglas Hurd visiting Night Spot only to be rushed back into his car owing to heavy handed policing which was unfortunate as his presence to commence dialogue was actually welcomed.
My conclusion is a simple one after 30 years we still have a long way to go, but, all parties have to be willing to be participants on the road towards true equality.
Desmond Jaddoo
9th September 2015
The night air on 9th September 1985 filled up with dust and smoke from burning and collapsing building which created something reminiscent of pictures that we were seeing on the news from Beirut at the time.
This was not just about the Police stopping a vehicle on Lozells Road, but the attitude and behaviour of the Officer's whilst conducting the stop.
Clearly, this was the result of the build up of tension.
We always hear about lessons being learnt, however, have they really been learnt, or acted upon.
There is without a shadow of a doubt better dialogue with Senior Police Officer's at Command Level, however, is this really getting down to the Officer's of the street that are there to protect and serve our communities.
Today, we still have several disproportionalities, in terms of criminal justice, stop n search, racial profiling, unexplained and unaccountable Deaths in Custody, introducing our youngsters to cells and releasing them without any further action and not forgetting stereotyping.
One has to wonder why it is that after so many reports, here in Birmingham as Julius Silvermann in 1985, Judge Singh in 2003 and further reports in 2011, are concerns at grass roots in our communities have not progressed effectively.
Let's not also forgot about the tragic loss of human life.
Two things I recall from 1985, is driving along Lozells Road at about 9pm and seeing shops being set on fire, alongside shopping trolley's being rolled down the road full of goods. Also, the then Home Secretary Douglas Hurd visiting Night Spot only to be rushed back into his car owing to heavy handed policing which was unfortunate as his presence to commence dialogue was actually welcomed.
My conclusion is a simple one after 30 years we still have a long way to go, but, all parties have to be willing to be participants on the road towards true equality.
Desmond Jaddoo
9th September 2015