Brent Leader in tears

Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, was reduced to tears at our emotionally powerful event celebrating Refugee Week, including contributions from those fleeing persecution.

We began with personal testimony from a local Kindertransport Holocaust survivor, who fled Germany when she was 12 – never to see her parents again – and discovered how the past resonates with the present. Then Care 4 Calais’s Matilda Velevitch reported from today’s front line, describing the horrific journeys and exploitation suffered, often for years, by desperate asylum seekers. Matilda reminded us of the inequity of there being no legal route into the UK for those fleeing persecution, unless they come from Ukraine or Hong Kong.

The mood then became life-affirming, as refugees courageously gave their testimonies in English (quite a difficult call even for native English speakers), described how they are volunteering (since they are forbidden to work) and their deep need to contribute positively to UK society. Some also treated us to their creativity eg moving poetry from Entela from Albania (left in top title image), and beautiful paintings and sand sculptures by Abdul Aziz from Sudan. There was so much energy, competence and positivity in the room, which one can only hope will eventually be harnessed by this country. We sure could use it!

Cllr Butt’s presence was of immense importance to the refugees. He remarked upon his own family’s experience and how the afternoon had been “truly thought provoking – and I truly hope we don’t ‘get used to things’ [the Rwanda policy etc]”. 

Everyone stayed on for chats over excellent cake (donated by Selfridges) and tea and soft drinks. One audience member said: “This makes the library so relevant”.

Cllr Ryan Hack summed up the mood: “This event will truly stay with me for a very long time. It was so powerful and also heart-warming – it has impelled me to be a better citizen”.

Words: Stephanie Schonfield. Images: Margaret Bailey