Dear friends of Stand Up to Racism (Birmingham SUTR),

This newsletter is about our Unity Rally on Sunday 23 November, plus a planned protest on 06 November, the date of Aston's Villa's planned match against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Brief Updates

• Women Against the Far Right Birmingham & Black Country is growing. 70+ local activists took part in a launch event in Nexus Cafe and 300+ people are now following us online. Join us on Instagram or on TikTok and in-person at the Unity Rally on 23 November (more details below).
• Don't miss the 'Seeking the Pioneers' exhibition in the Library of Birmingham, organised by BRIG, which celebrates Birmingham's anti-racism activism and is on until the end of November.
• Read Mukhtar Dar's article in response to Robert Jenrick’s racist comments about Handsworth: 'Handsworth: the colour Jenrick couldn’t see'.
• SUTR is horrified by the two recent instances of racially aggravated rape taking place in the Midlands. We stand in solidarity with the victims, and will not allow misogyny to be normalised or ignored. Full statement.

Birmingham Unity Rally - Sunday 23 November

On Sunday 23 November from 5pm, join Women Against the Far Right Birmingham and Black Country and SUTR Birmingham for a powerful unity rally and procession of light marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, in Birmingham city entre.

Led by women and joined by allies from every community, the rally will be a vibrant celebration of unity in diversity, featuring dance, music, poetry, and inspiring speeches.

Together we'll stand in solidarity against racism, hate, and the far right - and shine a light for equality, safety and justice for all.

This is a rally for everyone. Our voices are many, our fight is one. Together we rise!

Event: Birmingham Unity Rally

Date: Sunday 23 November from 5pm

Location: St. Martin's Square, Birmingham City Centre (by the Christmas Tree)

Kick Israel Out of Football - Villa Match Protest

UK politicians have been falling over themselves to use the planned football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv as yet another opportunity to declare their support for Israel, label any calls for boycotts as anti-semitic, and appease the Far Right.

Join SUTR, and other local anti-racism organisations, at Aston Pavilion on Thursday 6 November at 6pm, to show that Birmingham:

• Opposes football hooliganism - with Maccabi fans having a history of using racist slurs, threatening sexual violence, and carrying out physical violence.
• Opposes the Far Right and Tommy Robinson - who have exploited the match for publicity and to spread their messages of hate.
• Calls for an end to the genocide in Gaza and for a free Palestine.
• Calls for a boycott of Israel, including a ban on Israeli football teams by UEFA and FIFA.

Event: Kick Israel Out of Football Protest

Date: Thursday 06 November from 6pm

Location: Aston Pavilion, Trinity Road, Aston, B6 6JD