Action Against Hate: Panel Discussion
Research shows that ethnic minority communities working in the media, including the arts, are underrepresented and under-resourced. During this panel discussion, scholars, practitioners and activists from the media and arts sectors examined the role of creative industries in shaping everyday society, looking at narratives around diversity, with a focus on religion. The panel tried to answer some of the key questions related to the problem. How can underrepresented artists and media practitioners be better supported? What are the voices, narratives and stories missing in the media and cultural sectors and what impact is that having on the members of diverse communities? How can institutions address exclusion and discrimination in a more radical and sustainable way? Using examples of inclusive approaches across the creative industries, the panellists discussed how the arts and media can be used to counter hate speech and toxic narratives while uplifting oppressed groups.
The Speakers
Moderator: Dr Roza Tsagarousianou
Roza is a Reader in Media and Communication at the Westminster School of Media and Communications of the University of Westminster and the Research Lead of the University of Westminster's Diversity and Inclusion Research Community. In this role Roza develops the University's research policy in the area of Diversity and Inclusion.
Speaker: Suyin Haynes
Suyin is Head of Editorial at gal-dem, an award-winning publication dedicated to sharing the perspective of people of colour from marginalised genders. She was previously a senior reporter at TIME magazine and was based in both London and Hong Kong.
Speaker: Khadija Said
Khadija is a digital communications specialist who works in the refugee sector. Before her time working in the third sector, she worked in politics as a community organiser which developed her passion for grassroots work and creating more inclusive spaces. She is an illustrator and activist who uses digital art to counter narratives. Her art features themes on Islam, political activism and community.
Speaker: Rabbi Alex Goldberg
Rabbi Alex Goldberg is the Dean of Religious Life and Belief at the University of Surrey leading a team of 25 from 8 world faiths and the humanist tradition serving a community of 22,000 staff and students. He is the only rabbi within this role in Europe. He is a barrister, a rabbi and has worked most his life promoting good community relations in inter-governmental, governmental and community roles. He contributes regularly to BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought, is an advisor to the UK Religious Media Centre and chairs the FA’s Faith and Football Group.