As the world reacts to recent unfolding events in the US around the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man at the hands of police, the inherent reality of systemic racism has been placed under a spotlight. As brands and businesses publicly pledge their support to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, many are being accused of ‘optical allyship’, a situation in which they may be posturing about purpose rather than demonstrating actual support through action.

For 56 Black Men Founder Cephas Williams, George Floyd’s death and the death of other unarmed black people in America in recent weeks particularly, and around the world, initially found him unable to know how to react or whether he wanted to speak up at all, “because a big part of me is fed up,” he explains.

In a video posted on social media, Williams addresses the current situation and introduces a new campaign 56 Black Men has launched in partnership with Clear Channel UK, ‘Let’s Not Forget.’ The campaign calls on the public to remember the names of those black people who have been killed by police, and to take action against racism. 

The video aims to capture the momentum of the past few days, to become, as Williams explains, “a vehicle to channel the energy into what can we do now?” Williams also discussed the balance between overt and covert racism, the latter being something that he feels is particularly prominent in the UK, and to encourage the black community and non-black allies alike to unite behind a movement for equality.

Williams’ hope is that the campaign will inspire people to ask themselves what they can do right now; to examine what they are going to do moving forwards and to not forget the lives that have been lost. The campaign will run online and across nationwide billboards.

For Williams, ‘Let’s Not Forget’ echoes 56 Black Men’s strapline, ‘Let’s change the narrative for life.’ The company’s purpose is to challenge the damaging and pervasive narrative around black men and to ensure they are adequately represented across mainstream media.

Commenting on the ethos behind the ‘Let’s Not Forget’ campaign, Williams says: “It’s about using those names as a sign, a symbol, for us to really change things. The black community has proved time and time again that we will rise. So, keep your head up.”

Visit 56 Black Men’s website to find out more.