Black Lives Matter

09 June 2020

We, at Optivo Students, are proud of our diverse family of students and staff.

We stand for diversity and we stand against racism.

Now, more than ever, is a time for us all to come together to talk and to listen, to be allies and support each other.

Please take a moment to read the below message from Geraldine Candiru, Accommodation Manager:

My thoughts on watching recent events being televised is: IT’S NOT OK! The death of George Floyd and many others saddens my heart and brings tears to my eyes to witness what’s been going on for centuries.

The pain is transparent and a change is needed! For years, innocent lives have been lost.

I think what needs to be understood by all people is that the black experience, and what has been done historically, is very much deep rooted in slavery, systemic oppression, police brutality, not being treated equally, and colonisation (Africa is the world’s richest continent – in terms of natural resources - but yet has some of the most poorest people). Not recognising the impact of past events on present realities is the reason why it continues today.

I hope for the new generation that we can dismantle structural racism, stop the spread of hate, and that this is the last generation affected.

While sanitising and wiping everything down, let’s also wipe out hatred. Hatred is a virus too. Let’s break the cycle. #BLACKLIVESMATTER

If you are feeling overwhelmed by recent events, or you would like to know more about what you can do to help, you may find the below links useful:

Optivo Students