Reader’s letter: Why I’m organising Unity in the Community event to celebrate refugees in Southampton

By Bobby Grigore.

The best way I’d describe Unity in the Community (a march taking place from noon in Southampton city centre on Sunday) is a celebration of the joy that refugees come to experience as a result of their perseverance in a world that’s been growing rapidly volatile in recent times; thriving in spite of their odds. The unimaginable traumas that these brave people face can’t be put into words. Some look to the end through a dark tunnel, while others will simply never make it.

The instability of the refugee experience is what forces these people to become the saviours of their own lives. Being a refugee doesn’t discriminate – young children are just as, if not even more likely to become displaced during conflicts and disasters.

Southampton is a global city; a patchwork quilt of the experiences that each of us brings to it. Whether you’ve always lived here or migrated here recently, you’ll know Southampton isn’t just a city in England – it’s a place where the map of the Earth can be traced down every street. Diversity makes Southampton.

Far right agitators have all too often gotten away with painting our refugee siblings as vicious and subhuman, and they think our city stands alongside their hateful ideologies. The very community they claim to want to protect is being fractured by their actions. There’s no such thing as community where people are excluded. And we especially have a duty to protect and celebrate those facing shortcomings through none of their fault.

This is my plea to anyone reading this: don’t pity refugees. Pity is a sentiment reserved for those who are weak and incompetent. Refugees are fierce, powerful, and they’re living proof that tomorrow is one hopeful thought away.

I hope that people from all walks of life will be joining us on Sunday the 12th. We’ll be meeting in front of the Southampton Central Library next to the fountain at 12PM. Being able to shout from the rooftops with joy about these wonderful self made individuals shouldn’t be a privilege. We won’t let a group of Facebook’s finest undo lifetimes of progress towards a fairer existence; we’ll celebrate. Like a pub roaring with joy after a goal is scored. Like a blindingly colourful Holi festival. Like a Park Run with all your mates and their dogs.

We’ll have a proper Great British celebration of our global citizens. Come join us, and let’s put the unity back into community together!

I haven’t included much about myself in this piece because I’m not personally a refugee, so the event isn’t about me. I am, however, a first generation Romanian immigrant so in many ways I can sympathise. Aside from this, I’m an 18 year old activist, campaigner, and politician passionate about injustice affecting marginalised groups.

I was told from a young age that my efforts as a queer and autistic man wouldn’t change the world, and that the world of politics would be impossible to navigate given my background. I love inspiring others to change the narrative of their life, and as I’ve always told myself when times get tough, “I can’t wait for it to not be easy”.