Alexander's Story: "we wont be defeated"

Through a community group I am active with in my area of East Belfast, I was able to join in with a huge group effort to support people during the racist violence and pogroms and the huge fear these caused.

I was amazed and impressed by how well organised the community response was and it empowered hundreds of us to be well led and choreographed to respond to requests for help.

I think its normal for us to struggle in times of crisis with shock or sadness, but the organising efforts of those involved kept it going through each minute of the day and night. 

I know our city is infinitely more than the hatred and bigotry we saw.

I saw the unity in opposition to that so clearly through this group, at the hall they helped with food deliveries and ultimately through the gesture of shared understanding with someone who requested food to be delivered to them as they were fearful to leave their home.

When I explained I was hard of hearing and probably couldn't understand them when we met they signed thanks in a sign language I understand.

There is infinitely more that unites us than divides us, from the big right down to the small.

If they bring fear we will be resilient and we wont be defeated.