Risa's Story: "it is easier to struggle together"

I was hesitant to share my testimony about the race riots and the aftermath of the stabbing in North Belfast.

It feels as though the stories of the victims, survivors, and families should be at the forefront of this crisis. I also believe the hurt of communities that have been abandoned by a deeply broken system deserve real care and consideration. It didn't automatically seem as though the stories of those working in the community sector and as volunteers offered much more than a 'feel good story.' 

That being said, as I procrastinated writing this and processed my week, I found myself having the conversations about migration that I've had dozens of times: "we need to take care of our people first," "the system is failing us, we can't afford to help other people," and so on. I understand the hurt behind these statements, and as I said, those systems and that hurt deserve care and consideration. With that being true, I saw and partook in an alternative understanding of community last week. 

When ethnic minorities and migrants were being hurt this week, people that have the privilege of safety (along with quite a few very brave people that did not have this safety) responded immediately with care.

We didn't respond because we were well supported by the government or because we had cared for ourselves enough to be able to care for others.

The community I saw responded with immediate action and empathy because that is how you treat other human beings, particularly those who have experienced fear and trauma. I participated in a system this week that did not ask who deserves money and food more, did not weigh the value of human life against human life, did not ask what a person's status was before offering a room in a house or food for a family, but that provided support for those who needed it. Full stop.

I hope the stories being shared by volunteers and community workers show that yes, there were stories of hope in an horrific week for NI, but also that there is an alternative to blaming other human beings for our pain.

It is possible to support others while we ourselves are in need of support. In fact, it is easier to struggle together and to work towards a more fruitful system together.

The result, as I have experienced, is community.

The result is a deeper sense of belonging and safety.

I spent the week learning that I did not have to be ready, be perfect, or be well-off to support my community. I hope we can build our communities here by continuing to learn to care for other human beings within a broken and painful system.