Schools in Roeselare dance against racism

According to figures from the equal opportunities center Unia, in 2020 at least 29 inhabitants of Roeselare were the victims of racism. “That is 29 too many. Roeselare is a city where everyone should be able to feel at home,” it sounds. Often racist behavior stems from ignorance, fear of the unknown or prejudice. “A person’s skin colour, cultural background or faith should be normal differences. When people are valued on the basis of these differences, we speak of racism,” says Michèle Hostekint, alderman for Diversity and Equal Opportunities.

“It started with rude remarks, then physical aggression was also involved”

Israel’s roots are in the Dominican Republic. He lives in Roeselare and now also works for the youth organization of ARhus. He gives workshops to young people who want to learn to produce music. He too came into contact with racism: “Ever since I was a little boy, I have been confronted with prejudices about my skin color. In secondary school I changed schools because the racism became too much for me, but it went from bad to worse. It started with rude comments like ‘go back to your own country’ or ‘you are different from the rest’. Then there was also physical aggression,” he testified.

Naima also grew up in Roeselare, in a Flemish-Moroccan family. According to her, it is important to react when you witness racism. “When subtle comments or rude things are said to others, respond. It’s important that people open their mouths to make it clear that we don’t speak to each other like that. Because when no one says anything, it seems normal to have that kind of to make statements.”

Dance against racism

“Discrimination is often difficult to discuss, but that does not make it any less common. Music and dance have a binding effect. As a universal language, music makes us forget our differences.” The schools in Roeselare were called upon to teach a dance against racism.

On Mondays, the students dance in the school as a flash mob. That same day at 5 pm they will repeat the dance together on the Stationsplein in Roeselare.

Dialogue tables

On 9 May, the city will organize dialogue tables in TRAX together with local partners. The residents of Roeselare are called upon to provide input for the 10-point plan against racism and discrimination in Roeselare.

“2022 is the year in which we will tackle racism together and for that we need the people of Roeselare,” says Hostekint. “We bundle all ideas to work together towards a Roeselare without racism.”