Further to last week’s articles and letters, I was at the Carlisle Black Lives Matter demonstration. It was non-violent, social distancing was in place and most people wore masks even though it was outside.

The testimonials from black people living and working in the Carlisle area should be compulsory listening for the whole of Cumbria. How can it be that a black man leaves his house in his work uniform (hospital scrubs) and is applauded by his neighbours, the following day the same man goes out in ordinary clothes and is avoided, ignored or verbally abused by the same people? Two female workers at the same workplace are regularly treated in a similar fashion including having eggs thrown at their houses, in Carlisle, this city in the 21st century? This has been going on for hundreds of years, we have still learnt nothing.

Education as Will said is the answer. We have to educate not just our children but our friends and relatives to the fact that people from other countries, backgrounds and colours are lovely friendly kind people who have much to teach us and share with us too.

Next time someone says a racist remark in your hearing, ask them kindly why did they say what they said. Listen to them, then gently point out these people are just like us trying to make a good life for themselves and willing to do jobs many Britons are not wanting to do.

It has to start right here, right now on our doorsteps, not in a few more years when laws are eventually passed and more deaths have happened.

No one should have to suffer any abuse from another human being.

Wendy Fielding

Hallbankgate

Brampton