A video highlighting the role of British immigrants who are combatting Coronavirus as well as racism is being shared online.
Using the hashtag #YouClapForMeNow, the video was originally shared by Sachini Imbuldeniya via Vimeo.
The clip is comprised of a poem with each line read out by a different immigrants who are working at the frontline during the pandemic.
“You Clap for Me Now is a poem to remind us all that the large majority of ‘key workers’ are from Black and Minority Ethnic families,” Imbuldenlya writes in the caption.”
“It is read out line-by-line by first, second and third-generation immigrants including doctors, nurses, teachers, shopkeepers, dentists, social workers, delivery drivers, broadcasters and more.”
“Despite long, shameful histories of facing racism and hostility, immigrants in every country are showing kindness and solidarity by delivering essential aid and services to their nations,” Imbuldenlya adds.
“Don’t say go home. Don’t say not here. You know how it feels for home to be a prison. You know how it feels to live in fear.”
Lines from the poem reference the weekly Clap For Our Carers in which households around the UK clap from their window simultaneously to show their support for NHS workers.
“You clap for me now,” the poem states. “You cheer as I toil. Bringing food to your family. Bringing food from your soil. Propping up your hospitals.”
“Not some foreign invader. Delivery driver. Teacher. Life saver.”
The poem readers also call upon people to support their communities.
“Come all you Gretas. You Malalas. You immigrants. See what we have learned. It only takes the smallest thing to change the world.”
You Clap For Me Now from Sachini Imbuldeniya on Vimeo.
