How UK migrant communities are rebuilding from the far-right riots, one month on

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The riots made me feel unsafe and unwelcomed,” says Augusta Itua, who is chair of trustees at Hackney Migrant Centre. “I’ve had individuals come to me and say: ‘we left Syria because of the worries and concerns, and we really didn’t expect to face this out here in the UK’.” open image in gallery People board up restaurants ahead of feared far-right violence in Birmingham, August 7, 2024 The 55-year-old Birmingham local adds that many of the rioters were also motivated by the long-standing myth that migrants don’t “contribute” to the UK. We were mostly isolated because we are scared of getting attacked,” “It also fuelled my determination to succeed and become someone successful in life in order to become an advocate for change and also to become someone that the community could be proud of in future.” The 19-year-old East London local says he was supported by Hackney Migrant Centre, with staff calling him to provide emotional support. “Our community is shaken, but our joyful event was a poignant opportunity to celebrate our existence.” open image in gallery Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott MP attends the Hackney Migrant Centre Summer Parrty The Hackney Migrant Centre supports over 700 people to access justice and overcome barriers every year.