On the anniversary of his death, Knowsley Council and its partners reflect on Anthony’s life and their collective commitment to say ‘No More’ to hate.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:

“Sixteen years on I still feel great sadness at the loss of this young man. A man who clearly had so much to live for and so much to positively contribute to his community and to everyone around him.

“It is tragic to think that hatred and violence can have such a devastating impact on the lives of so many people. That’s why we continue to work hard with our communities and other partners to address issue of hate crime in all its forms.”

Last year Knowsley Council launched the No More campaign which seeks to use its power as a local authority to encourage positive change in Knowsley for its residents and communities. The campaign aims to raise understanding of what hate crime is and where and how it can be reported.

Alongside raising awareness and encouraging communities to support inclusivity and diversity, the Council also convenes regular monitoring meetings with a specific focus on hate crime and ways to identify and target issues. Partners including the Council, Merseyside Police, local housing associations, The Anthony Walker Foundation and others come together regularly to share their knowledge and experience, identify or tackle specific issues and develop long term strategies and plans to address key areas of concern.

Cllr Powell continues: “Key to us tackling hate crime is working with partners to address the issues and establish ways to best support those who experience and witness such incidents. By sharing specialist knowledge, we can build our understanding of hate crime and support residents and communities affected.

“We must and will continue to stand against hate and racism in all its forms.”

SPEAK OUT! STOP HATE
Since his untimely death, the Walker family set up The Anthony Walker Foundation which tackles racism, supports those experiencing hate crime and builds safer, stronger, thriving places to live.

The Foundation recently established the Speak Out! Stop Hate campaign and reporting tool: https://anthonywalkerfoundation.com/speak-out-stop-hate/ here people can report any incident of hate crime they experience or witness.

HOW ELSE CAN I REPORT HATE CRIME?
If it feels like the situation could get heated or violent very soon or if someone in immediate danger call 999 straight away.

You can report hate crime online or call 101.

If you’d prefer to speak to a police officer in person visit a police station, Merseyside Police can provide a safe and comfortable environment at any of our police stations.

Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable reporting it to the police you can report it to Stop Hate UK 0800 138 1625.

Reports can also be made and safety can be found at Merseyside Fire and Rescue stations across Knowsley and Merseyside