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News / Standing Together – Jo Cox Anniversary

Standing Together – Jo Cox Anniversary

Director's blog

F&BF Communications

16 / 06 / 21

“We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us ”
– Jo Cox’s maiden speech, 2015

Today marks the anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, who was murdered 5 years ago  in her constituency by a far-right extremist. She would have been 46. Sadly, I did not know her, but from some of those that did I get a sense of her boundless energy, warmth, and compassion.

The Jo Cox Foundation was established to build a positive legacy for her and is developing as an important organisation in the field of social cohesion. This is our field too. We are proud to work alongside the Jo Cox Foundation and others in creating opportunities for people to come together, deepen their understanding of each other and help create a fairer world.

It seems apt on the anniversary of her murder to reflect on the shocking increase in hate crime over the past two months, triggered by the recent violence between Israel and Gaza. As Jo’s murder was five years ago, this is a sobering reminder of why we need to continue to work on strengthening community relations, day in and day out.

Interfaith and intercultural relations are vulnerable not only to events in the immediate neighbourhood, but also elsewhere in the world. We must stand together against hate, offering alternative pathways that can lead to deeper understanding of and solutions to problems we see around us.  

None of us can do this alone. More than ever, we need collaboration and partnership. F&BF celebrates those who work alongside us to strengthen community relations, tackle hate, and celebrate togetherness. All power to the Jo Cox Foundation and those building Jo’s legacy.

– By our Director, Phil Champain

 

The Jo Cox Foundation was established in 2016 by the friends and family of the late Jo Cox MP. The Foundation exists to build a positive legacy for Jo and to create something positive from the tragedy that was her murder.

Their vision is for a kinder, more compassionate society where every individual has a sense of belonging and where we recognise that we have more in common than that which divides us,  led by the values that guided Jo’s life as a campaigner, activist and humanitarian; a proud Yorkshire lass and internationalist; and a devoted mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend and MP.

If you want to find out more, we suggest exploring their website here >> 

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