A racist remark is made at work. Someone laughs. Someone else looks away.
For the person on the receiving end, the question may be whether speaking up will change anything or simply make tomorrow harder.
Challenging racism involves more than telling people to report it. It also means asking what happens when they do.
A Guardian feature published this weekend revisited Britain’s anti-racist campaigns, offering a timely starting point for that conversation.
For Ghanaian families in Britain, the subject reaches into everyday life: work, school, public transport and the neighbourhoods we call home.
Start by taking it seriously
Not every unfair experience is evidence of racism. But a concern deserves to be heard and examined.
Dismissing a remark as a joke, or telling someone they are too sensitive, can close the conversation before the facts are established.
A colleague, teacher or manager can begin by listening, recording what has been raised and explaining what will happen next.
The person affected should not have to carry the entire burden of the response alone.
At work, a complaint needs action
Acas says people who experience or witness race discrimination at work can complain to their employer. Depending on the circumstances, they may raise the matter informally or make a formal complaint, known as a grievance.
Keeping a clear record can help: what happened, when, who was present and any relevant messages or emails. A trade union representative or the Acas advice service can help someone understand their options.
But having a complaints policy is only the beginning. Employers need to put it into practice.
Was the concern investigated? Was the person kept informed? Did the behaviour stop?
Those are the questions that give a policy meaning.
Witnesses have a role too
A person witnessing racism may be able to offer support without escalating the situation.
That could mean checking on the person afterwards, offering to provide an account of what happened or accompanying them when they raise a concern.
Safety matters. Helping does not require entering a confrontation that could put someone at risk.
Within Ghanaian churches, associations and community groups, there is also room for practical support: helping someone find advice, understand a letter or prepare for a meeting.
Know where to turn
Racist discrimination and hate crime are not identical. The appropriate response depends on what happened.
For a suspected hate crime, call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress. For a non-emergency, call 101 or contact your local police.
For advice about discrimination in England, Scotland or Wales, the Equality Advisory and Support Service provides free support on 0808 800 0082.
What happens afterwards matters
There is no single response that solves racism. A workplace complaint, a school’s intervention or organised community support will each face different circumstances.
A useful measure is what changes for the person affected: whether they are heard, supported and able to go about their life with greater confidence.
Reporting racism takes courage. What happens after the report can shape whether someone feels able to speak up again.
About the Author
For me, what happens after someone reports racism matters just as much as encouraging them to speak up. Being listened to and seeing action taken can make a real difference. Sometimes a supportive colleague is where that starts.