United for Black Lives (UBL) is a coalition of BLM Groups from across the UK. UBL was formed to build a national network of BLM local groups. The coalition will co-ordinate activities and strengthen local groups in different parts of the country. UBL has organised an online launch event on 21 March, which is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. UBL is reclaiming the 21 March back to inspire black youths and black communities.

On March 21 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws. Proclaiming the day in 1966, the UN General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

The United for Black will be launched on the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. To focus on the midterm review of the International Decade for People of African Descent undertaken by the Human Rights Council in Geneva as part of its 43rd session. The online event will celebrate the black youth leading the fight against racism, as well as other black activists and change makers.

The event includes a range speakers from the diaspora and the continent including Lee Jasper. Community leader and justice advocate and Barbara Hannah Blake, the UK's first black TV journalist as well as several young people from various groups. The event will be co-hosted by Marvina Newton from BLM Leeds and UBL and Delia Mattis, BLM Enfield and UBL. The agenda includes: Recognition, Justice and Development.

According to Delia Mattis, “It is imperative for Black communities to re-claim our day. The campaign to eliminate racial discrimination against black people has to be led by us and this is what we are working towards with this event, as well as launching United for Black Lives.”

The event starts at 2pm, on Sunday 21 March. To attend, simply book your ticket by clicking here: