AS a black women, living in Yorkshire, a former alumna of Colston’s school in Bristol I felt compelled to write something down in the best way I know to express myself: a poem.

I wanted to knock down a statue

and tear down its name,

I wanted to knock down a statue

and give it the blame,

I wanted to knock down a statue

to show them all why,

I wanted to knock down a statue

so they finally heard my cry,

I wanted to knock down a statue

because I live in fear,

I wanted to knock down a statue

as I've shed my last tear,

I wanted to knock down a statue

because I must fight,

I wanted to knock down a statue

because this world, it's not right,

I wanted to knock down a statue

to show power my pain,

I wanted to knock down a statue

but alas it was in vain.

I can’t help by being moved by the recent events not because I choose a side, or condone the violence - but because racism has affected me personally and will continue to do so.

Racism erodes one’s confidence, the seeking of opportunity, the freedom to belong and mental health so profoundly; it results in frustrations and anger building up which eat away irascibly at your core as a human being.

Name and address supplied.