The 2012 Policy Studies Institute Stephen Lissenburgh Memorial Lecture lecture will be given by Runnymede director, Rob Berkeley.

How does racial injustice persist when no one is racist? While racist scandals from the football field to the Twitterscape distract our attention, the underlying patterns of racial inequality in the UK have moved very little in the past generation. In part due to the success of anti-racism campaigning, we have reached a point where no one is willing to admit to acting in a racist manner, but nonetheless racist outcomes abound. We have worked hard to convince ourselves as a nation that it is time to declare mission accomplished on tackling racial inequality and move on to 'colour-blind' approaches.

In this lecture Rob Berkeley will consider a number of 'teachable moments' from recent events in the struggle for racial equality in the UK, and argue that tackling structural racisms is too often neglected in favour of addressing racism in its interpersonal forms, either because it is seen as too difficult or too likely to require radical change. A shift in the framing of the anti-racist struggle is required, with implications for activists, employers, government and civil society in order to return to our core ambitions of eliminating racial discrimination and building a society in which all are equally valued.

The lecture will be followed by an informal reception with wine and light refreshments.  If you are able to attend, please could you reply at your earliest convenience to Hilary Salter at salterh@psi.org.uk or 020 7911 7543, advising of any special access or dietary requirements.