'Shocking' note questions Black Lives Matter posters in Bourne office window

An anonymous note was posted through an office letterbox questioning a display of Black Lives Matter posters in the window.

The message, whose author left no details other than an age of 78, was discovered by staff at social enterprise company Sortified on North Road in Bourne on Wednesday, June 10.

It states: “All live matter, not just black lives. That is an insult to other people who have worked hard all their lives. We are not white privileged. That is an insult.”

Richard Collins, creative director at Sortified, said he had been shocked to receive the note, a photo of which he posted on several of the town’s Facebook forums.

He was then further taken aback to read a number of openly racist remarks, with one forum removing the post and banning several people from commenting.

“There were some rather astoundingly harsh comments, which was very disheartening, but at the same time there were some more enlightened ones too,” said Richard.

“I ended up sitting on that forum for an entire afternoon answering questions and replying to people. I’m not sure I changed anyone’s mind but at least it brought it to people’s attention.”

Richard said they had put up Black Lives Matters posters in the windows as it was an issue his organisation felt strongly about.

Sortified is a not-for-profit venture which helps find solutions and strategies to help the most marginalised people in society.

The Black Lives Matter movement came about after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, USA. He died after being detained and kept in a choke hold by a police officer.

“It was a bit of a shock to receive that note,” he said. “You can kind of understand it, because it’s a nice thing to say that ‘all lives matter’. But obviously when things aren’t equal we need to champion some people and some issues more than others. Right now our community is not equal.

“I’m sure it’s someone that lives nearby and they are entitled to comment. I’m more than happy to discuss the issue with anybody. We shouldn’t shy away from this discussion and debate.”

They have had plenty of support on social media, with one woman saying: “You can’t cure stupid, some people just can’t be educated. Keep up the good work!”

And another added: “I’m shocked and saddened that this post has been removed from the Bourne group. And genuinely upset by the content of so many of the comments. Thank you for sharing... good luck in your crucial work.”