The first 'Unity Within Diversity' conference took place at the council civic offices and was attended by local schools, community groups and the Metropolitan Police. | "As a generation we must all fight racism." | | Amar, St Catherine's Girl School |
The racial make-up of Bexley residents has changed over the last twenty years. There was a time when, compared to other London boroughs, only a small number of first generation Indian and Pakistani immigrants lived there as well as a minority of Afro-Caribbean people.
Now like many other London boroughs, some of its residents mirror global developments. There is a growing number of refugees from parts of the world affected by war and conflict such as Somalia.
According to the 2001 census, the borough is made up of 87.9% White British.
The largest ethnic group was Indian -2.54% of the population, White other – 2.08% and African 1.87%.
 | | Schoolgirl Amar spoke at the conference |
Bexley Police say racism between gangs of young people is a problem on the streets of the borough, particularly around Bexleyheath town centre. Gang culture and racism was one of the issues discussed at the conference as was anti-social behaviour and understanding diversity. Some schools such as St Catherine's Catholic School For Girls, Bexleyheath, have already started to tackle racism in the classroom. They try to ensure their curriculum reflects a variety of cultures and teachers are mindful to keep groups as mixed as possible. To watch the report on the conference – click the link in the top right hand side of this page PUPILS FROM SIX BEXLEY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE EVENT St Catherine’s Catholic School For Girls, Bexleyheath.
Beths Grammar School, Bexley
St Columba’s Catholic Boys’ School, Bexleyheath
Trinity School, Belvedere
Westwood College for Science, Welling
Cleeve Park School, Sidcup | 
