THEY WERE DEFEATED BY THE STRENGTH OF UNITY - A POEM ABOUT TOWER HAMLETS, 3/9 WRITTEN BY ZITA HOLBOURNE

THEY WERE DEFEATED BY THE STRENGTH OF UNITY - A POEM ABOUT THE PROTEST IN TOWER HAMLETS ON 3/9/11,  WRITTEN BY ZITA HOLBOURNE, COPYRIGHT SEPTEMBER 2011 

On the streets of Tower Hamlets people congregated
To stand against racism, fascism and hatred
With placards and banners of solidarity
Bearing slogans of truth, hope and equality
All ages, races, religions, sexual orientation
Bringing with us strength, unity and inspiration

They were defeated by the spirit of community
They were defeated by commitment to equality
They were defeated by the love of humanity
They were defeated by the strength of unity

All through the week leading up to this day
We had worked to keep the haters away
From supermarkets to parks, pubs to train stations
People power and trade union organisation
The fascists were blocked and rejected
They were turned away and ejected

They were defeated by the spirit of community
They were defeated by commitment to equality
They were defeated by the love of humanity
They were defeated by the strength of unity

So when this day came they were unable to enter
Let alone bring their vile attitudes to the centre
Of where we were standing in unity
Gathered together in solidarity
A diverse crowd united
Against the fascists‘ hatred

They were defeated by the spirit of community
They were defeated by commitment to equality
They were defeated by the love of humanity
They were defeated by the strength of unity

Taking inspiration from speakers, artists and each other
Shoulder to shoulder sister and brother
When the haters with their empty words of stupidity
Came with their ignorant, violent mentality
Trying to enter this haven of peace and humanity
Their narrow minds were no match for the strength of diversity

They were defeated by the spirit of community
They were defeated by commitment to equality
They were defeated by the love of humanity
They were defeated by the strength of unity

They departed without achieving them aim
They left hanging their heads in shame
Whilst we marched as one in victory
Knowing this day would go down in history
No Pasaran! on Cable Street
They Shall Not Pass! We will defeat

They were defeated by the spirit of community
They were defeated by commitment to equality
They were defeated by the love of humanity
They were defeated by the strength of unity

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Protest against the EDL - Tower Hamlets 3 Sept 2011
Anti-fascists protested in Tower Hamlets to stop the EDL.
Zita Holbourne, PCS national executive member and TUC race relations committee spoke at the anti-fascist rally..."We shall boot them out of Tower Hamlets"
(Video posted on YouTube by HarpyMarx; many thanks)  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G69KTV0bSzQ&feature=player_embedded