MLK50; EQUALITY IN OUR LIFETIME, MARCH ON WESTMINSTER FOR JOBS AND JUSTICE

DARE TO DREAM; IN MEMORY OF DR MARTIN LUTHER KING (50 YEARS ON)
WRITTEN BY ZITA HOLBOURNE; POET~ARTIST~ACTIVIST

Fifty years since the dream Martin Luther King shared with a nation
Of equality for all and an end to discrimination
As we reflect fifty years later the question we must now ask
Is what progress have we really made in the half century that’s passed?

I have a dream of no poverty or deprivation
An end to prejudice, injustice and discrimination
No abuse or harassment causing devastation
Where challenges to these are not met with confrontation

I have a dream that we’ll rise up in unity
Act like one strong and determined community
Live in a world of equal opportunity
Where progress is anticipated eagerly

I have a dream of access to jobs and employment
Where we are assessed on our achievement
Where those with the power to decide don’t cast judgment
Based on class or gender or age or skin pigment

I have a dream that every one of us each and every day
Will rise up to those blocking us from progressing on our way
That we’ll expose the hypocrites and end the moral decay
Be unrelenting in our pursuit of truth, do not just say

I have a dream that the evil of fascism will be no more
That peace will come and there’ll be an end to illegal war
That the pursuit of justice is not blocked by biased law
And in all we strive for, equality is at the core

I have a dream that our children will be judged on merit
Where irrespective of colour or class they’re given credit
For their skills, ideas and talent, not broken in spirit
That we create a legacy that they’re proud to inherit

I have a dream of free access to education
Where knowledge is not barred due to financial situation
Where we can build a firm and secure foundation
For ourselves, our kin and the next generation

I have a dream of sufficient welfare
Free and accessible healthcare
Of a world that’s equal and fair
Where those who hold the power hear

I have a dream where we’re free to embrace
Our colour, gender, sexuality and race
Where we’re not made to feel out of place
Because of disability, status or face

I have a dream where instead of judging by skin
We live side by side, not like enemies, but kin
Where faith and hope, not hatred and ignorance, win
Where we never stop believing or dreaming

I have a dream that we will always dare
To aspire to and dream of a better world where
The quest for liberty outweighs the fear
Of those who are not brave enough to share
Our dream 
 

INVITATION TO JOIN THE MLK50: EQUALITY IN OUR LIFETIME CAMPAIGN 2013 - MARKING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON

HAVE WE ACHIEVED THE DREAM OF RACE EQUALITY IN BRITAIN?

DARE TO DREAM; IN MEMORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING (50 YEARS ON) - A POEM, ZITA HOLBOURNE, COPYRIGHT JAN 2013

BARAC is seeking your active participation, support and engagement in celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King’s 1963 March on Washington in 2013. We are a planning a series of events, seminars, conferences and a recreation of the 1963 national march on Washington with a national anti racist march in London to be held on the Sat 31^st August 2013.

We are inviting you to attend the MLK50 National Coordinating Committee.

This unique and important anniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect upon the progress made in tackling racism in Britain. We believe that race equality legislation and policy was secured after many years campaigning and as a result of the tragic sacrifice of families such as those of Stephen Lawrence and Zahid Mubarek.

These hard won gains have now been significantly regressed, watered down or simply ignored by successive Governments. 

Current public sector cuts are magnifying racial disadvantage and there is a very real threat that yet another generation of young African, Caribbean and Asian communities will be condemned to a life where levels of racism are worse than the racism faced by their parents.

What progress has been achieved has been painfully slow and although some change has been achieved in the fields of media, sports and entertainment the vast majority of our communities remain excluded from mainstream society, suffering increasing rates of discrimination in employment, education, housing, health and criminal justice.

At the current rate of progress it will take anywhere between 100 and 350 years to achieve true economic and political parity. We need to ensure that we achieve real race equality in our lifetimes.

In Britain today economic disadvantage and discrimination have become magnified through the lens of racism.  We are in danger of becoming a permanent underclass. BARAC is suggesting the establishment of a national campaign to develop a national consensus around the establishment of a clear set of legislative/policy demands that can inform the politics of the next general election.

We have produced a draft  paper that sets out the broad framework of our proposals and we would value your active input, attendance at the National Steering Group and positive feedback.To  join the steering group  and /or to receive updates about the campaign please email barac.info@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you and look forward to working with you throughout 2013.

Yours truly,

Lee Jasper and Zita Holbourne

National Co-Chairs BARAC UK

 

MLK50 FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE