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 
 

REPORT OF THE LAUNCH EVENT FOR MLK50; EQUALITY IN OUR LIFETIME CAMPAIGN

 REPORT OF THE LAUNCH EVENT FOR THE BARAC

                        MLK50; EQUALITY IN OUR LIFETIME CAMPAIGN

 from left to right; Cordell Pillay, Greg Morris, Zita Holbourne, Lee Jasper, Donna Guthrie, Bell Ribeiro-Addy,  Khi Rafe, photo by Rod Leon, all rights reserved

The launch in Parliament of MLK50; Equality In Our Lifetime took place on March 11^th 2013.

The aim of the year long campaign is to generate a national dialogue on race and racism including a national conference to form a strategy going forward to respond to increasing race discrimination and economic injustice created by the government’s programme of cuts and policies.  Also a march on Westminster for jobs and justice is planned on August 31^st 2013.

The launch event began with 1 minute silence in memory of Hugo Chavez and was chaired by Zita Holbourne and Lee Jasper, the two co-founders of BARAC UK.

Zita gave an introduction to BARAC explaining that it was established to campaign against the disproportionate impact of cuts on black workers, service users and communities and deprived communities.

 Lee Jasper, photo by Rod Leon, all rights reserved 

 

Lee gave an overview of the MLK50 campaign, marking the 50^th anniversary of the march on Washington and Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech and why we should have equality in our lifetime. He explained the state of race inequality in the UK today and how people could get involved in challenging this through the campaign.

left to right, chair of BARAC Manchester Colette Williams, Lee Jasper,  Vas Blackwood, Deyika Nzeribe, BARAC Manchester, photograph by Rod Leon, all rights reserved

Speakers at the event included:

John McDonnell MP who spoke about bankers causing the economic crisis and the links between austerity and racism and the need for black self-organisation to resist these attacks.

left to right, Cordell Pillay, John McDonnell MP, Zita Holbourne, Donna Guthrie, photo by Rod Leon, all rights reserved

Cordell Pillay, Chief Executive of Race 4 Justice spoke about racism in the criminal justice system and the role trade unions must play in fighting racism.

Bellavia Ribeiro-Addy from the Society of Black Lawyers steering group spoke about the need to challenge racism whilst defending multiculturalism and fighting fascism.

Khi Rafe from the Mary Seacole campaign spoke about the success of the campaign to keep Mary Seacole on the national curriculum and the need to continue campaigning for a curriculum that reflects the historical record of black civilisations and the role of black women throughout history.

Donna Guthrie trade union activist and BARAC Steering Group member spoke about the disproportionate impact of austerity on black women and the need to campaign around the multiple impact.

Greg Morris from Black Men In the Community spoke about the work of black men in communities and their role in supporting black women. 

Zita Holbourne, photo by Rod Leon, all rights reserved

There was also poetry by Zita Holbourne, who performed two pieces, ‘Tell Me About Racism’ and ‘Progression’.

TELL ME ABOUT RACISM

A poem by Zita Holbourne, Copyright March 2013

They tell me we’re living in a post racial Britain

When the Government are undoing race laws written

They tell me Britain’s a land of equal opportunity

Then in the same breath discriminate against me

They tell me I have a chip on my shoulder

Whilst they barricade doors with a heavy boulder

They tell me we have a very tolerant society

Then say they agree with the EDL and the BNP

They tell me that diversity’s always embraced

Then tell me I don’t fit in, I’ve got the wrong face

They tell me they’re not racist, some of their best friends are black

Just before they embark on a verbal racist attack

They tell me I should be grateful to be living in the UK

 And even though I’m born here, they still ask how long I’m planning to stay

They tell me they can’t understand why there’s a black history month

It’s not like white people expect to have a white history month

They tell me you people are always wanting something more

Isn’t it enough that Britain generously opened its door?

They tell me they’re interested to know where I come from

Then go on to ask me if I’ve been here long

They tell me that political correctness has gone mad

Can’t say anything for fear of offending, it’s really sad

They tell me if we don’t like it we can go back where we came from

If we weren’t willing to fit in why did we come?

They tell me there’s simply no racism here

So please can you stop your complaining dear

They tell me that it was nice to meet me

And they’re sure now that I can see

That we’re living in a post racial society

Blissfully unaware of their own hypocrisy

We hope to provide a fuller report in due course including some of the speeches made at the launch.

Our thanks go to all those who attended the launch and / or have signed up to the campaign.

To sign up and join the campaign please email barac.info@gmail.com with ‘mlk50’ in the subject box.

 some of the participants

MLK50; Equality In Our Lifetime is supported by the following organisations: