Press Release; National Windrush Day of Action to take place on 23rd February 2019 (marking UN World Social Justice Day)

PRESS RELEASE;  WINDRUSH NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION

Immediate Release

From; BAME Lawyers 4 Justice incorporating Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (BARAC) UK, Blaksox, Operation Black Vote, (OBV), Society of Black Lawyers, (SBL), Momentum Black Caucus, Windrush Action Groups; Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, London


The second BAME Lawyers 4 Justice national Windrush conference was held today Sat 17th November 2018 at Nottingham University. 

Over 200 people representing black
communities from England and Wales, gathered to discuss supporting the victims of Theresa May's ‘hostile environment’, demanding among other things, a public inquiry into the Windrush scandal, churches to organise Windrush Sundays, promoting the national petition calling on Government to impose no cap or limit on financial compensation for victims and announcing a Windrush National Day of Action, to be held on Sat 23rd February 2019 on the United Nations World Day for Social Justice.

Five of Britain’s major black cities, represented by local Windrush Action Groups, all committed to taking part in the day, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds and Birmingham have already committed to organise simultaneous actions in each of these cities. More are urged to join the action.


Chair of the conference Mr David Weaver and Operation Black Vote trustee said;

“ The government needs to recognise the anger, tragedy and despair caused by this unprecedented and gross violation of British Black British citizens human rights.

This conference  puts the government on notice that victims will not be silenced or intimidated by the racism they’ve faced, on the contrary both Windrush victims and the county at large are rightly appalled at the treatment they’ve been forced to endure. This conference reaffirms the demand for no cap or limit on the compensation to victims and the urgent need to reform immigration legislation to ensure this never happens again.”


Desmond Jaddoo of Birmingham stated;

“The time has come to stand up and be counted. The hostile environment towards the African Caribbean community has been an ongoing part of British life for a number of years, in fact since the docking of the Empire Windrush on 22nd June 1948.

We are affected by every form of disproportionality that anyone can think off.

The treatment of the Windrush generation only epitomises the racist behaviour that our elders have been subjected to for a number of years.

We now need to send a clear message that we are here to stay, we have contributed and we are no longer putting up any form of this type of Systemic racism any longer.”

Zita Holbourne Chair of Black Activists Rising Against The Cuts (BARAC) UK, one of the key note speakers at the conference stated;

“The horrific injustice and racism experienced by multiple generations not just Windrush must be addressed but also there has to be real action taken to prevent further cases. There are already 11 reported deaths of those deported plus others who have died in the UK. Some faced with what can only be described as hell on earth have sadly taken their own lives.

The criminalisation of whole communities in this way demonstrates racist intent but the conditions forced upon people, targeted, detained, restrained, ejected from the country and made destitute and isolated, is an abuse of human rights. We call upon everyone who cares about justice, equality and human rights to stand with us and support A national Day of Action for Windrush Justice  and the call by my trade union PCS  for a Public Inquiry  ”

Jaqueline McKenzie, leading Windrush solicitor stated;

“Windrush Action Group is one of the many voices that have emerged to advocate for justice for the victims of the scandal and is led by victims with a membership of about 400 persons.

Both of today's events are important as we put the Windrush scandal within the context of the wider experiences of racism which continues to emanate from so many organisations and institutions and now with the rise of the far right, with increasing sections of society. The Windrush scandal is a major one and is as offensive as it is devastating to that generation of people who gave so much to the UK including to the families of those who have died or were deported.

But we must be vigilant because there are other equally disgraceful practices in the immigration rules and policies which includes the continued deportation of people to countries they don't know, the forced warehousing of people in hostile detention centres without time limits, the continued separation of families through onerous English language and fee requirements, the detention of non visa national holiday makers for spurious reasons, the exorbitant profit making fees and surcharges which increase yearly and the discriminatory treatment of children born in the UK to non British parents who remain undocumented.”

Lee Jasper, A Blaksox sponsor and national press officer of Momentum Black Caucus and one of the key note speakers at the conference said;

“ The illegal deportation of British Black citizens, over decades by the British State represents a most vile defilement of the citizenship rights of a people, Windrush generation, who helped rebuild this country from the ground up. The social contract between the British state and Black British citizens has been broken, smashed on the rocks of institutional racism and blind indifference.

Theresa May’s “hostile climate” is in fact the delivery of long a cherished fascist demand thought unthinkable. From Mosley , the National Front, the BNP and of late, the white neo fascist terrorist organisation, National Action, all of whom dreamed of a day when they would see the forced repatriation of British black and brown people. That day is here, that time is now, and today’s conference calls for an unprecedented action to secure justice for Windrush victims and secure black human rights and citizenship. We are not asking for justice, we intend to secure our unable rights by any means necessary.” 

Ends

Contact:

Lee Jasper;  Tel. 07984 181797 
Email; lee-jasper@live.com

David Weaver; Tel. 07983 592988

Zita Holbourne; Tel. 07711861660
Email; barac.info@gmail.com

Pastor Clive Foster; Tel. 07881 656399

Campaign groups launch a manifesto for a racism-free post-Brexit Britain

Campaign groups launch a manifesto for a racism-free post-Brexit Britain

Press release: Monday 22^nd May 2017, For Immediate Release

Contact OBV press office: 
020 8983 5430 / 020 8983 5444 / 07584 177 529 / 07920 057 237

Campaign groups launch a manifesto for a racism-free post-Brexit Britain

A new coalition of 20 race equality campaign groups has launched a manifesto which includes a set of demands they want the next government to adopt.

The ‘Manifesto for Race Equality in Britain’ includes policy proposals to tackle racial inequalities in the jobs market, housing, and criminal justice.

Proposals include:

• A comprehensive government-wide race equality strategy;
• Brexit negotiations must be “race equality-proofed” to safeguard rights protecting citizens against discrimination;
• A new law prohibiting online hate which forces social media firms to take action.

The online manifesto has just gone live: www.raceequality2017.org.uk

The website also features new analysis of the power of the black and ethnic minority (BME) vote in this snap general election.

The study found that:

• Seven of the top ten swing seats have BME electorates significantly larger than the 2015 majority;
• 45 of the top 50 swing seats, 45 have BME electorates larger than the 2015 majority;
• 96 of the top 200 marginal seats have BME electorates large enough to make the difference.

The report concludes that Labour could seriously reduce the Conservatives majority by holding onto their share of BME voters. The Tories could seal a comprehensive victory by winning over more BME citizens, and the Lib Dems need to increase their appeal in diverse seats to have any hope of winning them back.

See the Power of the Black Vote 2017 report here: https://goo.gl/kAZMrA

The Race Equality 2017 coalition was coordinated by Operation Black Vote. The full list of organisations is in Notes to Editors.

Simon Woolley, Director of Operation Black Vote, said:

“Britain is at a crossroads on Brexit, immigration, and British identity. How these issues play out in this snap election will determine the country's direction for a generation. The key question is to what extent will black and minority ethnic communities (BME) be involved in this debate?

“Persistent race inequalities in employment, education, housing and the criminal justice system has meant and lack of social mobility for BME children growing up to be adults is nothing short of a scandal. Many do succeed despite the barriers but too many fail to have their potential recognised much less fulfilled. That is why we are calling for a government-wide race equality strategy to root out racial inequality wherever it lurks in the system.

Dr Omar Khan, Director of the Runnymede Trust, said:

“Given the persistence and extent of racial inequalities we need the next government to have an actual plan to reduce racial inequalities, not just warm words. With post-Brexit Britain raising existential questions about who we are, we also need the next government to affirm that race equality is a core British value and that minorities won't see their rights and protections weakened”

Viv Ahmun, from Blaksox, said:

"Unemployment of 30% amongst 16-24 year old black people in comparison to just 13% amongst white people of the same age is a shocking disparity that feeds into and drives the poverty of opportunity that underpins rises in violence and mental ill health. The next government must do more to increase opportunities for employment and business development within BAME communities.” 

Zita Holbourne, National Chair, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (BARAC) UK and National Vice President, Public and Commercial Services Union, said:

“Austerity combined with institutional racism is impacting disproportionately on BAME workers. Our manifesto seeks to address the adverse impacts of cuts on BAME workers from redundancies in the public sector having a double impact on BAME women to zero hour contracts meaning young BAME  workers have no job security, whilst addressing the structural systems of discrimination that already existed before cuts, in appraisal, promotion, progression and recruitment. Race Equality should be a right, not a privilege.”

Patrick Vernon OBE, trustee of Bernie Grant Trust and founder of 100 Great Black Britons, said:

“This is the 30th anniversary of Black History Month and the election of the late Bernie Grant, Diane Abbott, Paul Boateng and Keith Vaz as MPs. Tackling racial inequalities still have not been fully achieved. Our manifesto is a demand for our civil and economics rights to be taken seriously and delivered to all political parties.”

Lee Jasper, Blacksox sponsor, said:

“Black and Asian people in the UK today look with trepidation towards an uncertain future in a Brexit Britain. Racial inequality in the UK is now wider than any other time in our history. Hate crime is rising and black unemployment is at record levels. This no time abandon hope and refuse to vote. It’s time for UK Civil Rights movement.”

END.

Notes for editor: 
1)    OBV is non-partisan political campaigning organisation
2)    Organisations supporting the ‘Race Equality 2017’ manifesto include:
Runnymede Trust; Aspire Education Group; Coreplan; Ukren; BTEG; Friends, Families and Travellers; BSWN; Blacksox; Father 2 Father; DWC Global; Reallity; Voyage Youth; Race on the Agenda; Every Generation Media; BARAC; JUST Yorkshire; Society of Black Lawyers; Race Equality Foundation; Bernie Grant Trust.
3)    Power of the Black Vote report – showing that 45 of the top 50 most marginal seats have BME electorates larger than the 2015 majority – can be found here: https://goo.gl/6cPA91

The Power of The British Black and Asian Vote: When will Black and Asian Organisations in the UK unite to tackle race and faith discrimination?

 Ground-breaking research undertaken by Operation Black Vote – The Power of the Black Vote in 2015- shows the BME electorate could decide over 160 Westminster seats in the 2015 General Election.

Power concedes nothing without demand. 

That means acting as a  voting bloc of  Black and Asian voters have been handed the greatest opportunity ever to effectively change the face of British politics.

Using the recent 2011 census, researchers looked at the electorate in all England and Wales seats and found 168 marginal seats where Black and Asian and other ethnic minority voters outnumber the majority of the sitting MP.

The 168 constituencies are in both urban and suburban areas. 

Political parties have as yet not faced any meaningful electoral challenge to bring about an end to the tragedy of both race and faith discrimination. 

Lee Jasper founding Trustee of Operation Black Vote and its longest serving Chair said,

" The issue of electoral power has never been in doubt. As this research proves yet again we have the ability to change the political landscape. That potential power has to be understood against the backdrop of  our continued failure as a people to effectively tackle the deadening chains of prejudice unfairness racism and injustice. 

Racism and discrimination are destroying peoples live, denying opportunity, relegating Black and Asian communities to third class citizens in a supposedly first class democracy."

Black and Asian organisations must unite . 

Black and Asian communities are victims to growing levels of racism, in areas such as the labour market and the institutional racism of wider society . Our children now face the prospect of facing the toxic evil of increased rates of discrimination leading inevitably to disproportionate rates of  unemployment, homelessness, the continued criminalisation of our young people, police racism. These issues all combine to create Black and Asian communities that have become islands of poverty and desolation surrounded by seas of relative opportunity.

Unless  serious political organisations such as  Black Activist Against the Cuts and other overtly Black and Asian political organisations such as the Muslim Council of Great Britain and the Black Churches can form and consensus and agree a programme and a political agenda for change then our potential electoral power will remain largely latent and unfulfilled.

To effect positive change in the run up to the UK 2015 elections, a Manifesto for  Equality must be produced not simply as an academic or intellectual policy exercise, but as part of key national campaign to deliver massive voter turnout levels, organise hustings that demand accountability from all political parties and their candidates. 

This lack of unity and co-ordination are the missing critical and the strategic component parts necessary to delivering equality for all British citizens regardless of their race or faith. The report highlights that we have never had a greater opportunity to enforce change and highlights the growing power of the Black and Asian vote across the country. 

We must unify to achieve equality in our life times.

If major Black and Asian organisations could agree a set of policy demands for change and deliver massive voter turnout and organise national hustings around a decapitation strategy to target high profile candidates from all parties would be enough to electrify the 2015 elections and advance our joint struggle for justice. It one thing to have the electoral potential power,  the trick is to effectively deploy that power and use in a strategic and intelligent way.  Unity and organisation is the key. "

The growth of potential Black and Asian electoral  power can be seen here;

• Cardiff Central: Lib dems have  a majority of  4,570 and a BME electorate of 12,445
• Ilford North: Conservatives have a majority of 5,404 and a BME electorate of 35,051
• Bristol East: Labour have a majority of 3,772 and a BME electorate of 11,420
• Southampton Itchen: Labour have a majority of 192 votes and a BME electorate of 6,915
• North Warwickshire: Conservative majority of 36 votes and a BME electorate of 3,381
• Norwich South: Lib Dems have a majority of 310 votes and a BME electorate of 7,066

OBV Director Simon Woolley said:

“This is great news for BME communities and democracy. Many individuals feel  powerless, particularly in the face of rising racial tension and the apparent inability by  political parties to acknowledge  persistent race inequalities, much less have a plan to deal with it. The power to help decide who wins who loses will no doubt focus the minds of  vulnerable politicians and their leaders.”

 Author of the report Lester Holloway said:

 "This study should be a wake-up call to every political party that they cannot ignore or take for granted BME voters any longer. BME Britons have the political muscle to change not just their MP but the Government.  Increasingly BME votes are up for grabs in marginal seats and any political party to seriously court the vote may well get the extra boost they need to cross the line into power.”

Professor Anthony Heath CBE author of the ‘Political intergration of Ethnic Minorities said,

‘This is good stuff. My own research has found that Political parties barely do anything to attract the BME vote.  Our findings  suggest if they did it would pay political dividend.’

In order to reap that dividend we need unity.

A MEDAL FOR WALTER TULL, PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

 

Introduction by Zita Holbourne, Co-Chair BARAC UK
  
BARAC & OBV have launched a new campaign calling on David Cameron, Prime Minister to award the Military Cross to Walter Tull. In the face of horrific racism, Tull rose above it and achieved. Tull was the first black army officer and the first black professional footballer in Britain. Tull was and still is an inspiration and contributed greatly to British society, but because of racism was never honoured as he should have been. Please read the article below written by Lee Jasper, Co-Chair of BARAC UK and support the campaign by signing the petition (see link at the bottom of the article).

 A Medal for Walter Tull,  by Lee Jasper, Co-Chair BARAC UK

In the formal narrative of the history of Britain, that venerated canon of academia, that shapes our lives providing meaning and a sense of who we are as a nation, hardly ever, are the contributions of Black peoples recognised or acknowledged. The same is true for the working classes, seldom are our achievement's part of the great story of British history.

It’s as if our contribution, and by implication our very existence, remains a profound embarrassment to the nation. Our somewhat ambivalent and skeptical feelings towards the concept of the much trumpeted notion of “One Nation”, a vision of an inclusive British citizenship, is brutally undermined by the refusal to acknowledge our many and varied contributions to this country.

Too often Black people’s historic contributions in the making of modern Britain are junked in acts, which can only be described as politically motivated, historical revisionism.
You will find only the most scant references to us in the national curriculum. You will not find us represented in the majority of history seminars, books and events that litter this country’s cultural and academic calendar.

The Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano campaign remind us that in general British Black people have been airbrushed and erased from British history. Whether that is the history in the trade union movement or the story of the empire, we are reduced to token mentions rendering us almost invisible.
That’s why for some it’s difficult to take any pride in being British, the whiff of hypocrisy is deep rooted and offensive. Sadly, over time, I have come to the conclusion, that, whilst we are all theoretically equal in the fraudulent notion that is the concept of an inclusive meritocracy British citizenship, in reality, we are still treated as very different.
 

Let’s consider the Government response to British history. One relates to working-class soldiers in World War Two. The other to a working-class black hero, who fought in the First World War.

I think we’d all agree it was welcome news, this week when it was finally announced that those soldiers who helped defeat the scourge of fascism serving in the freezing tundra’s of the Arctic during WW2, will posthumously receive a newly designed military medal, in honour of a most arduous and dangerous mission. They ensured that vitally important Arctic supply lines remained open, providing the magnificent Soviet Red Army with critical supplies.

 

When the PM David Cameron made this announcement at the end of last year, Commander Eddie Grenfell, an Arctic Convoy veteran responded by saying that he was ‘pleased but not delighted". He accused Mr. Cameron of taking too long to recognise the heroic actions of the Arctic Convoy.
He is, of course absolutely right and whilst these brave soldiers, and their families have had to wait 68 years to finally get the recognition they deserve.

Now consider the case of Walter Tull, Britain’s first commissioned black Army officer. Walter was born in 1888. His father died whilst he was quite young. His grandmother was an enslaved African from Barbados. Walter’s stepmother unable to cope with six children placed Walter and his brother in an Orphanage in Bethnal Green, London.
His passion was football and such was his prestigious talent that he was spotted by a scout in 1908 who immediately signed him for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Walter became the first Black outfield player to play in a professional British team. He suffered racist abuse of the worst possible kind imaginable but Walter was of African descent and made of sterner stuff.
 

After a match against Bristol City, one press reporter recorded the incident. He wrote of the City fans:

Becoming the first Black footballer in Britain would be achievement enough for some, but Walter was to go on to break yet more barriers.

He left his first love football to serve King and country in the First World War. Unbelievably, given the period, such was Walter’s dedication and professionalism he was promoted no less than three times and rose to the rank of Lance Sergeant.

Sent home in 1915 with shell shock, he, nevertheless, returned to France in 1916 distinguishing himself at the Battle of the Somme and on his return to England, his superior officers recommended that Walter be made an Officer.

Back then Black people were barred from becoming a British Army Officer and there were specific military laws that prohibited their promotion to Officer class. Despite this, after his superiors demanded his promotion, he was made a Lieutenant in 1917. He became the first Black man to be made an officer in the British Army and the first to lead white British troops into battle.


Achievement enough some might say, but Walter Tull was a phenomenal human being of outstanding character, professionalism and bravery.
He was sent across the Italian front and was mentioned in dispatches for his ‘gallantry and coolness under fire’ by his commanding officer. He was recommended for one of Britain’s highest military honour’s, the Military Cross, but because Walter was black, much to the eternal shame of Britain Walter never received his medal.

 

Retuning to the Somme in 1918 Walter Tull, this immense shining example of fortitude, tenacity and courage, went above and beyond the call of duty and was killed, machine gunned as he was helping his men retreat to safety.
His men desperately tried to recover his body such was their admiration for him. Unfortunately they were beaten back and Walter’s body now lies in a foreign field, just one of the many thousands of British soldiers whose bodies lie in unmarked graves.
 

He died on the Western Front in France on March the 25th 1918.
There has been a quite campaign seeking to convince the British Government to posthumously award the family of Walter Tull his medal of honour and erect a statue in London in his honour. Though many promises have been made, as of today no such recognition has been forthcoming.

That’s why Operation Black Vote and BARAC are urging David Cameron through this petition to acknowledge the feats of Walter Tull and afford him the posthumous medal he so richly deserves. I ask that you join us in seeking some degree of recognition and justice, for Walter Tull and his descendants.
Mr David Cameron, do the right thing and posthumously award Walter Tull his Military Cross.



Click here to sign the petition: PETITION, AWARD THE MILITARY CROSS TO WALTER TULL

SIGN THE CAMPAIGN PETITION TO KEEP BLACK HISTORICAL FIGURESO THE SCHOOLS CURRICULUM

Click below to go to the petition site, then please sign and share

MICHAEL GOVE - KEEP MARY SEACOLE ON THE CURRICULUM

The Government is proposing to remove Mary Seacole from the National Curriculum. We are opposed to this and wish to see Mary Seacole retained so that current and future generations can appreciate this important historical person.

Her role in the Crimea War fully justifies Mary Seacole's status as a Victorian figure taught in schools today. She was a national heroine on her return to Britain and a crowd of 80,000 attended a four day fundraising benefit in her honour in 1857.
Her inclusion on the National Curriculum came as a result of a tireless campaigning to recognise someone who had become a forgotten figure in modern times. Her proposed removal can only be attributed to a recent backlash against Mary Seacole as a symbol of 'political correctness' by Right-wing media and commentators. To remove Mary Seacole from the National Curriculum is tantamount to rewriting history to fit a worldview hostile to Britain's historical diversity.
Moreover, the teaching of Black historical figures is widely recognised to be beneficial to the success of Black pupils and in closing the GCSE achievement gap. Indeed it is to advantage of pupils from all backgrounds in our increasingly diverse schools and society. Mary Seacole, as a Jamaican/Scottish figure, is a positive role model and is well-respected in NHS circles.
Sir W. H Russell, Crimean War correspondent for The Times, said of Seacole: "Let England not forget one who nursed her sick, who sought out her wounded to aid and succour them, and who performed the last offices for some of her illustrious dead."
Mary Seacole the only Black figure to feature in the National Curriculum not connected to civil rights or enslavement and removing someone who was voted by the public the Greatest Black Briton (100greatblackbritons.com) sends out the wrong signals. We should be taught more Black history not less.

We therefore call upon the government to retain inclusion of Mary Seacole in the national curriculum.

Petition by Operation Black Vote, supported by:
Prof Elizabeth Anionwu - Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal; Khi Rafe; Cllr Patrick Vernon - Every Generation Media; Cllr Lester Holloway; Zita Holbourne

To:
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education

Keep Mary Seacole on the National Curriculum

Sincerely,

BLACK HISTORY IS EVERYONE’S HISTORY

BLACK HISTORY IS EVERYONE’S HISTORY

Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove proposes removal of Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano from the National Curriculum.

 Historical figures such as Mary Seacole are not just part of black history but British history and everyone’s history. Her achievements in the face of prejudice are inspirational and her contributions are of interest to all children.

When my son was small there was no black history taught in his school and I taught him at home. He had regular black history lessons so that he could grow up knowing the great achievements of a diverse range of historical figures providing him with a positive experience of history lessons.

During black history month my son came home from primary school one day with a request from the teacher for me to provide some black history books and resources so that she could provide a black history event for his class.

I was later informed by his teacher that this request was made because she had planned a lesson on Mary Seacole. At the start of it she asked the pupils to put their hand up if they knew anything about Mary Seacole. My son’s hand shot up and when he finished telling all he knew there was nothing more she could teach the class because he knew more than she did.

As a school governor I worked with the head of history to ensure that black history was taught, shared my knowledge, books and resources and as a spoken word performer delivered  workshops at the school to teach children black history and promote multiculturalism.

Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano were not just put on the curriculum – they are taught in schools today as a result of tireless campaigning over many years enriching the educational experience of children of all races. We live in a multicultural society where the achievements of all who have contributed should be taught and celebrated. But according to Gove they are not traditional enough to be taught. What is tradition if not based on our multicultural history?

The Con-Dem coalition have already made clear their opposition to multiculturalism, they are proposing to reduce our protection against discrimination in law, have made severe cuts to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, their austerity measures have impacted disproportionately on black communities including on black history month activities and events so it is of no surprise that they would seek to write out our contributions in history. Black history is not just a month and our contribution to UK History should not be ignored or dismissed.

We all benefit from a true understanding of history and the better our understanding the more likely we are to learn from the past. The experience of our children at school will be enriched from the knowledge we gain of shared histories and we can promote equality and multiculturalism by understanding the great contributions of historical figures such as Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano in the face of adversity and prejudice.

I am proud to be part of the campaign opposing these proposals and urge you all to sign the campaign petition by OBV and to share this widely with your networks.

You can access the petition here: MICHAEL GOVE, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION - KEEP MARY SEACOLE ON THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

Zita Holbourne

National Co-chair BARAC UK, Spoken Word Artist