Letter by trade union leaders and race equality campaigners on the government's Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities

1st March 2021

Chair of BARAC UK has co-signed this letter alongside leading campaigners against racism including trade union leaders including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, 

 This week, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities is expected to publish its report. Set up under pressure from the Black Lives Matter protests In June last year, the prime minister made a commitment “to tackle the substance of the problems”.  

Despite progress on equality, change is urgent. BME people are three times more likely to die from Covid-19. The BME unemployment rate is running at almost double that of white workers. And BME workers in London experience a 24% pay gap. 

We hope the commission’s report recognises that these inequalities are driven by institutional and structural racism.  

Last week we lost Sir William Macpherson. His 1999 report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence highlighted the impact of institutional racism. Twenty years on, his insight is being forgotten, with too many explaining away racial inequalities as being about “a few bad apples” or solely about class or geography.  

Of course both class and where you live matter. The UK must address the inequal opportunities faced by low income people, and the glaring disparities across the regions and nations of the UK alongside the racism and structural discrimination face by BME communities. But we will not stand by as white and BME working people are pitched against each other. 

We hope the Commission’s report will, as a bare minimum:  

• Implement in full the recommendations from the seven reports commissioned since 2010: Lammy, Angiolini, Williams (Windrush), McGregor-Smith, Kline, Parker and Timpson 

• Set out race equality strategy to guide the Covid-19 response 

• Introduce mandatory ethnicity pay reporting. 

The statement has been signed by: 

Frances O’Grady, General Secretary, TUC 

Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE 

Lord Simon Woolley CBE, former Chair, Government’s Racial Disparity Unit advisory group 

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary, NASUWT 

Gloria Mills CBE, Chair, TUC Race Relations Committee 

Lord Prem Sikka, Economist 

Prof Kailash Chand CBE, Hon Vice President, BMA 

Dr Halima Begum, Director, The Runnymede Trust 

Dr Zubaida Haque, Independent SAGE 

Maurice Mcleod, Chief Executive, ROTA 

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Executive Director, UK Black Pride 

Zita Holbourne, BARAC UK 

Ellie Mae O’Hagan, Director, CLASS 

The related news story together with the letter  can be accessed here 

Call out for black (BME) artists to participate in the Roots Culture Identity touring art exhibition

The Roots Culture Identity art exhibition is hosted by the TUC Race Relations Committee and is the concept of activist, poet, artist and curator of the exhibition Zita Holbourne, who is elected to the TUC Race Relations Committee & a national executive member of Artists Union England.

This is a call out for black artists (we use black in the political sense to include black and minority ethnic people) and particularly young black artists to submit art to exhibit in the Roots Culture Identity art exhibition at Trades Union Congress HQ, Congress House, in London in April from 7th to 29th April . This kick starts our year and the aim is to get other opportunities for you during the year. We will also be exhibiting at the Bernie Grant Centre in Tottenham from May to June and the General Federation of Trade Unions have agreed to host us at their hotel near Leicester,

The theme of the TUC conference is 50 years on from the Race Relations Act 1968 looking back but also at how far we have come or not, where we are today in terms of racism and race equality in relations to employment and the labour market. You are free to interpret the theme in which ever way you wish.


You are invited to submit 3 pieces of art (which don't have to be on the theme if you don't have any yet, but to show examples of your art) as JPEGs attached to an email itogether with a couple of paras about you and your work as an artist and why you would like to participate by 10th of March sent to Zita; zitabaracuk@gmail.com.

Facebook event:    https://www.facebook.com/events/120529532106219/

Background:

The exhibition, hosted by the TUC Race Relations Committee, celebrates its seventh anniversary this year and was established to meet one of the TUC Stephen Lawrence Task Group objectives, to use the Marble Hall at the TUC to showcase the artistic talents of young black creatives. The exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for black and minority ethnic and migrant artists who are marginalised and face discrimination in the arts and culture sector as well as the disproportionate and multiple impact of austerity. 

The exhibition in full is available for hire or a smaller pop-up exhibition can be arranged for short term events. In addition to the TUC the exhibition has been hosted by a wide range of organisations and events including unions such as PCS, GMB, CWU, NEU and NASUWT as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and a range of events including a major conference on Climate Displacement. It will also be hosted in 2018 by GFTU, Slater and Gordon Solicitors offices  and the Bernie Grant Centre with more opportunities to be confirmed.


Venue in April

Address: The Marble Hall, TUC HQ, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS

Contact Zita Holbourne zitabaracuk@gmail.com or Wilf Sullivan wsullivan@tuc.org.uk

TUC Survey exposing the reality of racism faced by Black Workers

The TUC is launching an online survey to expose the everyday reality of racism faced by many Black workers.  This is the first time that a survey of this kind has been carried out across the trade union movement and we want to get a large response. 

The trade union movement is committed to eradicating racism in the workplace. However, for many workers experiencing racism at work is part of their everyday life. This may take the form of racial harassment from a manager colleague, customer, or client and can result in being denied access to promotion or training.

Please can you:

• Put our banner promoting the survey on your website (banner attached please forward to your web team with the following survey link http://bit.ly/racismatwork )
• Promote through Black workers committee and other committees
• Send information on the survey to branches
• Promote through trade union newsletters, magazines etc.

We are asking non-unionised as well as unionised workers to complete the survey. The information provided will be treated in confidence and the survey can be completed anonymously.

We are also keen to hear from anyone who has witnessed any form of racial harassment or discrimination.

If you have any questions please contact Wilf Sullivan wsullivan@tuc.org.uk  or Natasha Owusu nowusu@tuc.org.uk

Please circulate and complete this short survey on Racism at Work http://bit.ly/racismatwork

Thank you for your support.

Report on the TUC Black Workers Conference

BARAC had a busy three days at TUC Black Workers Conference with BARAC members attending the conference as trade union delegates and observers, organising a Sarah Reed Justice Campaign fringe meeting and an art exhibition and book launch by Co-Chair of BARAC Zita Holbourne.  

read article here - reporting on the conference agenda, written by Zita

Amongst BARAC representatives at the conference were Zita, Donna Guthrie, Hector Wesley, Antonietta Torsiello and Carol Notice-Hodgson. 

Hector Wesley, PCS NEC and BARAC International Officer

Donna Guthrie, National Women's Officer BARAC UK and Unite the Union rep

A motion moved by the PCS Union called on the TUC and affiliates to make links between campaigns on supporting refugees, against climate change and on anti racism and anti fascism and to support the work of organisations such as BARAC coordinating aid convoys to refugees in France.

The motion was carried unanimously.

An emergency motion calling on affiliates and the TUC to support the Sarah Reed Campaign for Justice, also proposed by the PCS Union was carried unanimously.  Both motions were moved by Zita.

Marilyn Reed, mother of Sarah Reed was due to address the conference on Saturday morning was due to being unwell was unable to. Instead Donna McKoy from the Sarah Reed Campaign for Justice read Marilyn's speech and received a standing ovation.  You can watch an extract of her presentation here

Donna McKoy, Blaksox and Starah Reed campaign

A bucket collection for the campaign collected £150.

left to right, Betty Joseph, Chair of Conference , Donna McKoy, Zita Holbourne

A motion put forward by the POA called on the TUC Black Workers Conference to change it's name to BAME.

Like Black Workers Conference, Society of Black Lawyers, Southall Black Sisters and countless other organisations BARAC uses the term black in its political sense to include all those that identify as being black and from the African and Asian diasporas.

Zita spoke against the motion on behalf of the TUC Race Relations Committee and several unions spoke in opposition.  You can watch Zita's speech here

The motion was heavily defeated.

The BARAC Fringe Meeting in support of the Sarah Reed Campaign for Justice was sponsored by the PCS Union for which we are grateful.

The meeting was chaired by Zita Holbourne and speakers  were Donna McKoy  who spoke about the next steps for the campaign and how people could help and Donna Guthrie, BARAC Women's Officer who spoke about the wider context of  Sarah's tragic death and the combined impacts of racism, sexism, black mental health, institutitional racism and austerity. 

Donna Guthrie, Donna McKoy and Zita Holbourne 

Each year the TUC Race Relations Committee choose a cause to support through their annual fundraising dance at the conference. This year they chose BARAC Humanitarian Aid Convoys. The dance raised £1500 through ticket sales. 

More information and donate here

In addition Zita curated the Roots Culture Identity art exhibition at the conference  featuring the art of young, black and migrant artists with Zita's art and she launched her new book Striving for Equality Freedom and Justice. BARAC member Antonietta Torsiello had art featured in the exhibition and Donna Guthrie with Antonietta ran  a stall at the conference.

PUBLIC MEETING WITH CAROLE DUGGAN, MARCIA RIGG & CO-CHAIRS OF BARAC UK, LEE JASPER, ZITA HOLBOURNE

BLACK WOMEN IN FOCUS, ART EXHIBITION, CURATED BY ZITA HOLBOURNE OF BARAC, HOSTED BY THE TUC

PRESS RELEASE

'Black Women In Focus' is a 2 week long art exhibition with a difference - featuring the art  and photography of a group of talented  black women in the Marble Hall of Congress House, headquarters of the TUC. The exhibition is hosted by the TUC Race Relations Committee and is the concept of Zita Holbourne,  a member of the TUC Race Relations Committee and National Co-Chair of BARAC UK who is also curating the exhibition. As well as curating the exhibition Zita has combined her work as a community and trade union activist with her work as a visual artist with her collection of paintings at the exhibition entitled 'Equality Freedom Justice and Democracy'.

Zita said; 'At a time when black women are disproportionately impacted by job cuts and huge cuts are being made to arts funding it is becoming harder for black women artists to find work and showcase their talents. This is a unique opportunity to view and support the amazing artistic talents of young black women artists in a central London venue and purchase art at affordable prices. The exhibition is been hosted by the TUC Race Relations Committee as part of its commitment under  the TUC Stephen Lawrence recommendations.'

Entry  to the exhibition is free.

The exhibition is open to the public and the final weekend will coincide with the annual TUC Black Workers Conference. Members of the public can visit the exhibition from 8am to 6pm on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April and from 8am to 1pm on 14th April. Those visiting Congress House for meetings and other events are free to view the exhibition whilst there within and outside these times and dates.

There will be an Evening View on 5th of April 6-8pm - hear from the artists about what inspires them and why the TUC has put on the exhibition, view the exhibition and network. If you are interested in purchasing any of the work exhibited you will be able to speak directly to the artists. Alternatively their contact information will be displayed at the exhibition.

On arrival at Congress House please let reception know you are there to visit the Black Women In Focus art exhibition in the Marble Hall.

About the artists:

Antonietta Torsiello is a Visual Artist & Textile Designer from Newham. Her main inspiration is drawn from historical textile patterns, architecture, african culture and the 1960′s. Recent graduate in BA Hons Fashion Imaging at University for the Creative Arts. Antonietta uses mediums such as: drawing inks, watercolours, wax/ oil pastels, lino and screen print. She is also a curator of the exhibition.

Nxsh aged 22, Born and raised in East London is a practicing artist and photographer currently on a gap year from University of Westminster. Her main focus and point of interest lays with portraiture and creatively using her work to explore current events, looking at elements beyond the surface of society and what is portrayed in the media. She shoots mainly with digital and 35mm film but has recently begun exploring the uses of video in new projects.

Zita Holbourne is a visual artist, poet /spoken word artist, writer, trade union, community and human rights activist. Zita studied graphic design at the London College of Printing and worked as a freelance graphic designer and make-up artist after graduating. Her art is inspired by her quest for equality, freedom, justice and democracy and her work as an activist as well as traditional African and Caribbean art styles. She exhibits her art at a range of political and cultural exhibitions. In 2012 she was commissioned by the TUC to design a poster for the TUC Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust Fundraising Appeal. Black Women in Focus is the concept of Zita and she is curator of the exhibition.

Zemamnesh Campbell has produced a series of images covering issues that are relevant to contemporary practice but also cover personal issues that have been studied for a long period of time.
She has carefully designed garments that demonstrate the combination of two cultures, which compliment each other’s style. . They also follow the traditional roles of women in African. All images have a strong feel of ethnicity through the styling. Her images look at how African culture and Western culture complement each other today.

 

 Elizabeth Awoyemi has produced a collection entitled Freedom as she is looking towards the future in a positive and free manner. Striving through the negatives and looking ahead in a positive light... she is free. African culture is a big part of her daily life experiences and she tries to communicate this through her paintings. Some of her paintings are acrylic paintings on canvas whilst others are etchings in a simplistic black and white form.


ENDS
Contact Zita Holbourne zitabaracuk@gmail.com

 Click here for a map of the venue and full address:  

5 minutes from Tottenham Court Road Tube Station.

Trades Union Congress
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3LS
Tel: 020 7636 4030

Facebook event page here:

Pension strikes: the public sector vs. austerity - Video by Press TV

'Britain's austerity measures are starting to bite. Millions are in danger of losing their jobs or having their benefits slashed as the government seeks to make cut-backs.

With public sector workers being asked to work longer, for less, and students told the cost of a higher education has in some cases trebled - the fight-back against government plans has begun.

These strikes will also be joined by supporters of the Occupy London SX.

The strikes could have a crippling effect on not just the image of the Coalition- as the spectre of the Poll Tax riots loom large- but could also be the start of many to come. How long could government policy hold out in the face of public opposition?

With the threat of violence to content with, protestors want this to be a mass movement where the voice of the 99% is heard.

Could this be the movement that topples the Coalition government?

The Big Story will be at the heart of the day's events, in and amongst the protestors speaking to strikers, supporters and analysts.'
(Press TV)

Zita Holbourne (PCS, BARAC) on the Battle Bus, supporting the strikes

Zita Holbourne, BARAC, is speaking at the National Convention: "Celebrate Diversity, Defend Multiculturalism..."

15 October · 09:30 - 17:00

TUC Conference Centre, Great Russell St, London WC1B 3LS

National Convention - Organised by One Societies Many Cultures and Unite Against Fascism!

Celebrate diversity
Defend multiculturalism
Oppose Islamophobia and racism!
...
A one-day national convention bringing together a broad alliance celebrating diversity, rejecting Islamophobia and fascism.

Saturday 15 October

9.30–5pm, TUC Conference Centre,
Great Russell St, London WC1B 3LS

Speakers include:

Jack Dromey MP • Helen Goodman MP • Peter Hain MP • Claude Moraes MEP • Jean Lambert MEP • Farooq Murad, Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain • Edie Friedman, Executive Director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality • AbdoolKarim Vakil, Kings College • Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary • Hugh Lanning Dep Gen Sec, PCS • Steve Hart, Political Director, Unite the Union • Laura Miles, Equality Committee UCU • Megan Dobney, Regional Secretary SERTUC • Zita Holbourne, PCS NEC • Bob Lambert, co-Director, European Muslim Research Centre • Jody McIntyre, Journalist • Peter Oborne, Journalist • Dilowar Khan, Director, London Muslim Centre • Helen Shaw Co-Director, Inquest • Alaa’ Samarrai, VP Student Affairs, Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) • Pav Akhtar UK Black Pride • Kanja Sesay, NUS Black Students’ Officer • Nitin Sawney, Musician • Sabby Dhalu, Secretary, One Society Many Cultures • Denis Fernando, Lesbian and Gay Coalition Against Racism • Weyman Bennett, Joint National Secretary, Unite Against Fascism • Martin Smith, National Co-ordinator, Love Music Hate Racism

Tickets: £15 organisations, £10 individuals, £5 concessions
All welcome!


Why we are backing the conference:

Billy Hayes General Secretary, Communication Workers Union

"Britain’s diversity offers many social, cultural and economic benefits. We must assert that we are one society with many cultures. This important event will be an opportunity to unite trade unions, faith and other communities to celebrate our multicultural heritage and oppose racism, Islamophobia and hatred."

Edie Friedman Executive Director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality:

"Britain has a proud tradition of being a haven for those fleeing persecution, tyranny and fear. We must protect that right to refuge. This timely event will celebrate the positive contribution we all make to society."

Farooq Murad Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain:

"Sadly, Islamophobia is an undeniable reality in our society. It is culminating in Mosques being attacked, Muslims being vilified in the media, hatred and violence being encouraged. We are committed to fight this by working with people from all walks of life. We need to celebrate diversity and promote understanding to create a just and cohesive Britain."

Michael Rosen poet and playwright:

"The far-right think that they can rustle up enough bullies and thugs to threaten the peace and security of Muslims. We can’t rely on the government doing anything about this. In fact, we’ve come to expect the opposite: they either keep suspiciously silent, or even worse: deliver speeches full of aggressive and prejudiced talk towards Muslim people. We need trade unionists and activists to come together to keep our streets and lives free of this danger so I welcome this conference on October 15."

Professor Danny Dorling University of Sheffield:

"When governments run out of good arguments to explain why their policies are hurting people they look for scapegoats. Suggesting that multiculturalism is a problem is just one way of trying to hide the fact that the rich are getting richer whilst most peoples’ living standards are falling."

Register online or by post now:

Tel: 020 7801 2782
Email: info@uaf.org.uk
Web: uaf.org.uk • www.onesocietymanycultures.org

FaceBook event page: 
https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=281479931870296

http://uaf.org.uk/2011/09/speakers-and-supporters-announced-for-multiculturalism-conference/

TUC 2011 pensions mass mobilisation - video

Why we are taking strike action on pensions -

UnionNews reports on the declaration of the "biggest mobilisation in a generation" by UK trade unions on 30th November to save public sector pensions. TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber says: "we remain committed to resolving this through genuine negotiations. But for that to succeed, we need the government to take a new approach."

Union News Channel Video featuring union representatives including Zita Holbourne of BARAC

BARAC at Birmingham for the Alternative – TUC march on 18th September

Sunday 18th September
Assemble 11am Granville Street, B1 1JW
March to Lionel Street

The march will be followed by a Right to Work Rally

Unite the Fights – Build the Resistance
Sun 18 September, 3.30pm
CWU Office, 47 Summer Lane, Birmingham B19 3TH
(5 minutes from the end of the march at Lionel Street)

Speakers include:

Mark Serwotka PCS General Secretary
John McDonnell Labour MP Hayes & Harlington
Billy Hayes CWU General Secretary
Estelle Cooch Right To Work
Linda Burnip Disabled People Against Cuts
Maxie Hayles Black Activists Rising Against Cuts

Chair: Lee Barron CWU Midlands Regional Secretary

Download the leaflet: http://righttowork.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/birmingham-for-the-alternative-flyer.pdf

More information available at: http://righttowork.org.uk/2011/09/birmingham-for-the-alternative-tuc-march/

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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