BARAC Scotland join March & Rally against racism

BARAC Scotland joins the Glasgow march and rally against racism - Zita Holbourne co-chair of BARAC (Black Activists Rising Against Cuts) travelled to Scotland to take part in this important event.

Marchers headed off from Glasgow Green for a rally in the city centre (bbc)

BBC news:  Groups hold Glasgow march and rally against racism

Trade unionists, politicians, faith and community groups have marched through Glasgow in a demonstration against racism and fascism.

The Annual St Andrew's Day Anti-Racism March and Rally set off from Glasgow Green for a rally at Glasgow Film Theatre in Rose Street.
It has been organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress.
The leaders of all of Scotland's main political parties also sent messages of support to the marchers.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The theme of this year's event, No Racism - There is a Better Way, sends a strong message to the people of Scotland and beyond that there is no place for racism in our society and that we must all stand united in our quest to rid Scotland once and for all of all forms of bigotry and discrimination."
Iain Gray, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, said: "Racism exists in Scotland today. Let there be no doubt about it. And as long as that is the case we must fight against it. We can never afford to be complacent."
(First published at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15903217)

Zita Holbourne

Zita Holbourne and Graham Campbell

Zita Holbourne and

 Graham Campbell at The Calabash African Bar and Restaurant.

Graham Campbell at The Calabash African Bar and Restaurant.

 

At Glasgow Film Theatre

Zita Holbourne

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/