Make
the Race Relations Act Real; speak the plain truth about
racism
Securing the simple democratic right to speak the plain
truth about racism without facing jobloss, school expulsion,
police harassment, imprisonment or deportation, requires
mass mobilisation. Law is based on power, not abstract
principles of justice. Only the building of a new mass,
integrated civil rights movement can guarantee the right
of our communities to achieve the equal protections and
rights which are set out in the Race Relations and Human
Rights Acts, rights that are systematically denied in
practice.
The current fight for the reinstatement of Alex Owolade
will decide the key question facing this society: can
black and Asian people in Britain assert our right to
equality and challenge the institution racism which constricts
our opportunities and denies our dignity, without fear
of victimisation. We deserve respect and fair and equal
treatment. This case gives us the opportunity to take
a step forward in attaining these basic human rights.
Mr Owolade, a Lambeth based civil rights and union leader,
is fighting to win reinstatement to his job as a housing
worker in Lambeth council. He was sacked three years ago
by Lambeth Council management because he defended the
rights of two black women co-workers and because he exposed
and tried to change Lambeth council managements longstanding
discriminatory practices. Get involved...find out more here
MFJ Declaration to the students and youth of Britain
Black, Asian, other minority and anti-racist white students
and youth must take a stand and lead a renewed mass struggle
against racism and for equality in Britain. The power
of a mass civil rights movement lead by youth, drawing
in trade unions, church, community and other organisations
can and must determine the direction of British society.
30 years ago, black and Asian communities demanded equal
treatment, dignity and respect, and we won passage of
the Race Relations Act (RRA). In 1976, the RRA passed
with much fanfare and was regarded as the gateway to changing
the social relations within British Society. But 30 years
after its passage, we still live in a society that is
grossly unequal, shaped by institutionally racist policies
and practices. We need youth leadership to realise the
promise of equality too long deferred.
To win our struggle for justice and equality we must stand
together, we must fight. In the lead up to the anniversary
of the RRA we must begin a struggle to reveal the truth
about our society with frankness and honesty. By building
this struggle and speaking out against racism to commemorate
the anniversary of the RRA we can take a very important
step to realising its promise. The students and youth
who are prepared to lead this struggle for our rights
and dignity must step forward now. Get involved...find out more here