Thursday 08 June 2012 - Sign the e-petition for Free meals for College students
16-18 year olds from a disadvantaged background who study at a Further Education or Sixth Form College do not receive free meals at lunchtime whereas their counterparts in school sixth forms do. This is clearly unfair and needs to change. Eligibility for free meals should be based on need, not on where you choose to study. We call on the Government to extend free meals to all 16-18 year olds from a disadvantaged background. Sign the petition to make free meals available to College students - https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/31069/signature/new Tuesday 15 May 2012 - We need more HIRING NOT more FIRING! Sign our letter to Cameron and Cable telling them they’ve got it wrong and let them know we need a plan to create jobs, not more ways to put people out of work. It only takes a minute. The more of us who sign, the stronger our message to this Government will be that we won’t stand for them scrapping the rights we depend on. Our rights at work matter – let’s take a stand together. Please sign here and encourage others to do so too: http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/hiringnotfiring Yesterday, Cameron said he was listening. But today’s announcement shows he’s not listening to the concerns of ordinary people. They’ve already sneaked changes through a Parliamentary Committee which mean people have no legal protection against unfair dismissal until they’ve been with an employer for two whole years. That’s millions of people at risk of being put out of work out of the blue – they can be sacked on dodgy grounds with no redundancy pay, no compensation, nothing. And now they’re announcing plans to make it even harder for employees to go to an Employment Tribunal if they think they’ve been treated unfairly at work – with threats of more hoops to jump through, higher fees to pay, and the removal of lay representatives on tribunal panels. Making jobs less secure is not a path out of the recession. We need people in good, secure jobs, spending in the local economy - not more people on the dole, and millions more saving instead of spending, as they are worried about whether their job is safe. Wednesday 9th May 2012 - Greek, French voters reject German-led austerity A very good read on how Europe is rejecting the politics of austerity and cuts. We need a programme for jobs and growth now!' BERLIN (Reuters) - Greek voters dealt a serious blow on Sunday to the fragile political consensus that has kept Europe's currency bloc intact through more than two years of crisis, rejecting the austerity-for-aid policies that have shielded the country from bankruptcy and a euro exit. Greece's vote, combined with the victory of Socialist Francois Hollande over incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in a French presidential election, will raise pressure on Europe's paymaster Germany to pursue a more growth-oriented approach to the crisis. But it is far from clear whether Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose insistence on tough deficit reduction in vulnerable southern euro members is popular in Germany, will take more than symbolic steps in that direction, even after Sunday's elections. Read the full analysis here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/06/us-europe-elections-idUSBRE8450CY20120506 Tuesday 8 May 2012 - Protect your retirement - Public oppose rise in state pension age 68 will be the highest state pension age in Europe. The UK government is already planning further increases. No European country is planning to raise their pension age this high - and recently elected French President, Francois Hollande, pledges to reduce the French pension age from 62 to 60 for many workers. In a poll carried out for the ‘68 is too late’ campaign 77% of people said it would be unfair to have a higher state pension age than our neighbours. The UK is the seventh richest country in the world – but ministers plan to make us work longer than anyone else in Europe. Take Action: 1-Protect your retirement. Email David Cameron now - Take a stand. Tell the Prime Minister that you will not stand for his government’s attacks on the state pension age. Please find a draft email here - http://www.68istoolate.org.uk/page/speakout/cameron-speakout?js=false 2-Join the ’68 Is Too Late’ Campaign here: http://www.68istoolate.org.uk/pages/about 3-Get the latest updates @68_is_too_late Monday 7 May 2012 - Rise Of Fascism In Europe: Country by country France: The National Front, led by Marine Le Pen, won nearly 18 per cent of the vote in April's first round of presidential elections. The party is eyeing seats in June parliamentary elections. Greece: Golden Dawn is the chief right-wing movement in the country, an openly neo-Nazi party that is one of Europe's most extreme. Could take a dozen seats in May 6 parliamentary election. The Netherlands: The Freedom Party, led by Geert Wilders, is the third-largest in parliament - and brought down the minority government by withdrawing support. Austria: The Freedom Party, having 34 of the 183 seats in parliament, is the second-strongest party in opinion polls. England: British National Party has a policy that restricts membership to 'indigenous British people'. Ten local councillors, a fall from 50 in 2008. Germany: The NPD has two of 16 state legislators but no seats in national parliament. Support base in former Communist east German states, where unemployment and discontent is high. Norway: The Progress Party holds 41 of 169 seats in parliament and is Norway's biggest opposition party. More moderate than many European counterparts. Denmark: The Danish People's Party is the nation's third largest political organisation, and has pushed Denmark to adopt some of Europe's strictest immigration laws. Sweden: The Sweden Democrats entered parliament in 2010 with 19 of 349 seats, but has had no major impact on legislation. Finland: The Finns party won 19 per cent of parliamentary election votes in 2011 - up from four per cent four years earlier. Hungary: Jobbik won nearly 17 per cent of the 2010 vote, and is one of two leading opposition parties.The conservative Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has passed laws restricting civil rights and basic freedoms that go against the country's EU membership. From: www.dailymail.co.uk Friday 4 May 2012- BNP loses all the seats it has contested! This is a clear sign of the excellent work that all our anti-BNP activists and volunteers have been doing over the last year and a half, especially in my local area in the North West, has totally paid off because the BNP got smashed off the political landscape. Let's keep fighting to get the racists off our streets and out of our policy making councils. http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/blog/nick Tuesday 1 May 2012- Pensioner beaten up by EDL thugs says: Get racists off our streets http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=28363 The English Defence League (EDL) has shown its true colours once again. Its rampaging thugs last week descended on a pensioner in Lewisham, south east London, who had dared to stand up against its racism. Following its cowardly attack, the EDL has declared it plans to run riot in Luton this weekend. EDL supporters hope to spread fear among the town’s Asian population. It’s vital that we stand united against them. Far right groups across Europe are trying to use the economic crisis to scapegoat migrants and Muslims for problems that working class people face. Get Active Stop the EDL National Demo: Saturday 5 May, Luton, Assemble 11am, Wardown Park, New Bedford Road, Luton LU3 1LP. For more information visit the Unite Against Fascism website Sunday 30 April 2012 - Student Worker Solidarity Conference 2012 As students, increasing numbers of us have to work to fund ourselves through study. Often, the only jobs available to us are low-paid, semi-casual jobs with long hours and poor conditions. On campus, more and more students are active on workers’ rights issues; whether uniting with lecturers and other campus workers to fight cuts and course closures or building international solidarity. How can we organise to fight for workers’ rights – in our own workplaces, on our campuses, and internationally? Student Worker Solidarity 2012 brings together student and other young workers, student activists campaigning on workers’ rights and trade union activists to discuss organising on campus and in the workplace. The conference is an activist gathering aimed at networking and skills-sharing; anyone interested in workers’ rights is welcome, regardless of prior campaigning experience and knowledge and whether or not you’re currently a member of a trade union. For more information please visit: http://www.facebook.com/events/251270718294624/ Saturday 29 April 2012 - Register to vote! Get active against the BNP! We can beat the Nazis on the streets and at the ballot box! The BNP is seeking to exploit the harsh economic climate we are in and is using tactics, such as infiltrating the student movement, to draw young people towards fascism. Therefore, it should be clear to all of us from our own experiences that students have a vital role to play in the run up to the local elections on 3 May. The right to vote took a lot of struggle to win, but very little effort to undervalue. We can all make a difference to stop the far right making progress, and to demand that politicians listen – especially those within this Tory government which has attacked our rights so much – and address the needs to young Black people when it comes to accessing education, to opposing racism, and to creating jobs and safer communities. We must unite with all those who are threatened by the BNP regardless of our differences on other issues. All those who believe in democracy and human rights should use their vote and get active in those areas that are at risk from the BNP. Even where the BNP are not present we must vote! Visit: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/voter-registration Tuesday 24 April 2012 - Global Education Strike – Online chat meeting People worldwide are struggling against the increasing commercialisation of education and fighting for free emancipatory education. Massive staff cuts, budget cuts, privatisation, de-democratisation within schools and universities, tuition fees hike, an increasing pressure to perform, and increasing influences of 'private economic actors' on teaching and research . To resist these effects from the current dominating economic system and fight for alternatives together it is time to call for a first coordinated strike at educational institutions across the world. Global chat meeting – Saturday 28th April: Get involved with the discussion calling for a GLOBAL EDUCATION STRIKE on November 19th 2012. To discuss this idea and next steps participate in the online chat meeting on Saturday 28th April: http://ism-global.net/global_chat_april28 Monday 23 April 2012 - Fewer jobs and lower pay: Black graduates pay price in jobs crisis as majority fail to find work http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/fewer-jobs-and-lower-pay-black-graduates-pay-price-in-jobs-crisis-as-majority-fail-to-find-work-7669134.html Just four out of ten black students are in full-time employment six months after leaving university, new figures have shown. Unpublished material from the Higher Education Statistics Authority reveals that black students are 30 per cent less likely to be employed than their white counterparts. The figures emerge as a damming report from the black employment charity Elevation Networks and the think-tank the Bow Group claims that even those who get jobs will earn 9 per cent less for the same type of work within five years. In numbers 60% Proportion of black graduates not in full-time employment six months after leaving university 40% Percentage of black students who expect racial discrimination from employers 30% Proportion of black graduates less likely to find work than their white counterpart Monday 23 April 2012 - Karl McCartney must retract his comments on gay marriage It's disgusting the comments Karl McCartney MP has made in regards to gay marriage and we must demand for him to retract his homophobic comments. Please sign and encourage others to do too. http://www.change.org/petitions/karl-mccartney-must-retract-his-comments-on-gay-marriage Why I am running to become the next NUS Black Students’ Officer After much deliberation and encouragement, from many Black students and officers like you, I have decided to put my name forward for the upcoming election to the position of NUS Black Students’ Officer 2012-13. There are many reasons for this decision. They include the state that students are in, the kind of NUS Black Students’ Campaign we have, and the genuine belief that many of you and I share about the need for an inclusive, responsive and forward-looking national Campaign that must build in the months and year ahead to defend all Black students’ interests. I expand on these reasons in the message below: Continue reading Friday 20 April 2012 - Justice for Alfie Meadows: Stop Criminalising Protest Read and sign the Defend the Right to Protest statement on the hung jury in the case of Alfie Meadows, as well as the wide range of statements sent in to support Alfie Meadows. We demand justice for Alfie Meadows! Please sign the statement and encourage others to do too: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/justice-for-alfie-meadows-stop-criminalising/ Sunday 1 April 2012 - Samaira takes on Mount Snowdown for Syria! Following months of political unrest, the situation in Syria has reached crisis point. Violence is endemic and living conditions have deteriorated significantly, with a lack of basic necessities such as food, shelter, electricity and thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes to escape the ongoing violence. YOUR MISSION: To Make a Difference! Do something to help the people of Syria and sponsor Samaira Anjum’s climb to Mount Snowdon. Please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=habibailyas&pageUrl=3 Monday 26 March 2012 - Justice for Trayvon Martin Peaceful protest is called to show solidarity with Trayvon Martin's family from London, where racial profiling has also cost the lives of many black people in police custody. Saturday 31st March outside the USA Embassy in London - 1.30pm Please come, wear a hoodie, bring a packet of skittles, your children, friends, family and anyone else you can gather to say no to racism and call for justice for Trayvon Martin, who died walking home while being black! Please sign the petition and encourage others to do so too - http://signon.org/sign/justice-for-trayvon-martin?source=s.fwd&r_by=3637490 Friday 23 March 2012 - Take 30 seconds to ask your MP to show support for Venezuela Ask your MP to sign the Parliamentary motion (EDM 2840) marking the 10th anniversary of the coup in Venezuela and in support of the expansion of social progress and democracy in the country since then. The EDM also opposes external intervention in the run up to Venezuela's Presidential election this October. Lobby your MP in 2 easy steps please visit: http://vsc.iparl.com/lobby/8/ Friday 16 March 2012 - Draft Commonwealth Charter - Call for submissions LGBTI rights omitted, no mechanism for human rights enforcement The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is inviting comments and amendments regarding the new Draft Charter of the Commonwealth. The deadline for submissions is Friday 23 March 2012. Submissions can be made on any issue: human rights / LGBTI rights, disarmament, the environment, aid and trade, economic and social justice and so on. The RCS has agreed to accept submissions from individuals and organisations in any Commonwealth member state. Read the Draft Charter here: http://charterconsultation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DraftCharteroftheCommonwealth.pdf How to make submissions: http://charterconsultation.co.uk/get-involved/ For more information about the RCS please visit: http://www.thercs.org Tuesday 13 March 2012 - Domestic Violence Consultation - action required Please find the Cross - Government's Definition of Domestic Violence - A Consultation here: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/definition-domestic-violence/ This consultation seeks views on the desirability of widening the current cross-government definition of domestic violence. In addition, it also seeks views on whether the current definition is being applied consistently across government and if it is understood by practitioners, victims and perpetrators. This is a consultation to seek views of key partners, and directly affected parties, including the police, practitioners, other government departments and organisations with a direct interest in preventing domestic violence. Your input for this consultation response would be greatly appreciated, you may want to consider nominating someone to co-ordinate an overall proud view as this will avoid any confusion, unless you wish to submit individually. All responses required by 23rd March 2012 to Mary Doolin via [email protected] Monday 12 March 2012 - The Power of Africa - “Africa as a Stronger Actor on the International Stage” www.the-power-of-africa.org The Power of Africa is the third Africa related conference that is being hosted in the beginning of 2012. It will focus on the possibilities and barriers that the African countries are facing in terms of economic and political bargaining power as well as the prospect of speaking with one voice on the international stage. The conference will in particular address the expectations and opinions that the outside world holds of African development and how this often diverges with what might be more realistic and customized solutions on the ground. One aim of the conference is thus to debate whether alternative forms of institutional rule and economic models can be deemed more effective in Africa than the established forms of Western governance. The conference will look at global as well as local perceptions of African leadership and development, and the bilateral trade relationships that Africa has with China and India. Furthermore we will explore the role of the African Union as well as civil societies in enhancing interregional relations within Africa and what prospects this holds for its future international image and bargaining power. To apply please visit: http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/index.php?Application-Forms We are also accepting applications for the following events: 1) The Arts Diplomacy Festival 2012 (Berlin, March 22nd – 25th, 2012) www.icd-languageofartandmusic.org 2)The Ankara Conference on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (April 17th - 19th, 2012) www.ankara-conference.org 3)The Europe Meets Russia Conference (Berlin, April 24th – 27th, 2012) www.icd-emr.org 4)The Power of Africa (Paris, May 02nd -04th, 2012) www.the-power-of-africa.org Sunday 11 March 2012 - Protest against the killings in Afghanistan http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/11/us-soldier-killing-afghanistan-children?newsfeed=true The cold blooded killing of fifteen Afghan civilians, including young children, by a US soldier in Kandahar Province earlier today is an outrage that encapsulates the brutality of the occupation of Afghanistan. It comes at a time of widespread anger against NATO forces, and growing calls for the occupation to end. The Stop the War Coalition is supporting a vigil called tomorrow night, Monday 12th, by Afghans for Peace in Trafalgar Square at 6pm. We are urging anyone who can to attend the event to protest at today's atrocity and to demand all NATO troops are withdrawn from the country immediately. Vigil 6-7 pm, Monday 12 March, Trafalgar Square, London SW1 Saturday 10 March 2012 - Half of UK's young black males are unemployed Now it becomes clear what Pickles was up to when he started talking about people's language skills. He knew this was about to be revealed. And its his dept - Communities and Local Government - who are responsible for race policy in Government. The minister is Liberal Democrat, Andrew Stunell. Please direct your correspondence to him. And while you're writing you might mention the 63% cut to the EHRC's budget, the statutory body responsible for enforcing equality law. Emily Thornberry MP nailed Pickles on BBC's radio 4's Any Questions - she asked him how many children leave school unable to speak English. He couldn't answer. So his statement is clearly a political one and not based on any evidence. http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/09/half-uk-young-black-men-unemployed Wednesday 7 March 2012 - Reverse the suspension of International Student Karim Hatem At University of Nottingham an Egyptian international student Karim Hatem has been suspended from University for failing to pay his fees. The reason why he was unable to pay his fees was because of the problems of transferring money to the UK from Egypt due to the turmoil in the region. This again highlights how international students are mistreated and the barbaric practices of the immigration system. Please take a moment to sign the petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/university-of-nottingham-reverse-the-suspension-of-international-student-karim-hatem Wednesday 29 February 2012 - Change the domestic violence laws to make psychological domestic abuse and controlling/coercive behaviour a crime There is currently a government consultation open to consider amending the law on domestic violence to include psychological domestic abuse, including controlling/coercive behaviour. Two women a week are killed by their partners or ex-partners, in many cases the police have never been called to the household before, however there has previously been a history of controlling behaviour. Please take a moment to sign the e-petition: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29908 Monday 27 February 2012- If no-one enforces equality legislation we will turn the clock back 40 years! Cuts to the Equality and Human Rights Commission - the independent regulator that enforces equality law on issues including age, disability, gender, and race, and encouraging compliance with the Human Rights Act- will leave many people without help and turn back the clock to the 1950s. Front line services like the helpline and grants to regional outreach work with communities are to be axed. Hundreds of experienced staff, including caseworkers and solicitors, will be let go following a budget cut of 63% Essential services to the public and communities will disappear including free legal representation for victims of discrimination and community engagement work to promote good relations, and work with local authorities & the police when the far right come to town. Please sign this petition -http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29879_ 25 February 2012- Unite Against Fascism Conference The economic crisis, falling living standards and rising unemployment are leading to a rise in racism. Migrants, black, Muslim and traveller communities are wrongly blamed. The recent guilty verdict in the Stephen Lawrence case represents some justice after 18 years of campaigning by his family, but racist attacks and murders remain a reality in Britain. We must unite against racism and fight back! Don't forget to register for more info visit - http://uaf.org.uk/2011/12/uaf-conference-saturday-25-february-central-london/ Tuesday 21 February 2012 - Employing Youth for a better future Youth unemployment is on the rise across the globe due to the current economic and financial crisis. In some parts of the world, this uncertainty is causing social turmoil as protests and demonstrations continue to grow, threatening world stability and security. Let's hear the voice of the youth... Let's find solutions... You can also help! Take part in a UN debate on youth unemployment by tweeting your ideas & questions using Tweet: #UN4youth and/or Text: 3472675618 your questions & comments, from 20 - 27 February 2012 The time to act is now...And you can help! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rngQaeR0j74&feature=youtube Tuesday 21 February 2012- Why China succeeds in Africa Why is China 'succeeding' in Africa? What are the pros and cons? What could the West learn about more equitable approaches to globalisation? A challenging perspective can be found here: http://the-diplomat.com/2012/02/18/why-china-succeeds-in-africa/ Thursday 16 February 2012 - University Islamic Societies Are Not ‘Hotbeds’ for Radicalisation In recent months there has been considerable debate both in the media and in government, of university Islamic societies being "conveyor belts" for extremism and terrorism. Islamic Societies breed activists not extremists. I am a living example. During my time as a student at Manchester Met, I attended many Islamic Society events ranging from political debates to spiritual talks and charity events. It helped me as a student to engage and meet other Muslims on campus, develop and understand the world in which we live. Islamic societies and FOSIS are not Islamic Extremists- http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/reyhana-patel/university-islamic-societies-radicalism-not-hotbeds_b_1272705.html Wednesday 15 February 2012 – The cuts and their impact on Black communities The government is not only creating a socio-economic divide in our society but is also creating a racial divide ripping apart the fabric of our multicultural, vibrant society. The only beneficiaries from such an approach are unfortunately likely to be right wing groups such as the BNP and EDL who are already using heightened racial tensions to divide us further as a society when, now more than ever we need to be united. http://nextgenerationlabour.org/2012/02/the-cuts-and-their-impact-on-bme-communities-by-jyoti-bhojani/ Friday 30 December 2011 - Exploiting resources in the Congo fuels conflict http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/dec/30/apple-time-make-conflict-free-iphone Please sign this petition to call on Apple to develop ethical technology that does not exploit Congo's natural resources and does not feed conflict: http://www.change.org/petitions/ceo-of-apple-inc-make-a-conflict-free-product-that-includes-minerals-from-eastern-congo?utm_source=press&utm_content=petition&utm_campaign=en_usa_hr&utm_term=Apple-Conflict-Minerals Wednesday 28 December 2011 - Study reveals extent of careers service and education cuts http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/dec/26/schools-funding-cuts-hits-literacy The Tory-LibDem government claims its cuts policy won't impact on frontline services but this new study uncovers England's long tail of under-achievement getting longer! Those from less financially stable backgrounds (Black communities, as well as those in disabled or single income households, especially where women are the main earner) will continue to be hardest hit. As the most vulnerable continue to suffer the most, we will fall further behind, reduce our access to education, and subsequent life chances. The Education Secretary, Michael Gove, should be brought to book for his attack on employment creation and finding opportunities. I encourage everyone to make it their New Year’s resolution to write to their MP and demand that the Tory- LibDem disinvestment from education and employment, especially for young people, is reserved! http://www.writetothem.com/about-contact Friday 23 December 2011 - Race and Sport With the recent controversy about Liverpool's Luis Suarez being banned for making racist comments, and Chelsea's John Terry being charged with racist misconduct, I thought you might find it interesting to read the attached minutes of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Sport which was held in Parliament on 12 Dec 2011. http://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/Raceandsportmeetingnotes.pdf As a Black sabb at Manchester Met University SU we are leading activities, with our sports and social societies, to challenge racism and other forms of discrimination in sport. You can also get involved with by ordering easy to follow campaign packs produced by the Show Racism the Red Card initiative (http://www.srtrc.org/news/news-and-events) and the Kick It Out campaign (http://www.kickitout.org/). Friday 16 December 2011 - Coalition sheds crocodile tears over young jobless The (Tory) government inherited an economy in which unemployment was coming down. It is now going up. The government inherited an economy where schemes to help young people into work were nibbling away at youth joblessness. It scrapped schemes such as the Future Jobs Fund to save money, making its current hand-wringing particularly inappropriate. When he announced his austerity programme shortly after becoming chancellor, George Osborne insisted that job losses in the public sector would be far outweighed by the opportunities that would be created by a liberated and thriving private sector. Wednesday's figures give the lie to the chancellor's breezy optimism: 111,000 jobs were shed by the public sector in the three months to June, while 41,000 were created in the private sector. And this, note, was the three months to June. It was only subsequently that the big deterioration in the labour market took place.' https://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/business/economics-blog/2011/nov/16/youth-unemployment-caused-by-coalition-policies ‘Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today’ – Samaira Anjum on Black History and fighting racism today Black History Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate and commemorate the huge contribution of African, Arab, Asian, Caribbean and other people of colour to society. It is important because Black history often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged, creating a vacuum in which our communities are seen as a drain on society, not an asset. Without a sense of history, many young Black people are left with little or no knowledge about the rich traditions from which they descend. I was 10 years old when my journey started in the fight against racism. In 2001, the British National Party (BNP) was active in the area where I grew up. As a 10 year old I wasn’t politically active nor did I have any idea about who the BNP was or what it stood for. I remember playing on the street outside my house when my father would approach me to and order me indoor because the National Front (NF), as they were called at the time, was coming to attack our community. I witnessed a number of incidents, including one where a car’s windows were being smashed, being committed by these NF people. I was terrified. The BNP marched through our community, smashed up our neighbourhood, and whipped up racism by dividing Black and white communities. They claimed that there were ‘no go areas’ when this was a lie. This created tension within communities as people began to believe the claims that such ‘no-go areas’ were real. It should come as no surprise that I grew up with a passion to fight racism and fascism. I was 16-years-old when I attended my first demonstration against the BNP. It was when the BNP leader, Nick Griffin, went to speak at the Oxford Union. At the protest I met people from different faiths, backgrounds, colours and origins. It was really then that my journey started in the student movement, and where I started to be inspired. Since then, I have been at the forefront of the fight against racism. I have also become a leading anti-racism activist who actively challenges issues of racism, fascism and Islamophobia. I am the first Muslim woman to be elected to a sabbatical position in my union. With a greater understanding of what Black people have achieved, we can be empowered to realise our potential, challenge the inequalities we experience, and face down stereotypes. I am proud that during Black History Month I was able to launch the One Society Many Cultures Campaign on campus. It was one of the biggest anti-racism meetings my University has ever held. I use the term Black as a political one. It acknowledges the immense diversity within and between the African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean communities whilst recognising the commonalties on the basis of our experiences which are marked with challenging racism and the under-representation of our communities throughout modern history and in society today. It is vital that we celebrate our history to ensure that Black students are empowered and inspired. It is equally vital to educate other students, about our history, in order to break down barriers and prejudices. The words of Malcolm X inspired me when he stated: ‘without education, you’re not going anywhere in this world’ and ‘education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today’. As our history has shown us, we are never more powerful than when we work together. We need to be joining campaigns and actively trying to make a difference. This is important if we are to try to make this world a better place. It is also important if we want to leave our own legacies. Our struggle hasn’t been easy and we have to always remember where our journey started and how we got to where we are today. We did this by unity and strength. We should always stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world in our struggle against racism, fascism, and Islamophobia. Black History Month’s significance cannot be overlooked as it is our opportunity to pay tribute to our predecessors and ancestors who challenged injustice and struggled to make the world a better place. It is important that we remember this as we enjoy the freedoms we have today. |
Burston strike school rally
Sun 2 September 11:00 - 16:30 Church Green, Burston, Norfolk For more info visit: http://burstonstrikeschool.org.uk/ After Austerity: Where next for the UK economy? Tuesday 26 June 9.30 -17.00pm Congress House, Great Russell St, London To register please visit: http://www.afterausterity.org.uk/?page_id=18 I WILL Training for Muslim Women Students Wed 13 June 10.00 - 17.00pm Birmingham To register please visit: http://www.nusconnect.org.uk/news/article/womensrepresentation/I-WILL-Lead-the-Way-for-Musliim-Women/ African, Not Black History: Arguments for ‘African’ Tuesday 29 May 18.00 – 19.30pm London, Senate House, University of London To register visit: www.TAOBQ.eventbrite.com British Black Music: How far have we come? Thursday 31 May 18.00 - 20.30pm London, Westminster City Hall To register visit: www.BBMBMC.eventbrite.com Grassroots 2012 Conference Sat 26 May 11.30 – 17.30pm TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London To register please visit: http://www.tuc.org.uk/events/detail.cfm?event=3457 NUS Black Students’ Summer Conference Sat 19 - Sun 20 May 10:00 -17.00pm Bradford To resister please visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1074919 Student Worker Solidarity Conference Sat 12 May 11.00- 17.50pm Goldsmith University For more information please visit: http://www.facebook.com/events/251270718294624/ Stand Up Against Racism Thurs 10May 19:30 – 22:30pm Palace Suite, Hilton Metropole, Edgware Road, London Tickets can be purchased here: www.theredcard.org/shop For more information please e-mail [email protected] What Does It Mean To Be A Global African? Saturday 28 April 6-9pm Walworth, Southwark (Elephant & Castle) To register visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3404134859/eorg Cuts, Injustice and Racism – The Global Impact Friday 27 April 12.45 – 2pm TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS (Room 1, 5th floor) For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/271284809632009/ NUS National Conference Tue 24 - Thurs 26 April 10:00 - 14:00pm Sheffield http://www.nusconnect.org.uk/ents/event/299/ Palestine Solidarity Campaign Trade Union Conference Sat 21 April 10:00 – 3.30pm Unison Centre, 130 Euston Road, London To register email: [email protected] with the following:
Careers Conference Wed 11 April 10:00 - 16:00pm St Katherine’s Way, London To register visit: www.reachsociety.com/pageview.php?page=events SERTUC Pensioners Network Seminar Wed 18 April 10:15 – 15.15pm Congress House, Great Russell Street, London To register visit: http://www.tuc.org.uk/events/event_form.cfm?event=3437 Liaison Committee for the Defence of Trade Unions – Public Meeting Fighting Back Against the Con-Dem Attack On Workers’ Rights Mon 18 April 18.30 – 20.00pm Unite House, 128 Theobalds Road, London For more info visit: www.lcdtu.org Educate Connect Empower Sat 31 March 10:00 - 18.00pm Birkbeck, London To buy a ticket visit: http://inspirationalyoumarch2012.eventbrite.com/?ebtv=C Morning Star Conference Sat 31 March 10.30 - 16.30pm Bishopsgate Institute, London, To register please visit: http://morningstaronline.co.uk/images/REGISTRATION-mstar-conference-31-03-12.pdf NUS LGBT Conference Fri 30 March - Sun 1 April 10:00 - 17:00pm Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester To register visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1058073 Bernie Grant Memorial Lecture ‘Policing Matters – The Road to Recovery after the Riots’ Thurs 28 March 18.30 – 20.30pm London To register visit: http://www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk/pl430.html SERTUC Equality Conference Sat 24 March 10.00 - 16.00 TUC Congress House, Great Russell St To register please visit: http://www.tuc.org.uk/events/event_form.cfm?event=3440 SERTUC conference: Equality in the workplace: swimming against the tide Sat 24 March 10.00 - 16.00pm Congress House, Great Russell Street, London To register please visit: http://www.tuc.org.uk/events/event_form.cfm?event=3440 TAKING ON THE MEDIA BARONS - How can we make the media fair for all? Sat 17 March 10.00 - 16.00pm Congress House, London To register please visit: http://mediaownership.eventbrite.co.uk/ SERTUC Women's Rights Committee & SERTUC Race Relations Committee fringe meeting at TUC Women's Conference Wed 14 March 17.30 - 19.00pm Congress House, Great Russell Street, London To register please visit: http://www.tuc.org.uk/events/event_form.cfm?event=3435 NUS Women’s Conference Tue 13 - Thurs 15 March 10:00 - 15:00pm Leeds To register visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1058981 Leading Change Session with Helen Kelly, President of the NZCTU Tue 13 March 18.00 -19.30pm TUC, Congress House, London To register please email: Debbie Cleary at [email protected] The Impact of Public Spending Cuts - Northern Region Mon 12 March 09.30 - 15.30pm The Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne To register please contact: Melanie Lowden on 0191 232 3175 SERTUC Disability Network campaign training day Fri 9 March 10.00 - 16.00pm Congress House, Great Russell Street, London To register please contact: Joanne Adams on 020 7467 1220 Save our NHS rally Wed 7 March 18.00pm Westminster Central Hall, opposite the Houses of Parliament For more information please visit: http://www.goingtowork.org.uk/rally-to-save-our-nhs/ Playfair at the 2012 Olympics Tue 6 March 17.30 - 18.30pm The People's Bookshop, The Attic, Saddler's Yard, Durham To register please email: [email protected] Building good inter faith relations Tue 6 March 10:00 - 16:30pm Glasgow Caledonian Students' Union To register visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1055592 Update on Equalities Mon 5 March 13.00 - 16.00pm Newcastle, TUC Regional Office, Commercial Union House To register please visit: http://www.tuc.org.uk/events/event_form.cfm?event=3417 Venezuela 2012: How Social Progress & Democracy are Transforming a Nation Mon 5 March 7- 9pm Portcullis House, Parliament To register email: to [email protected] NUS Black Women’s Conference Sun 4 March 10:30 - 4.30pm University London Union To register visit: Stop the War National Conference Sat 3 March 10am - 5pm London To register visit: http://stopwar.org.uk/ NUS Scotland Conference Sat 3 - Sun 4 March 10:00 - 17:30pm Menzies Hotel Irvine To register visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1051996 Unite Against Fascism conference Sat 25 February 10.00 - 4.30pm Central London To register visit: http://uaf.org.uk/2011/12/uaf-conference-saturday-25-february-central-london/ Disabled Students Activist Day Fri 24 February 10:00 - 16:00pm Leeds University Union To register visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1053458 FE Liberation, Equality and Diversity Fri 17 February 09:30 - 16:30pm Chartridge Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire To register visit: http://www.nusconnect.org.uk/ents/event/418/ FE Sabbatical Networking Residential Wed 15 - Thurs 16 February 11:30 - 15:30pm Chartridge Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire To register visit: http://www.nusconnect.org.uk/ents/event/418/ |