International Congolese Day
30 June 2008
Demonstration organised by International Congolese Rights.
Monday 30 June 2008, 12-3pm
Opposite Downing Street, London (Nearest tube station: Westminster)
London unions sever all links with Rise FestivalBy IRR News Team
A number of London unions have severed all links with the London Mayor's Rise Festival.
The Rise Festival, established following the murder of Stephen Lawrence and organised by the TUC, was known as the Respect anti-racist festival. The idea was taken up by Ken Livingstone, who changed the name from Respect to Rise and held seven annual festivals during his mayoralty.
Unite, the union, has accused the organisation of the event this year as being 'a fiasco from start to finish'. Mayor Boris Johnson's new cultural advisor, Munira Mirza, has, according to the union, 'stripped the festival title of its sub-heading "London United Against Racism" only for the Mayor to say to the BBC that he knew nothing of this decision. Ms Mirza [has] also banned the Cuba Solidarity Campaign from continuing their joint sponsorship of the Latin American stage in partnership with Unite, and from even participating in the event. The unions have decided that this package of measures changes the focus and nature of the Rise Festival to such an extent that it will be just another musical event in Finsbury Park, and therefore that money earmarked for anti-racist campaigning will be better spent in other ways.'
Union comments:
Megan Dobney, (TUC London Regional Secretary): 'Trade unions are greatly offended by the removal of the central anti-racist message as well as by the ban on an organisation supported by the TUC. Trade union negotiation has proved fruitless and SERTUC is therefore left with no alternative but to withdraw.'
Steve Hart, (Unite London Regional Secretary): 'Rise, or Respect as it was known, was launched by the trade unions as a means of involving mainly young people in anti-racism in the wake of the Stephen Lawrence and other racist murders. What is the point of what was explicitly an anti-racist festival if it drops its commitment to anti-racism?'
Matt Wrack, (Fire Brigades Union General Secretary): 'We have supported the Rise Festival as a celebration of London's diverse communities and of anti-racism. It appears that this clear message is now being lost and the FBU no longer feels able to participate. We remain committed to any genuine initiative aimed at combating racism.'
Ayoub mzee had an opportunity to meet Presidential Press Team from East Africa.These guys travel with their heads of state.
What is happening in china? This scene was at the china emabssy on Portland Place -London .Its a Que for visasEVENT
With over 200 hundred different meetings, 5000 people, stalls, music, food over 5 days there surely is something for everyone.Tony Benn says: "Marxism, at which I speak at every year, is one of the most important universities of the labour movement. It brings together a vast range of people. It is an honour to be invited, and I am very much looking forward to the discussion and debate that will go on"Book online at bookings@marxismfestival.org.uk or call me for more details on 07958 034 181.Free accommodation and creche availableClick here for audio files from Marxism 2007 http://www.marxismfestival.org.uk/2008/audio2007.htmlTopics include:
Africa:
Why is Africa poor?, Makola Mayambika
The crisis in Zimbabwe and the way forward
Trade unions and the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, Abiodun Olamosu
Africa, imperialist rivalries & the war on terror, Ken Olende
What’s happening in South Africa ? Trevor Ngwane and Zodwa Madiba
Education: Race, class & exclusion How not to bore the pants off your kids Academies to McQualifications – what’s the market doing to our education system? LGBT:Is Queer politics radical? The roots of LGBT oppressionThe red in the rainbow – the struggle for sexual liberation Imperialism & the struggle for LGBT liberation in the Middle EastScience:War & capitalism – can science be redeemed? Rob OwenThe science & politics of reproduction - John ParringtonCan genetics explain human nature? Steven Rosehttp://marxismfestival.org.uk/2008/courses.htmlArts & Culturehttp://marxismfestival.org.uk/2008/culture.htmlAnd much more. See http://www.marxismfestival.org.uk/ for full timetable and detailsSome of the key speakers include:David Hilliard - Black Panther PartyPaul Gilroy - Author of There Ain't No Black in the Union JackGary Younge - The GuardianNick Davies - The GuardianLarry Elliot - The GuardianHoward Zinn - Historian, activist and celebrated author of A People's History of the United StatesMoazzam Begg - Former Guantanamo prisoner and campaignerIlan Pappe - Israeli historian and peace campaigner, a vocal supporter of Palestinian resistanceSee here for more: http://marxismfestival.org.uk/2008/keyspeakers.html
Africa:
Why is Africa poor?, Makola Mayambika
The crisis in Zimbabwe and the way forward
Trade unions and the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, Abiodun Olamosu
Africa, imperialist rivalries & the war on terror, Ken Olende
What’s happening in South Africa ? Trevor Ngwane and Zodwa Madiba
Education: Race, class & exclusion How not to bore the pants off your kids Academies to McQualifications – what’s the market doing to our education system? LGBT:Is Queer politics radical? The roots of LGBT oppressionThe red in the rainbow – the struggle for sexual liberation Imperialism & the struggle for LGBT liberation in the Middle EastScience:War & capitalism – can science be redeemed? Rob OwenThe science & politics of reproduction - John ParringtonCan genetics explain human nature? Steven Rosehttp://marxismfestival.org.uk/2008/courses.htmlArts & Culturehttp://marxismfestival.org.uk/2008/culture.htmlAnd much more. See http://www.marxismfestival.org.uk/ for full timetable and detailsSome of the key speakers include:David Hilliard - Black Panther PartyPaul Gilroy - Author of There Ain't No Black in the Union JackGary Younge - The GuardianNick Davies - The GuardianLarry Elliot - The GuardianHoward Zinn - Historian, activist and celebrated author of A People's History of the United StatesMoazzam Begg - Former Guantanamo prisoner and campaignerIlan Pappe - Israeli historian and peace campaigner, a vocal supporter of Palestinian resistanceSee here for more: http://marxismfestival.org.uk/2008/keyspeakers.html
Operation Black Vote & the National Assembly for Wales AM Shadowing Scheme
Unveiling Wales’ Barack Obama Generation
Winner of the 2008 Channel 4 Political Awards, Operation Black Vote’s Welsh Assembly Member (AM) Shadowing Scheme has continued to nurture the next generation of decision-makers and looks set to produce Wales’s first Black and minority ethnic (BME) Parliamentarian.
Run in partnership with the National Assembly for Wales, this unique leadership project has untapped a wealth of BME political talent. Mari Rees, shadowing Lorraine Barrett AM, is poised to make Welsh political history as the first BME MP with her selection as Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Preseli and Pembrokeshire. Shazia Awan, shadowing Angela Burns AM has also trailed a blaze of success as the first Asian female to speak at the Welsh Conservative Party Conference.
The aim of the country’s only AM Shadowing Scheme is to help change the face of Welsh politics by addressing the deficit of BME political representation and ensuring that minority communities engage with the Assembly in all areas and at all levels of regional governance.
The unique cross party initiative has enabled nine individuals from BME communities across Wales to shadow high level AMs. For the past six months participants have gained invaluable insights into the roles and responsibilities of an AM. As Community Ambassadors, they have played vital roles helping to raise awareness amongst BME communities about our democratic institutions as BME communities on the whole are up to three times as likely to be unregistered to vote as the white community.
Rt. Hon Lord Dafydd Elis -Thomas PC AM, Presiding Officer for the National Assembly
for Wales will be joined by Assembly Members, Shadows and local dignitaries at a Graduation Ceremony to recognise the contributions and achievements which Shadows, Assembly Members and the Assembly have made in improving diversity within Welsh politics
‘Wales’ Barack Obama Generation’ will take place on Wednesday 2nd July 2008 at the Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
Participants on the 2007/8 Welsh AM Shadowing Scheme
PLAID CYMRU
Shadows
Mentors
Elizabeth Musa
Helen Mary Jones AM
Omar Ali
Dr Dai Lloyd AM
Mashahid Ali
Leanne Wood AM
Abdool Rahman Khodabocus
Bethan Jenkins AM
LABOUR
Shadows
Mentors
Humie Webbe
Joyce Watson AM
Mari Rees
Lorraine Barrett AM
Ayman Abalmageed
Christine Chapman AM
CONSERVATIVE
Shadows
Mentors
Shazia Awan
Angela Burns AM
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT
Shadows
Mentors
Tarig Sanousi
Kirsty Williams AM
Unveiling Wales’ Barack Obama Generation
Winner of the 2008 Channel 4 Political Awards, Operation Black Vote’s Welsh Assembly Member (AM) Shadowing Scheme has continued to nurture the next generation of decision-makers and looks set to produce Wales’s first Black and minority ethnic (BME) Parliamentarian.
Run in partnership with the National Assembly for Wales, this unique leadership project has untapped a wealth of BME political talent. Mari Rees, shadowing Lorraine Barrett AM, is poised to make Welsh political history as the first BME MP with her selection as Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Preseli and Pembrokeshire. Shazia Awan, shadowing Angela Burns AM has also trailed a blaze of success as the first Asian female to speak at the Welsh Conservative Party Conference.
The aim of the country’s only AM Shadowing Scheme is to help change the face of Welsh politics by addressing the deficit of BME political representation and ensuring that minority communities engage with the Assembly in all areas and at all levels of regional governance.
The unique cross party initiative has enabled nine individuals from BME communities across Wales to shadow high level AMs. For the past six months participants have gained invaluable insights into the roles and responsibilities of an AM. As Community Ambassadors, they have played vital roles helping to raise awareness amongst BME communities about our democratic institutions as BME communities on the whole are up to three times as likely to be unregistered to vote as the white community.
Rt. Hon Lord Dafydd Elis -Thomas PC AM, Presiding Officer for the National Assembly
for Wales will be joined by Assembly Members, Shadows and local dignitaries at a Graduation Ceremony to recognise the contributions and achievements which Shadows, Assembly Members and the Assembly have made in improving diversity within Welsh politics
‘Wales’ Barack Obama Generation’ will take place on Wednesday 2nd July 2008 at the Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
Participants on the 2007/8 Welsh AM Shadowing Scheme
PLAID CYMRU
Shadows
Mentors
Elizabeth Musa
Helen Mary Jones AM
Omar Ali
Dr Dai Lloyd AM
Mashahid Ali
Leanne Wood AM
Abdool Rahman Khodabocus
Bethan Jenkins AM
LABOUR
Shadows
Mentors
Humie Webbe
Joyce Watson AM
Mari Rees
Lorraine Barrett AM
Ayman Abalmageed
Christine Chapman AM
CONSERVATIVE
Shadows
Mentors
Shazia Awan
Angela Burns AM
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT
Shadows
Mentors
Tarig Sanousi
Kirsty Williams AM
