Scottish Left Review Issue 80 January/February 2014 £2.00 Black Scotland Scottish Left Review Fifty years since the dream Martin Luther King shared with a nation Issue 80 January/February 2013 Comment Of equality for all and an end to discrimination As we reflect fifty years later the question we must now ask Is what progress have we really made in the half century that’s passed? Contents Comment Commernt...... 2 Poor, black, woman...... 14 I have a dream of no poverty or deprivation An end to prejudice, injustice and discrimination Zareen Taj No abuse or harassment causing devastation Poem...... 3 Zita Holbourne is a poet-activist-artist. Where challenges to these are not met with confrontation Zita Holbourne Looking Back...... 16 She is a PCS Executive member and Nina Munday Co-founder of Black Activists Rising Near the Start of our Journey...... 4 I have a dream that we’ll rise up in unity Against the Cuts UK. BARAC Scotland Jatin Haria A tradition of solidarity...... 18 Act like one strong and determined community was launched in 2011 the STUC Black Ahktar Kahn Live in a world of equal opportunity Workers. She is also the artist who No need to be feart...... 6 Where progress is anticipated eagerly Eunice Olumide The greatest radical speech...... 20 produced the illustration on page 5 Graham Campbell Mitigating Britain...... 8 I have a dream of access to jobs and employment Soryia Siddique A tradition of independence...... 22 Where we are assessed on our achievement Chimeze Umeh Where those with the power to decide don’t cast judgment The not just White Paper...... 10 Based on class or gender or age or skin pigment Hunza Yousaf Jacqueline Smith interview...... 23 Graham Campbell I have a dream that every one of us each and every day Mandella and Scotland...... 12 Will rise up to those blocking us from progressing on our way Naseem Anwar That we’ll expose the hypocrites and end the moral decay Be unrelenting in our pursuit of truth, do not just say Cover Photo: Model: Eunice Olumide; Photographer Life Studios, Hair: Dickson Reid Photo page 7: Model: Eunice Olumide; Photography Alan Simpson; Styling: Enigmatic Production & Promotion I have a dream that the evil of fascism will be no more That peace will come and there’ll be an end to illegal war That the pursuit of justice is not blocked by biased law And in all we strive for, equality is at the core

I have a dream that our children will be judged on merit Comment Where irrespective of colour or class they’re given credit For their skills, ideas and talent, not broken in spirit hen we were approached about producing a special editors often believe that white male writers are the best That we create a legacy that they’re proud to inherit Wissue of Scottish Left Review commissioned by available. And of course, this is also affected by who gets non-white Scots and written entirely by non-white Scots into positions of power and influence. I have a dream of free access to education we were immediately delighted. We of course try to ensure But if these are the good reasons, forgetting is Where knowledge is not barred due to financial situation that the SLR reflects as many voices from as many parts often the bad reason. We sit down and plan an issue of Where we can build a firm and secure foundation of Scotland as possible - from race and gender to age and articles and then put names of writers against them. We For ourselves, our kin and the next generation geography. But often we fail - for good reasons and bad. may simply forget to look at what the totality of writers Our Editorial Board is of mixed race and gender represents - in terms of race, in terms of gender, in terms I have a dream of sufficient welfare but we know that does not necessarily mean we can of social class, in terms of geography. And inevitably, if we Free and accessible healthcare successfully reflect a community as diverse as Scotland’s. make this mistake often enough we present one picture of Of a world that’s equal and fair We produce one magazine every two months and other left politics in Scotland, possibly at the risk of excluding Where those who hold the power hear than our regular features there is room only for 10 articles. another. It means we can never cover a full range of issues from a So we offer our sincere thanks to Graham Campbell I have a dream where we’re free to embrace full range of perspectives. for the idea of a black-only issue and for curating it. Our colour, gender, sexuality and race We are also conscious that people - whatever their Perhaps in the future we might try this again. Perhaps Where we’re not made to feel out of place background - want to read about the most important there is a group of under-25s who want to take over. Or Because of disability, status or face issues written in the most stimulating ways. Sometimes an editorial team from the Highlands and Islands. And that simply means male, middle-class, middle-aged and perhaps it really is past time for an all-women issue, I have a dream where instead of judging by skin white writers. Then again, white male commissioning We hope you enjoy. We live side by side, not like enemies, but kin Where faith and hope, not hatred and ignorance, win Where we never stop believing or dreaming

I have a dream that we will always dare Editorial Committee To aspire to and dream of a better world where Malcolm Balfour John McAllion Tom Nairn Email: [email protected] The quest for liberty outweighs the fear Cat Boyd Robin McAlpine (Editor) Jonathan Shafi Web: www.scottishleftreview.org Of those who are not brave enough to share Moira Craig Peter McColl Tommy Sheppard Gregor Gall Henry McCubbin Elaine Smith Tel: 0141 424 0042 Our dream Isobel Lindsay David Miller Bob Thomson (Convener) Address: Scottish Left Review, 741 Shields Road, Gordon Morgan Pollokshields, Glasgow G41 4PL Printed by Clydeside Press Ltd, 37 High Street, Glasgow G1 1LX 2 3 Jatin Haria looks at the disconnect between the positive attitude public Near the start of our journey Scotland has taken to issues of race and the statistical reality. He argues that good intentions are not enough.

n independent Scotland will numbers excuse, which allowed people to background. This figure drops to just to 6.1 per cent of White UK applicants. requirements to gather and use employee with ‘good’ outcomes. “A have at its heart the respect, ignore the reality of racism experienced 0.8 per cent in local authorities, and Not only are White UK candidates three information (with respect to each of the I guess the picture I am painting protection and promotion of equality by those ‘small’ BME communities in just 0.7 per cent in Scotland’s fire and times more likely to be appointed than protected characteristics, including race) of Scotland in 2014 is one of well- and human rights.” So claims the Scotland no longer adds up at any level. rescue services (all figures from 2011/12). their equally qualified and experienced and to consider equality issues in relation meaning people and policies, but a Scottish Government’s recently published But numbers are not the whole More worryingly, although figures are Black counterparts, but if this situation to public procurement. definitive lack of action. We seem to have White Paper on Scottish independence. story. Scottish Police recorded 5,389 now showing that around 12 per cent of is allowed to continue then the ethnic But once again, whilst the talk moved on to a post-race society without Furthermore, it states that “existing racial incidents in 2011/12, and there is all applicants for public sector posts are penalty faced by BME people in Scotland and policy is good, the practice on the acknowledging that ‘race’ was ever an legislation, protection and rights will be nothing to suggest that under-reporting from BME backgrounds (a figure in line will continue to grow. ground is questionable. Indeed, recent issue. Despite 45 years of race equality maintained” and ‘equality and human is any less a problem in Scotland than with the BME population of Scotland), One victory for equality research by the Equality and Human legislation, it is still possible - in 2014 - rights should be embedded in a written in the rest of the UK. Even more and a roughly equivalent number are campaigners in Scotland was in securing Rights Commission (Scotland) looking for the EHRC to say (as they report in constitution. worrying, the Institute of Race Relation’s being short-listed, only 4.4 per cent more robust specific public sector at the quality of equality outcomes set by their analysis of how Scotland’s public This reinforces Factfile on the of BME applicants are subsequently equality duties. The revised duties came Scotland’s public bodies concluded that bodies have fared in meeting their public the perceived notion I guess the picture Racially Motivated appointed (compared to 7.1 per cent into force in May 2012 and explicitly 29 per cent of public authorities had set sector equality duties) that some public that “Scotland has Murders (Known of White UK candidates). Again, the requires all listed public bodies to publish ‘poor’ outcomes – where the ‘outcomes’ bodies “are still near the start of their a strong history in I am painting of or Suspected) from situation in local authorities, which one reports on the progress they have made were not even actually outcomes, in that journey.” protecting the rights Scotland in 2014 2000 onwards lists may have expected to perform better, to mainstream the general equality duty they did not focus on bringing about Jatin Haria is the Executive Director and freedoms of 10 people from is more alarming – just 2.1 per cent of into their work, to publish equality change for individuals or communities. of the Coalition for Racial Equality everyone living in is one of well- Scotland, out of 80 BME applicants for local authority jobs outcomes and to undertake equality A further 40 per cent of authorities were and Rights (CRER), a Scottish racial the country” – a view meaning people in total. Many of were appointed in 2011/12 compared impact assessments. There are also rated as ‘mixed’ leaving just 31 per cent equality and human rights charity shared by one of the these have had little key national equality and policies, but a if any media interest, organisations in definitive lack of and are too often Scotland who assert seen as ‘one-off’ that “Scotland action. We seem incidents rather than is well advanced to have moved a broader reflection compared to other on Scottish society. EU countries and on to a post-race Indeed, a decade even the UK with society without after Macpherson, regards to race the former Lothian equality”. As the acknowledging and Borders Police well-known Scottish that ‘race’ was had to publicly saying goes “we’re apologise to the all Jock Tamson’s ever an issue. family of Simon bairns”, The Scottish San after officers Government has certainly taken this failed to treat an attack by a gang of approach in the language it uses around youths as a racist murder – the family national identity and ethnicity, stressing had always believed that the attack was the value of diverse communities working racially motivated. A year before Simon’s together for Scotland’s future. murder, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny But does the reality match the MacAskill, addressing SEMPERscotland rhetoric? (Scotland’s equivalent of the National One of the key reasons usually Black Police Association) had made the given for a ‘no problem here’ attitude bold statement that “institutional racism is the relatively low number of black does not exist in the police service in and minority ethnic people (BME) Scotland – of that I’m sure”. in Scotland. The small number was One key factor that allows situations probably true a decade or two ago – the such as these to continue is the lack of 1991 census showed a BME population pressure on public bodies and others to of just 1.25 per cent, rising to just two take real meaningful action to achieve per cent in the 2001 Census. However, change. Outside of Glasgow, there are the 2011 Census now records a BME just 10 BME local councillors (out of population of four per cent overall, with a total of 1143), with 25 of Scotland’s cities such as Glasgow recording BME 32 local authority areas having no BME populations of12 per cent and Aberdeen representatives – including our capital eight per cent. Indeed the BME city, Edinburgh. population of Glasgow is now similar In public sector employment, to that of the UK average and higher the situation is no better, with just than that of cities such as Liverpool. The 2.1 per cent of staff declaring a BME

4 5 Eunice Olumide argues that Scots may never have a more exciting moment No need to be feart that they have now and that she can see no fear in a wealthy small country like Scotland becoming independent

was born and raised in Scotland, my love the UK, to me it one of thee most over 4.4 billion pounds. Truth be told it which we will deal with. For the record Eunice Olumide is a Scottish Idad was a formal Naval officer, and plural and diverse societies which exist in • Inner London 2,859,400 (2001) has always been well noted that the Scots though, I could not even fathom why supermodel, fashion designer, aye, I do consider myself to be Scottish! the world, and I am proud to be a part • Greater London 7,172,036 (2001) give more per head in terms of tax than the EU would not want to have us as a actress and presenter. She was For me the issue of the referendum is anywhere else in the UK. So what does part of Europe, and if we need to reapply the first black Scottish model to be of it. What people need to understand • London Metropolitan Area 12- the single most exciting thing to happen this mean? How can we move forward? then that is the correct procedure. This nominated Model of The Year at the is that throughout the United Kingdom 18 million (number of residents within my lifetime, and might be the I am hugely confident that with is indeed unknown territory but I am Scottish Fashion Awards. there are many, many complex social depends on the definition you use) only chance issues which such a rich and highly talented legacy positive that we can successfully negotiate that this will could be that Scottish people could look after these issues as and when they arise. www.euniceolumide.com ever happen in With a population of difficult to Scotland is a very wealthy nation and it’s people and continue to be a huge Let us not lose such an amazing www.twitter.com/euniceolumide this generation. only 5.3 million you understand if could potentially be the 8th ichest contributor both to the UK and to the opportunity for real conversation and www.facebook.com/euniceolumide Subsequently, you are not nation in the world by GDP per head rest of the world. The reality is there are change because of fear or paranoia, surely www.euniceolumide.tumblr.com it is important would have to be an actually directly of population. In 2011 and 2012 we many issues that Independence would by now the human race has seen how www.mynameiseunice1.blogspot.com to me to think provided 9.9 per cent of the whole of the give us power over, one being will we destructive this can actually be. Let’s absolute numpty to engaged in Reproduced with thanks to National about this UK’s tax, and only received 9.3 per cent remain part of the EU. I think that make a decision that is informed and a particular Collective - www.nationalcollective.com logically, and mess up governing such community or of UK spending which means we lost these are correct and natural questions, educated. not just go a small population with area. So whit with the cop- ah mean is jist out ‘we canny such vast wealth think about dae it’ attitude, the superfluity without proper economic evidence that of unwritten social etiquettes that we this is really the case. encounter on a day to day basis? Never I think for me the most insightful mind if you need to make a decision look into how parochial we have aboot the entire United Kingdom from become in terms of what we ‘think’ we an often singular perspective. Ah mean can achieve was highlighted by Andy ah dinnay ken, am jist sayin. Murray’s win at Wimbledon. I did a What surprises me most about piece on this for a broadcast oan the telly Scotland is the lack of knowledge and I remember being in a wee bar when of how rich and colossal Scotland’s the game wis oan. And right up tae the contribution is to the new world actually last minute so many people doubted that is. I am forever correcting both Scot’s he could actually win. After travelling and others about how so many of the around the world I have learnt that what UK’s most recent prime minister’s were we think can directly affect how we feel, either born or educated in Scotland, and our potential ‘life chances’. and quite frankly the amazing expanse To me, being born in a dichotomy of ridiculously talented people in of culture and philosophy, I just simply every single industry from fashion, cannot understand why a first world to literature, never mind our other developed country would not want massive and real industries such as to be Independent. I am sure many agriculture, food and drink, tourism, gas, might argue that my optimistic view construction as well as between 15-24 of Scotland is naive; but really if this is billion barrels of oil which will certainly the case can we please see more actual carry us through the next part of the evidence that proves Scotland could 21st century before we get some greener not be a hugely successful independent methods in place. I mean for heaven’s nation, rather than just frightened sake it was the site of the industrial paranoia? revolution, and with a population of Why do people think that only 5.3 million you would have to be just because Scotland may become an absolute numpty to mess up governing independent that we need to completely such a small population with such vast dislocate ourselves from the UK? To me, wealth. So whit am tryna say is it is’nay it makes absolutely no sense to change China! We dinnay huv two billion people more than we need to and that obviously tae worry aboot! I mean the reality is that having an independent Government will (according to the Office for National mean that Scottish people just have more Statistics) the population of London control over their own lives; rather than alone is nearly double: this sort of top down centralisation of power that currently exists. • City of London 11,700 (2010 I am not bashing England, and I estimate)

6 7 Soryia Siddique argues that in an independent Scotland groceries would be Mitigating Britain more expensive and research funding would be cut. Vote no and Labour will offer more devolution.

s the New Year arrived, we entered Qualification Authority to deal with the communities. These proposals are the Day to day living; considering food thriving economy, globally competitive, Soryia Siddique is the Labour Aa historic year with the Referendum school exam system. chance to get involved to help shape prices are rising already, some of the robust, jobs, fairness, transparency and Councillor for Glasgow Southside due in September 2014. People in The issues facing us are here and how we can empower local authorities big supermarket groups have said they a socially just society with a strategy to Central Scotland will make a big political now. The Bedroom Tax is a startling and communities. At its heart is a could be forced to hike prices as the cost tackle the cost of living crisis - 2014 is an decision this year. Will they remain part example. The claim that the only way commitment to devolve powers from of doing business in Scotland would ideal opportunity to discuss the future we of the United Kingdom or go it alone? to get rid of the bedroom tax is to vote central government to local authorities no longer be absorbed by their UK want for Scotland and make a choice that People are united by common cause, for independence is misinformed. As we and to local communities. The proposals operations. will be positive for our lives and future basic needs, irrespective of race, religion know that steps can be taken to mitigate are the chance to get involved to help UK is a mutual contribution which generations. and nationality. Personal aspirations, job it now. Furthermore, Ed Miliband’s shape how we can empower local is multi- national, multi-ethnic and security, safety, home, health and equality pledge to scrap it also highlights that authorities and communities. That means multi- cultural. Involving a solidarity supercede boundaries and borders. The independence is not the only way to get a radical look at not just what powers of working people across Scotland, 21st century has seen the evolution rid of the bedroom tax. John Swinney has should the Scottish government have, but England, Wales and Northern Ireland, of a generation which communicates pledged £20million, but Jackie Baillie’s what powers does local government need, based on pooling and sharing across the via international global social media, member’s bill calls for £50million to and which should be devolved further to United Kingdom and targeting resources connected without boundaries, an prevent evictions. local government. based on need. I am looking forward to a increasing aspiration for international Devolution and separation are There is a variety of issue important future that is better together involving a travel, discovering and exploring parts two very different ideas. In September to each of us, as a family or society. of far reaching countries. Resulting 2014 we face a choice between two Naturally a concern is the impact of in a global community based on different roads; continuing the success of separation on our day to day lives, communication, common cause, interest devolution within the UK or separation Scotland and United Kingdom. and growth rather than based on borders from the rest of the UK with all the Poverty, inequality and welfare and nations. risks and uncertainty it brings. With the reform are key factors affecting daily lives Currently devolution offers a strong political will, Scotland under devolution irrespective of borders and nationalism. Scottish Parliament, delivering for already has Our welfare Scotland. The Parliament has allowed us the power to Despite having tax system and to determine distinctly Scottish solutions Improve our pensions are in areas like health and education - the schools, optimise raising and lowering safer as part of areas that most people agree they want training, address powers, not a single the UK. Being the Scottish Parliament to control. the skills gap, part of the Scottish Parliament has delivered for gender equality, change has been made bigger UK we the people of Scotland. Our Parliament create jobs, to the tax system in benefit from has led the way with groundbreaking address in-work being able legislation. It has transformed our poverty, tackle Scotland that would to pool the country and brought power closer to our poor health, lower the amount risk and share communities. address fuel our resources The Scottish Parliament sets inward poverty, build of tax paid by the across far more investment and job creation goals for more affordable poorest. So simply people, which Scotland. Holyrood has the power under homes, make means that right the 1998 Act to alter income tax by three childcare more having the ability to do across the UK percentage points either way. Despite affordable, something does not everybody is having tax raising and lowering powers, reverse cuts to guaranteed the not a single change has been made to the Council Tax ensure that anything same level of tax system in Scotland that would lower Benefit and to will be done. support. the amount of tax paid by the poorest. mitigate Welfare We need So simply having the ability to do Reforms like the bedroom tax. growth, jobs and prosperity in Scotland. something does not ensure that anything Scottish Labour has set up a In tough times, it is documented that will be done. dedicated commission to consider how the size and strength of the UK economy Moreover, waiting for the result best to develop devolution in the future. is an advantage for resilience in the job of a referendum does not solve the It is looking at what further powers market. problems Scotland faces now. It also should be devolved, with a particular Our universities are world oversees the performance of NHS in focus on whether more power should renowned, researchers and innovators Scotland, is responsible for funding be devolved to local government and to contribute to advancement as an culture and arts, it oversaw the successful local communities. international community. Collaboration bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Devolution Commission has at is key to Scotland and the rest of the UK. Games in Glasgow. Also responsible its heart a commitment to devolve Scotland’s universities receive over 13 for funding and running education powers from central government per cent of UK research council funding, systems - Scotland has its own Scottish to local authorities and to local with a population share of eight per cent.

8 9 y support for independence comes unwelcoming attitude to refugees and talented people from around the world to Mfrom a belief that decisions about asylum seekers, an independent Scotland choose Scotland as their place of study. Scotland should be made by the people would offer a more inclusive approach, We will also reintroduce the post-study who care most about Scotland – that is where individuals are integrated into work visa, which was abolished by the people who live here. In areas where the community from the first day they Westminster in April 2012. Westminster still retains power over are in Scotland, rather than once their Even with independence Scotland policy decisions, such as immigration, application is approved – which can will still face the challenge of racism asylum and citizenship, the difference take years under the current system. and bigotry - like any normal nation in tone and approach between the UK We will also enable asylum seekers to does. We will continue to stand up and and Scottish Government is becoming work while waiting for a decision on reject racists who come to peddle their increasingly clear, and Scotland is being their application, to allow them to share filth on our streets. In the past I have dragged down a route that is not best their skills which could benefit Scotland been heartened to see that when the suited to our needs or to our attitudes and contribute to society through their SDL have organised demonstrations in towards immigration and asylum. experiences. It defies logic to prevent places such as the South Side of Glasgow, The UK Government’s immigration asylum seekers the opportunity to work residents and others have come together and asylum policy increasingly appears and contribute to local services by paying to create larger counter-demonstrations to be led by trying to ‘kowtow’ to an tax when they want to. to show these bigots and racists they agenda driven by UKIP and elements of Scotland has already shown itself are not welcome and they do not speak a hostile media. At the beginning of this to be compassionate and welcoming in our name. I am sure that Scotland year there was a huge media and political towards those fleeing persecution and will continue to welcome people from hype on the potential flood or influx of conflict, and an independent Scotland all walks of life and be proud of the migrants from Bulgaria and Romania would continue this sentiment by ending rich diversity that reflects our country’s following these country’s citizens gaining inhumane practices such as dawn raids, multiculturalism. the same rights where children In Glasgow, the city I represent in to work in the The difference in are dragged out the Scottish Parliament, there are many UK as other tone and approach of their beds reminders of Scotland’s role in the UK’s EU citizens. and families dark past throughout the city. However, However this between the UK and forced out of I see the 2014 Commonwealth Games hysteria was Scottish Government is their homes, as a chance for us to learn lessons from shown to be and closing our past, and look forward to a new unfounded, as becoming increasingly Dungavel relationship with the Commonwealth, the predicted clear, and Scotland is detention which includes a large proportion of ‘flood’ turned centre to African and Caribbean countries. out only to be being dragged down a ensure that no This new relationship will be built an estimated route that is not best asylum seeking on partnership and collaboration, rather trickle of under child or their than a relationship where one country is 30 people suited to our needs or families are superior to the others. coming to to our attitudes towards detained on The cultural programme which will the UK. The our soil. run alongside the sporting element of language used immigration and asylum An the Commonwealth Games will explore to describe the independent Glasgow and Scotland’s involvement potential arrival of new migrants from Scotland will have an inclusive approach with the North Atlantic Slave trade Romania and Bulgaria had the potential to citizenship. We will allow citizens of through the Empire Café. The café, to heighten or inflame tensions between any country who have spent at least ten based in Glasgow’s Merchant City, will communities, which was irresponsible of years living in Scotland at any time and host debates, readings, films, workshops politicians and the press alike. who have an on-going connection with and art installations on the theme of In stark contrast, the Scottish Scotland to apply for naturalisation as a Scotland and slavery. I hope that by Government has put forward inclusive Scottish citizen. Furthermore, people will acknowledging this part of our history, and humane policies for immigration be able to claim Scottish citizenship not Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and asylum in an independent Scotland. just going back to their parents heritage will allow us to move towards a more We already do things differently in but also their grandparents - a truly positive future and a relationship with Scotland from the rest of the UK – here inclusive model. Commonwealth countries which is a The Not Just White Paper we recognise the skills asylum seekers Powers over immigration policy partnership of equals. bring and the contribution they can would allow an independent Scotland to Last year the world lost a father in make to our society, and make an effort attract talent from overseas and to meet Nelson Mandela - a towering statesman Humza Yousaf looks at the Scottish Government’s White Paper and to help them to integrate with the rest of the needs of Scottish society with greater and an inspiration to the entire human particularly its attitude to immigration and citizenship. He argues that the community from day one as opposed flexibility. The current UK Government race. However his legacy will live on, to waiting years until their status settled is damaging our valuable universities and and I know that here in Scotland we will Scotland wants a different approach than the rest of the UK and their fate sealed. college sector by making it extremely continue to campaign for equality, to The Scottish Government’s White difficult for students from some countries fight against persecution and to stand up Paper has set out our pragmatic, practical to come to study in Scotland and the rest those who need protected. policies for an independent Scotland, of the UK; in an independent Scotland Humza Yousaf is Minister for External based on Scotland’s needs, interests but we could reintroduce student visas Affairs and International Development also our values. Rather than having an removed by Westminster to encourage in the Scottish Government 10 11 The long history of support in Scotland for Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheit Mandela and Scotland movement is explored by Naseem Anwar who looks at Mandela’s legacy and his relevance today.

elson Mandela passed away on Mandela observed: fulfil their full potential, pursue academic Nthe 5th December 2013, leaving a ”Glasgow will always enjoy a excellence, heal the sectarian divide, help glorious lasting legacy for his people and distinguished place in the records of those aspiring to make Scotland their generations over the world to cherish. the international campaign against new home and to make a difference in Scotland has a long-established apartheid. While we were physically our increasingly polarised world. connection with Africa. Through denied our freedom in the country Being self critical and asking missionaries, civil service and the of our birth, a city 6,000 miles direct questions can only help Scotland army, Scottish people made an impact away, and as renowned as Glasgow, become a stronger nation. Our renowned and left their own legacies during the refused to accept the legitimacy of commitment to social justice can often nineteenth century in South Africa by the apartheid system and declared mask some critical issues that we have yet establishing educational institutions us to be free. to fully address, including the sectarian including Lovedale Institution and the It resolved to do everything possible divide and racial inequality. In addressing University of Fort Hare; the latter being to secure our freedom from the the latter we need to go beyond a the institution where Nelson Mandela, prisons of apartheid. It took up our mindset of simply celebrating the sari, amongst other African leaders, studied. plight in Britain and internationally. samosas and steel bands – that is moving Our nation has played an active For example, in 1981 the then Lord from acknowledging the exotica to truly part in acknowledging and challenging Provost co-ordinated a declaration understanding and embracing difference. the injustice of the Apartheid system signed by over one thousand mayors In striving to be a nation in our own and proudly believes its small part made from 56 countries across the world right, we need to discuss and fully engage a collective global contribution towards which called for our freedom. with hard edged questions. the downfall and radical change of the Then in 1985 it (Glasgow) Now is the time and place to pursue political scene in Southern Africa. joined with over 100 British local this discourse – as Nelson Mandela aptly Amongst many individuals that led authorities in petitioning the stated: by example, the name of Brian Filling then Prime Minister, Margaret ”I have walked that long road to comes to the fore. He is the current Thatcher, to press for my release. freedom. I have tried not to falter; I Honorary Consul for South Africa in Such initiatives were thankfully have made missteps along the way. Scotland and long standing Scottish successful.” But I have discovered the secret anti-apartheid activist, who campaigned Mandela maintained and played that after climbing a great hill, from the 1960s against the brutal system a key role in the release in 2007 of one only finds that there are many in South Africa. In 2012 Brian received the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset more hills to climb. I have taken a South Africa’s highest honour for non- al-Megrahi, whom he visited in prison moment here to rest, to steal a view South African nationals, the National in 2002, as he believed Megrahi to be of the glorious vista that surrounds Order of the Companions of OR Tambo wrongfully imprisoned. In doing so me, to look back on the distance for his outstanding solidarity work. Mandela taught Scots to reflect and I have come. But I can only rest Glasgow in 1981 became the first forgive wrongdoers. for a moment, for with freedom city in the world to grant Freedom of Mandela’s lasting legacy for Scotland come responsibilities, and I dare the City – which in subsequent years is to be always compassionate, forgiving not linger, for my long walk is not was followed by other Scottish cities and to engage with the outsiders. We ended.” including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh too can move forward in our aspiration and Midlothian Council. In receiving to be a people that applies best social Naseem Anwar is Manager of the award (alongside similar awards justice, support those in need, provide Equality and Diversity at the from other UK cities) in person in 1993, opportunities for younger generations to University of Strathclyde

Rolihlahla Mandela 18 July 1918 - 5 December 2013 Scotland specific dates Chronology 1981: Glasgow became the first city in the world to grant Freedom of the City. Mandela Place (home of South 12 June 1964: Jailed for life - Robben 27 April 1994: South Africa held its first Collected in 1993 when Mandela visited the African consulate at the time) Island prison, off the coast of Cape Town multi-racial election. Mandela voted for the city and later in Pollsmoor Prison on the first time in his life 1990: Glasgow’s Caledonian University mainland 1984: Freedom of City granted by Aberdeen. award Mandela an honorary doctorate 10 May 1994 (until 1999): Mandela sworn in Also elected Honorary Member of the upon his release from prison 11 February 1990: released from prison as South Africa’s first black president Students’ Association, University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde 1993: Honorary Burgess of Dundee 10 December 1993: Awarded Nobel peace prize with President FW de Klerk 1985: St George Place renamed Nelson 1997: Freedom of Edinburgh

12 13 12 Poor, black, woman: the hat-trick of oppression Zareen Taj argues that gender, class and race are issues that have come together again and again - and that means women have no option but to become political

hether we are choosing an area in will protect the interest of the horse at the Derby of 1913. For such Wwhich to live or a school for our capitalists... They are taught that dedication she was considered a “brutal children, each decision is a political one. brave men die for their country’s lunatic woman”. All Emily’s political To assume that we ‘opt in’ or ‘opt out of honour... This terrible sacrifice stunts to raise awareness of the Women’s ‘ politics is misguided; ask anyone who would be comprehensible if the Rights campaign were well organised is stopped and searched due to racial thing you die for and call country and she was well aware that often she profiling. They have no choice but to ‘be fed, clothed, housed and warmed was risking her life; a price she was political’. Day to day decisions we make you, educated and cherished your willing to pay for the cause. A hundred are influenced by the political climate children.” years after her death, in 2013, Epsom around us. This resonates strongly with me with authorities would not allow a one minute Women have always engaged in our present day situation of illegal silence to mark the 1913 Derby incident. politics throughout history. But for their and immoral war in Iraq and the There was still resistance to marking pains they have been demonised and occupation of Afghanistan from both Emily’s sacrifice for Women’s Liberation marginalised. Rather than deterring their the US and UK forces. We should take debating whether she ‘jumped’ in front activism this treatment has made their our governments to account and halt of the horse or just ‘fell’ as if to devalue resolve and campaigning stronger. Here the ‘War on Terror’ which has reduced the martyrdom by claiming it was I highlight the campaigners that have societies to the middle ages leaving unintentional. This begs the question: inspired me. scarred widows and orphans struggling Does today’s society not value Women’s Revolutionary American activist to survive while Rights? Helen Keller was lauded for overcoming our soldiers here The love for human Engaging in of Marina Ginesta of the 1936 Spanish Truth & Reconciliation policy after people. It took me forever to realise this. the constraints of blindness and deafness are discarded like militant action as a Civil War. Whereas Ginesta’s young apartheid was finally dismantled. She I believed that the motivating force was brought on by a childhood illness in soiled goods when beings at the core means to overthrow face looks defiantly into the camera and is portrayed as being psychologically hatred of the oppressor...” Relinquishing 1882. The press loved her and her they return from of Helen Keller’s oppression can be her rifle is slung securely on her back, damaged by her experiences and left her aggression towards the oppressor, she success in securing a university education military service. most effective when Khaled gazes down to her right holding with a hunger for revenge as were many used all her time to free her people from against all odds at a time when very At the same time and Safiya Bukhari’s women join the the rifle wearing a ring on her hand that of those subject to the brutality of the the racist laws and attitudes prevalent few texts were available in Braille. But as spending on beliefs and activism cause. Leila Khaled she fashioned from the pin of the first regime. in 1970s America. Starting as a Black when she started speaking out about military campaigns was instrumental hand grenade she used. The defiance To be a poor Black woman is to Panther she fought for radical change and Women’s Rights and the Working Class our government is what is more in getting media was absolute. The way to freedom was score a hat trick of class, race and gender revolutionary social justice. Converting struggle the media considered that the tells us there is productive than coverage in 1969 through militant means. She survived in being a subject of oppression. Black to Islam she headed campaigns to free left were using her for publicity and no more money for the Palestinian those years and mourns deeply the lose Panther activist, Safiya Bukhari tragically political prisoners when she was finally nothing was “more pathetic than the for housing, hate. We need Liberation of relatives and comrades in the struggle. died at just 53-years-old after episodes of released from prison. Her work “reached present exploitation of poor Helen medicine or further to nurture a new movement when Leila now “works within the frameworks bad health resulting from poor medical across racial, cultural, national and Keller” (Queen Alexander in telegram education! Just this she and a fellow of the oppression they seek to overcome” care when she was a political prisoner generational boundaries”. sent to recovering jockey two days after timeless speech by strong society not militant Salim but she remains a figure of admiration in the USA in the 1970s . Scenes of It is the zeal and ability to organise the Derby). Helen was not unaware of Helen Keller on its just overthrow Issawi hijacked and inspiration for young Palestinians. Black children going hungry and their of the women discussed above that this and retaliates to such accusations own should inspire flight TWA 840 Working with sympathetic Israelis she elders eating from garbage cans while show what women bring to the political eloquently in her writings. In her women everywhere oppressors. and then in 1970 still struggles to free her people of the the youth suffered police brutality had spectrum. The love for human beings 1916 speech “Strikes Against War” she to fight for a just That’s where after plastic surgery apartheid state they live in through made Safiya see her previous ‘land of the at the core of Helen Keller’s and Safiya demonstrates prescience in her analysis society. she orchestrated peaceful resistance and legal means. free and home of the brave’ more like Bukhari’s beliefs and activism is what of America’s war involvement when she ‘Deeds not women’s voices hijacking of El Al Fighting against apartheid in a third world country. Initially Safiyah is more productive than hate. We need says: Words’ maxim of are so important in Boeing 707 where South Africa, Winnie Mandela kept the went in to “destruction mode” (The to nurture a new strong society not “The future of America rests on the suffragette Emily her co-hijacker, ANC campaign strong while the leaders War Before: The True Life Story of Safiya just overthrow oppressors. That’s where backs of 80,000,000 working men Davison meant politics. Arguello was shot suffered imprisonment and she herself Bukhari). But she learnt to recognise women’s voices are so important in and women and their children... that her chosen path of militant action dead; no passengers were harmed in was arrested, tortured and held in solitary that “change begins with rebuilding the politics. And as I maintain; there is no The few who profit from the labor ultimately led to arrest, maltreatment both hijack attempts. The image of her confinement. The recent film, Mandela: character into a revolutionary character, opting out! of the masses want to organise while in prison and death from injuries wearing a loosely tied keffiah on her head Long Walk to Freedom goes some way to of which the central component is love. Zareen Taj is Chair of the Muslim the workers into an army which sustained when she fell under the King’s while holding a rifle is as iconic as that explaining her separation from Nelson’s This means love of yourself and of the Women’s Association of Edinburgh

14 15 Nina Munday grew up in Scotland. Looking back from her new life in Singapore Looking Back she realises that Scotland promised her a level of beloning she doubts she’d have found elsewhere

any people in Scotland still another country. Though I am certain Of course I do. My husband and I are freedom on managing our benefit system 78,789 sq km (30,420 sq miles) of land Under the current coalition Massociate me as N ina Giles, that I would not have been as well ensuring that I am back in Scotland in and abolish the recently introduced, including Westminster Government, we will not the former Director of Edinburgh & integrated into the society if I had. More time to register for voting and to add misguided the islands be able to build an equity nation as we Lothians Regional Equality Council. importantly, I miss the many benefits my ‘Yes’ to the referendum. There are Bedroom Tax. I am not certain whether compared to see fit for Scotland. For centuries, we In March 2012, I married and became that I took for granted, such as free many reasons why I am voting yes, other There are I would have been given Singapore’s have been doing things our own way, let’s Nina Munday, I left my job and moved healthcare. Whether someone chooses to than simply loving my country. It is independent 710 sq km. We continue this journey and win our nation to Singapore to be with my husband. go to the doctor is dependent on income upsetting for me to read stories about countries much the same opportunities can certainly back democratically and peacefully. Let’s “Nina Munday” as a professional name is and insurance. the negative impacts on families and smaller and to progress if my father cope with make Scotland a truly equal and inclusive unknown in Scotland….. for now. I work for the Disabled Peoples individuals created by Westminster without the having a lot nation. Being Scottish Chinese and living Association in Singapore and I often hear Government’s policies. I definitely hope resources of had chosen to migrate more people. abroad is a very interesting experience. references to how disabled people are the referendum will allow us to continue Scotland. As to a country other than I particularly There is not an obvious group where I unable to access the healthcare they need to provide the best university education Scots we forget welcome the fit in. When I first arrived in Singapore, because of the way the health insurance without tuition fees; free prescriptions, that Scotland Scotland - though I am proposal in I thought it would be logical to apply system in Singapore operates, something eye tests and dental examinations - as is a positive certain that I would Scotland’s for a membership with the St Andrew’s that would be alien to Scotland. well as other accessible services that we brand. Beside Future: Your Society here; unfortunately I was told I As someone living abroad, do I care often take for granted. Furthermore, I the images not have been as well Guide to an Nina Munday (formerly Nina Giles) is could not join as a full member because about the independence referendum? hope the referendum will bring us greater of having integrated into the Independent from Hong Kong, China and moved I was not born in Scotland even though a famously Scotland, ot Edinburgh was she was 15. She is I had spent most of my life in Scotland. ‘poor’ diet society if I had stating that the former Director of Edinburgh & My father migrated to Fife from Hong and sectarian citizenship Lothians Regional Equality Council Kong in the 1970s. My mother, siblings violence, we are also known as being will be available to anyone who has a (ELREC). In March 2012, she married and myself joined him in the early 1980s. friendly, hospitable and welcoming. long-standing demonstrable connection and moved to Singapore where is We moved to Edinburgh when I was 15 Scotland has the same population size to Scotland. she Director for Disabled Peoples and I was living there until my move to of 5.3m as Singapore. But we have Association in Singapore. Singapore. My appearance, nationality, national origin and ethnicity are always fascinating topics for the participants at Inclusion Fundamentals workshops that I design and deliver in Singapore. According to many participants and other people I encountered in Singapore, apparently I do not look very Chinese because I am 5’ 7” (170cm), medium build (large in Asia), dark skinned and have big eyes. I guess I could blame the Scottish Government and people in Scotland for encouraging me to feel I am Scottish regardless of my ethnicity and birthplace. It was natural for me to feel I had the right to advocate for myself and others. I am probably good propaganda for modern Scotland; multicultural and diverse. I am not just someone who lived in Scotland, I am someone who was actively involved in shaping the equality agenda and policies for Scotland. When I stepped outside of Scotland, I realised the perception of equality varies greatly in different nations. Unfortunately skin colour and nationality still play a key role in how one is being treated. I am not certain whether I would have been given the same opportunities to progress if my father had chosen to migrate to

16 Bob Crow, General Secretary 17 Peter Pinkney, President Akhtar Khan places Scotland’s support for Palestinians in a tradition of A tradition of solidarity international solidarity stretching back for generations. He argues that this will not change no matter the outcome of the referendum.

write this article just weeks after the and add on top of that, this very cold callous and brutal actions in Sabra & Spanish civil war against fascism, to the further our own domestic (often petty) disagree and strive to build true grassroots Ipassing of late, great Mandela, arguably winter spell that’s facing the region – first Shatilla refugee camps in Lebanon that Red Clydeside trade union movement, political agendas, in order to increase movements against oppressive systems one of the most prominent humanitarian time in century - thanks to poor practices saw thousands of innocent men, women to more recently its leading role in the our own PR ratings through paper at home and abroad, only then can we figures of last century, and children massacred antiwar movement in UK. The issue sales on wet Saturday afternoons or to be effective in defeating the true evils a leading anti- Scotland is well known for is its’ over 48 hours in dark of Palestine and work on solidarity inflate egos whilst speaking from large of neo-colonialism. Imperialism is one apartheid activist, hero September 18 - 20 campaigns has always been at forefront public platforms at demos or antiwar that will continue to exist (in one shape to countless millions vibrant political activist scene on social 1982). If the late of our political agenda in Scotland. conferences. It makes those in the left or another) within our shores regardless worldwide and a giant justice and humanitarian issues at Mandela is to be In comparison to how ordinary Scots appear weak, fragmented and ineffective of which way the vote goes post the even amongst his own renowned for being a participated in boycotts against apartheid – even having over two million on streets September 18 2014 referendum. friends and peers. home and abroad, from participating leading anti-apartheid South Africa with our international of Glasgow and London over a decade Akhtar Khan is a young activist from The issue of Israel and a humanitarian friends and allies, and fought for the ago did not stop the UK’s involvement in international brigades in the 1936- the Glasgow Bengali community. and Palestine has also figurehead of the last liberation of late Mandela and his in illegal wars aboard and we are now He is a well known face in anti-war, been (back) in the 39 Spanish civil war against fascism century, then Sharon’s comrades, in recent times, similar 1112 ScottishLeftReviewAd_Layouthaving to live with all the blowback and 1 20/12/2011 20:15 Page 1 anti-racism and Palestine solidarity headlines. Not that it legacy is to be the strategies have been initiated and consequences today in those very streets to the Red Clydeside trade union movements. Formerly a member ever seems to get fair former’s antithesis, adopted in the case of Israel/Palestine. we had all protested in. It is only when of Solidarity, he supports George and honest reporting movement, to more recently its leading arguably the most After Mandela’s visit to Scotland we settle our own differences, learn to Galloway’s campaign for a No vote. in corporate news role in the antiwar movement in UK notorious apartheid over twenty years ago, we have actually work with one another when we - just some passing leader of modern times designated areas named after him in snippets of news on how there are new of mainly industrial nations (but that’s (post 1945 era), and a war criminal that Glasgow. Thanks firstly to leading pro- plans for thousands of illegal settlements topic for another day!). escaped being tried in the International Palestine figures like George Galloway to be built in the Occupied West Bank, Instead the western media has Criminal Court. and others, Glasgow is now proudly ASLEF CALLS FOR AN or how the illegal apartheid security chosen to focus its attention on the It was around then, approximately twinned with Bethlehem, Dundee with wall encroaches on more and more passing of former Israeli thirty years ago, that pro-Palestine Nabulus and various Scottish universities Palestinian land, cutting off families and PM Sharon – dubbed the groups in Scotland came into existence. have links with Palestinian institutions INTEGRATED, PUBLICLY villages from their own communities. ‘butcher of Beirut’ by Fast forward twenty years (post 9/11 era, as well. Nor how siege in Gaza intensifies even Arabs (after his at the height of anti-war movement) we After Palestinian civil society’s call further - now more than eight years on, now have multiple pro-Palestine groups for international boycott campaigns OWNED, ACCOUNTABLE with frequent cuts to water and energy coming into existence, either as offshoot against Israel came in 2005, popularly supplies, raw sewage flooding the streets groups from previous incarnations known as Boycott Disinvestment and RAILWAY FOR SCOTLAND or completely new groups with new Sanctions, this BDS strategy has now strategies, attracting new generation of slowly but surely become popular and fresh young blood. mainstream gaining momentum across One thing Scotland is well known various spectrums within civil society for is its’ vibrant political activist in western capitals, amongst ordinary (which used to be the SNP’s scene on various social justice and workers, institutions and political figures humanitarian issues at home alike. position – before they and on international This leads us nicely back to reasons questions, from as to how and why we have so many participating in pro-Palestine groups existing in Scotland became the government!) international and the UK. This is not necessarily a bad brigades in the thing I’ve come to realise, as prominent 1936-39 figures in Scottish left and Palestine solidarity groups hold a wide range of ideas, strategies and even resources (and as often than not, strong egos can get in the way too) but they all have one objective in mind: to see liberated Palestine, an end to illegal occupation; an end to apartheid and for Palestinians to be in control of their own destiny. Whether one state or two state or no borders at all, the one solution in the minds of pro Palestine groups and leading left figures should be one clear of our own motives and intentions. We must be genuine and not use or Mick Whelan Alan Donnelly Kevin Lindsay misuse global injustice issues to General Secretary President Scottish Officer 18 ASLEF the19 train drivers union - www.aslef.org.uk Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is often interpreted as a The greatest radical speech predominantly individualistic speech. In fact, argues Graham Campbell, it is the most radical speech of its era.

he conventional view about Martin Segregation (i.e. in the South) and AFL-CIO Vice President and 30 or so groups; by the time Martin the racist authorities in the South, to get by drinking from the cup of bitterness TLuther King’s speech at the Lincoln Discrimination (meaning racial black union leader A Philip Randolph Luther King was in Birmingham Jail arrested, clog up their jails and mobilise and hatred” Memorial in Washington D.C. on 28 inequality in the North) – ‘Justice’ is had originally intended to March on in 1963 only 80 or so organisational mass numbers of Field workers student That racial hatred must be fought August 1963 is that its call for equal repeated again and again both in the legal Washington in 1941 in protest at the churches joined as members – it was not volunteers (Black and White). with love and brotherhood rights and justice ring out with the sense (freedom from police oppression) segregation & exclusion of Black workers a mass organisation. The vast majority However, despite the successes and “Conduct our struggle – not degenerate message of peace and non-violence. but also economically – hence the from war industries. He did not have to of Black churches and leaders stood the power of the movement the legacy into physical force – the marvellous King was definitely was a radical reference to “Negroes living in an Island march because President FD Roosevelt aloof from the Civil Rights movement of King remains unfulfilled. Equality new militancy that has engulfed the and not a moderate as so often describe of poverty amidst an ocean of wealth”. granted executive order 7708 – the first which was seen as too radical and too has still not been achieved despite Negro community, many of our white by left commentators. He was not a His references to banking and meaningful US anti-racist legislation political for church leaders looking having an African American President brothers have come to realisation that revolutionary socialist but was definitely bouncing prohibiting to their spiritual mission not active serving his second term. The US is still their destiny is tied to our destiny their an American social democrat who cheques “marked The promise of I segregation and politics. King thought differently and a brutally racist, unequal and unjust freedom is inextricably linked to our adopted the language of the American insufficient discrimination in was prepared to lobby political leaders society. Trayvon Martin’s death in 2013 freedom” Revolution and its constitution (1776- funds” will have Have a Dream was war industries. in a dual strategy of moral suasion (i.e. shows President Obama’s record little Non-violent direct action will unite 1787) as well as Lincoln speeches in been recognised not the homage King’s call convincing the authorities to concede) better than the Kennedys’ on Race. The black and white the US Civil War or the 2nd American by many in the for the March but mobilising mass Non-Violent Direct influence of the Civil Rights movement “We can never be satisfied – with Revolution. The ‘Dream’ speech is a crowd at Lincoln to individualistic on Washington Action. MLK himself said being arrested today in Britain has been profound from mobility from a smaller ghetto to a call to arms explicitly calling for the Memorial. advancement at the was therefore in Montgomery quickly cured him of the in the Stephen Lawrence campaign larger ghetto, robbed of our dignity – completion of unfinished tasks of the US • “America deliberately expecting rulers to give up civil rights in the 1990s to the United Friends of where the Negro in Mississippi cannot Civil War which had been fought to end has expense of the masses incendiary and without a fight. Family Campaigns for Justice including vote and the Negro in New York believes slavery and emancipate the slaves as seen defaulted that it has historically anti-system The Student Non-Violent for Mark Duggan, Christopher Alder, he has nothing for which to vote” by these key points: on its despite the Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Azelle Rodney, Roger Sylvester and Advances for a small black elite is not • “I have a dream that one day this obligations” been misrepresented Kennedys’ was born in 1960 from a spontaneous Smiley Culture. The impact of Direct enough – the black masses must benefit nation will rise up and live out the – “America as. It is a vision of attempts to outbreak of sit-in protests to desegregate Action and Non-violence have been a key “Staggered by creative suffering, that true meaning of its creed”: “we hold has given control the lunch-counters, cafes and shops starts at influence. suffering is redemptive – go back to these truths to be self evident that the Negro a true equality - the movement. That Gainesville, North Carolina with the first The form of the United front Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and to all men are created equal” (which bad cheque goal of economic and is why right- protest with four Black students refusing against Racism & Fascism is very much our ghettos of the northern cities” quotes the constitutions) - we refuse wingers erected to move when not served. By day two, shaped by the model of the US Civil Show the oppressors as violent and • “Even in the state of Mississippi to believe social justice based billboards 13 black students, by day three, 50 black rights movement – an alliance of trade uncivilised – not us sweltering in the heat of oppression the bank on human dignity and across the South students and three white students who unions, community groups, activists be transformed into an oasis of of justice is showing Dr. show solidarity. Spreading to 30 locations and church leaders. Ethnic Minority King was a radical social democrat who justice” bankrupt – collective action. King and Rosa across 17 states between April and June Civic Congress Scotland is modelled wanted a public service-based mixed we promise Parks attending 1960, it showed two things: radical direct on the civil rights movement. There economy, with strong state intervention • “My four little children…will grow to cash this cheque that gives us the the Highlander Folk School in 1957. To action by masses achieves results and that has always been tensions between calls and taxation of the wealthy, and who up in a nation where they will be riches of freedom and the security the white power structure, integration Black and White could unite and fight for direct action protests and lobbying opposed the waste of life and resources judged not but the colour of their of justice” was a ‘Communist plot’ against the for equals rights. politicians for change. King showed that on the Vietnam War. Today he would be skin but by the content of their ‘Southern way of life’ and therefore, SNCC is formed to link these without the threat of revolt, reforms are considered a left wing extremist - well to character” • “The Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast anyone attending an integrated event was student struggles but quickly became a never conceded. But of course there are the left of Obama, and most European • “Right there in Alabama little black ocean of wealth” by definition a ‘Communist’. vanguard of full-time activist militant mixed legacies. On violence and non- Socialist and Labour Parties. boys and black girls will hold hands The Civil Rights movement was students as local mass action quickly died violence it is of course ironic that King The promise of I Have a Dream But what was the significance of a March with little white boys and white girl initially a black middle-class and church- down and was hard to sustain. By 1961 had armed bodyguards, and now many was not the homage to individualistic on Washington? Three previous civil and live in brotherhood” led mass lobby organisations arguing for it sent full time Field Workers into the Black organisations used self-defence advancement at the expense of the rights Marches, though much smaller, • “The rough places shall be made legal-based reform.s NAACP (National rural South to organise desegregation (sometimes armed!) to carry struggle masses that it has historically been had taken place in 1957, 1958 and flat” (a biblical quote) Association for the Advancement of of Greyhound bus stations, lunch forward. misrepresented as. It is a vision of true 1960 to desegregate schools but the Coloured People) formed by WEB counters and voter registrations of Black Although King’s radicalism is equality - the goal of economic and social • “This stone of hope faith – to phrase was originally associated with DuBois, CORE (Congress of Racial voters. Dr Ella Baker, the full-timer carefully coded to avoid misquotation, it justice based on human dignity and struggle together go to jail together white supremacists. ‘White’ Marches Equality) – sometimes supported by at the SCLC, helps set up SNCC but meaning was clear to civil rights activists: collective action. No Justice No Peace is to pray together – sweet land of on Washington had definite menace liberal Democrats in the North and the vigorously defends its autonomy from as much Martin’s cry as it is Malcolm’s liberty Let freedom ring from – the largest previous having been trade unions, in particular A Phillip SCLC even though King speaks and his “They’ll have a rude awakening if the and we will go on hearing until the Mark every mountainside, let it ring. the Ku Klan Klan rally of 30,000 in Randolph’s Brotherhood of porters and non-violence message dominates the nation returns to business as usual - Duggan, Trayvon Martin and countless from every state and every city and 1925. About 10,000 white war veteran sleeping car attendants. founding conference. There shall neither rest or tranquillity others get justice. every hamlet (Let Freedom Ring is and about 8,000 Suffragettes had also SCLC formed 1957 out of the SNCC did not invent sit-ins the whirlwind of revolt will continue to an anthem of the 1776 American marched on DC. So the threat of 10,000, 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott (CORE had done this in the 1930s shake our foundations” Revolution, sung to the tune of God 50,000 or even 100,000 Black people in struggle bringing Martin Luther King and 1940s but not generalised it as a The threat of African American revolt Graham Campbell is a Glasgow-based Save the Queen) Washington was scary for the ruling class (a Progressive Baptist minister) to tactic) but SNCC were the first to have against the system activist King always had an economic justice in America and for the southern white prominence. SCLC formed initially by a deliberate strategy of confrontation of “Let us not satisfy our lust for freedom agenda citing inequalities. He mentions racists.

20 21 Jacqueline Smith is a new novelist Covenanters and those described as as her stories – because while; I had is former Chair of the Scottish miscreants and criminals who were being researched the bewitching of George A tradition of independence Writers Centre, Glasgow She transported to the plantations in the Maxwell and seen much documentation is author of ebook ‘Inspiration Caribbean. It’s a fictionalised story based from Maxwell’s perspective but nothing Chimezie Umeh explains that Africans for Independence see the referendum as from the Common Wealth of on a lot of facts in the book about Janet from the women’s perspective – so there an extension of African independence struggles Writers to Boost Creativity. Douglas’s life are parallel narratives with a Jamaican Her upcoming debut novel the character taking over the voice and create Witchfinder is to be published She was a real person? a parallel journal for Hope Douglas by Fleming Publications in early because this Jamaican character takes 2015. Interview by Graham Yes and that was my choice to put her possession of the journal. “The journey to manhood begins only when a man leaves his Campbell in a Jamaican context because it was an interesting story to tell and but also to I noticed you even use different type father’s house to build his own homestead” (old Nigerian proverb) SLR: Jacqueline please tell me a bit explore the connections between the fonts in the text about your career as a writer cultures in terms of the slave trade and fricans for an Independent Scotland communities - are currently decided throughout Scotland for the many the impact of The font is different for Hope Douglas A(AFIS) is a brand new campaigning at Westminster level, much to our African and Caribbean JS: I dedicated myself to writing in 2006 slavery on the as she’s the first group started initially online in October collective disadvantage. These could communities, as the focus for our but been doing it all my life really and Scots in the It was an interesting 21st century 2013 and had established itself as a be radically changed if Scotland was campaigns. We will hold voter gone on to have a few poems published plantations story to tell but I also character in formal campaign group. to become an independent country. registration and advice clinics, cultural in different anthologies and we started like those the book. She a poetry night in 2010 whilst doing my wanted to explore the discovers the We exist to promote African, The Scotland’s Future document events and rallies, and take up street stalls that existed in masters in Creative Writing at Glasgow journal of Caribbean and AfroScots involvement released by the Scottish Government in and tables at major civic events like trade Jamaica. University. Then eighteen months after connections between Janet Douglas in the Scottish November 2013 lays union conferences. We will be sensitive I became involved with the Scottish the cultures in terms at her work as Independence out the grounds for to language needs and will do our best I notice the style Writers Centre. I first organised their a Librarian at Referendum Within the African what independence to get information across in a variety of and format is events programme and then became of the slave trade and the Institute of campaigning for a can offer, for example languages such as French, Arabic and that you use and Caribbean Chair. the impact of slavery Jamaica where Yes vote. Within the the possibility of a Eritrean. three languages she comes African and Caribbean communities of fairer, more The 2014 Scottish Independence Jamaican What made you decide on making a on the Scots in the across the communities of democratic and Referendum vote has massive patois, Scots Scotland, we are creative link between Scotland and the plantations like those actual historical Scotland, we are aware more equal society in implications for global politics, for and English Caribbean and to slavery as a subject? documents. of how independence aware of how Scotland. A crucial Europe but also particularly for Africa. Gaelic and that that existed in Jamaica I have used for our countries issue is immigration Scotland’s links with Africa go back to it is also very independence I have always been aware of Glasgow’s Courier font to brought radical social and citizenship slavery and colonialism but more recently much written as a diary or exchange of history of involvement in the slave indicate that Hope is writing her report. change and social for our countries matters with many the historical and cultural links have letters – why is that ? trade and was brought up in the east The other is a typical flowery hand development in the Africans unsure what brought more Africans to Scotland to brought end by my parents owned the College written ink style for the Captain of 20th century. Our their status would study, work and play. We want those I have used these methods because I Bar on High St which is the oldest pub several slave ships who also transported members come from radical social be if we vote Yes and Africans to take the opportunities wanted the characters to speak in their in Glasgow and was once around as white Scottish and Irish people to the over 25 different they stay in Scotland. presented by the referendum debate and own voices – especially Janet Douglas change and social a staging post in the 17th century for plantations so that’s why it is in 17th countries and include We aim to address by Independence, to solidify those links but no one knew she came from – She people going off to the plantations, it century style text. leading members development in this within our own and play their part in the next phase of was a real historical figure but she had was also in that area where Glasgow of the Nigerian, communities. Scotland’s great history. a lot of mysterious elements to her life. the 20th century University originated. I went to school in Caribbean, Ghanaian, For those who As the Nigerian proverb at the start So I’ve fictionalised the beginning and the Calton so I’ve always been involved Congolese, Sudanese, Eritrean and want radical change the prospects in of this article imply, we cannot explore the end of her life in Davaar (an island in and interested in the history of Cameroonian communities. Some of us Scotland are immense – the debate is well our potential as humans and indeed as a off the West coast of Scotland). I was Glasgow. belong to political parties, most of us to the left of that in England, including community unless we move away from thinking of introducing a Gaelic My interest in Caribbean and Africa don’t. the asylum debate. While in England the supposed comforts our parent’s home element since most island came from engaging writers and poets The three things we all have in anti-foreigner sentiment is increasing and to build our own homes. Unless we are communities there had who came to perform at the Ivory (in common is that we believe: UKIP and BNP are gaining substantial independent as a nation, how can we connections with Ireland Glasgow’s southside) after interviewing • In freedom and Independence votes, Scotland has seen active solidarity hope to explore the hidden talents and which is just across the headlining writers from countries like for Africa and are happy to apply with the plight of asylum seekers and hidden opportunities Scotland has to water hence a lot of Jamaica – Dr Kei Miller and Zimbabwe that principle to Scotland’s self- refugees with direct action successfully offer? Independence for me therefore is Gaelic speakers. It is - Tawona Sithole of Seeds of Thought determination; halting a number of deportations by the quite simply the natural state of being. possible that Janet Collective who headline at Ivory, so I • That the Africans in Scotland must UKBA. 80 per cent of these claimants knew Gaelic as Chimezie Umeh is a member of began writing my novel in 2009. realise they have a voice and a right are Africans – the majority are women few very people Barrhead SNP and works as a I discovered Janet Douglas’; story to vote in this referendum and fleeing persecution, dictatorships and war lived on Davaar Business Consultant. He is currently rooted in the 17th century at the very should actively register to do so. We zones, often horrifically affected by rape, at the time. the Secretary of Africans for an beginnings of Scotland’s involvement can make the difference in a close torture and psychological damage. Letter Independent Scotland (AFIS). in the slave trade. I knew that Janet vote at the Referendum; As Africans and Caribbeans correspondence has been bashed in the plantation but we understand only too well what Africans for an Independent Scotland format – Janet’s • That issues such as race I didn’t find any evidence of where. independence means as we all celebrate is on Facebook and Twitter. Email story is told in discrimination, gender equality, I was fascinated with exploring the the independence of our nations of origin [email protected] and read the first person borders and immigration, and connections, including with the through letters asylum policies – all that directly each year. AFIS will use these dates and the blog at www.africansforindy. impact on African & Caribbean events, Independence Day celebrations blogspot.com

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