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11-30-1989 Resist Newsletter, Nov. 1989 Resist

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Recommended Citation Resist, "Resist Newsletter, Nov. 1989" (1989). Resist Newsletters. 218. https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/resistnewsletter/218 Newsletter #220 A Call to Resist Illegitimate Authority November, 1989 Sharpeville to Stonewall: Linking Liberation Struggles

Tseko Simon Nkoli was arrested to bring together lesbians and gay men release he has continued his political with 21 others in September, 1984, as a of all races, and to help them to con­ activities, despite his long ordeal in result of his involvement in the rent front homophobic physical attacks and prison. Simon Nkoli 's tour through strikes held that year in the Black town­ problems emerging from isolation. Bail Canada and the U.S. was supported by ships surrounding Johannesburg, restrictions severely curtailed Nkoli 's a wide range of organizations that share South Africa. While Nkoli had helped political involvement, but since his his vision of dislodging the entrenched to organize only the rent boycott and a system of apartheid in South Africa. non-violent march, violence did break The tour was sponsored by Men of All out, and Jive government-appointed Colors, N. Y., the Simon Nkoli Support local councilors were killed. The state Committee, and the Zulu Project. His arrested 22 people, including Nkoli, September visit to Boston was organ­ and held them in solitary confinement ized by the Simon Nkoli Coordinating for nearly two years be/ore ofJicially Committee (see grant report, page 8 ). charging them in January, 1986, with The background information, above, treason, subversion, and conspiracy to was provided by the Simon Nkoli Coor­ murder. dinating Commitee. The ensuing Delmas treason trial In this issue we include an edited ver­ developed into perhaps the biggest trea­ sion of Nkoli 's Boston address describ­ son trial in South Africa since that of ing his experiences in prison and his Nelson Mandela in the 1960s. Nkoli extraordinary decision to come out as a himself was released on bail on June gay man in the course of his trial. We 30th, 1987, and was finally acquitted of also include introductory remarks by all charges on November 18th, 1988. South African activist, Themba Vila­ Although no evidence was produced kazi. Vilakazi made his comments as a linking any of the accused to the deaths spokesperson for the Fund For a Free of the officials, the state proceeded to South Africa, but noted that both per­ convict eleven of Nkoli's co-defendents sonally and as a member of the African of treason and terrorism. National Congress, he fully supports Prior to his arrest, Nkoli had been a the liberation struggle of gay men and leader in the anti-apartheid student lesbians "in South Africa and every­ movement. He was also the coordinator Simon Nkoli speaking at MIT September 16, 1989. where. "He said that "it will require a of the Saturday Group, whose aim was Photo: Laura Wulf. continued on page two Justice continued from page one undercut all peaceful resistance against lowers, who have been participating in lot of education on the issue of sexual apartheid. We are seeing an example of the defiance campaign, that they preference to make the ANC and all the state choosing those people who shouldn't march. They said, "No, we other political organizations (in South were working in the forefront of the are going to march because we have a Africa) come up with policy positions struggle, pinpointing them and coming right to march. We have a right in this . . . it remains upon the members of the up with trumped up charges that have country to demonstrate against injus­ organization, upon gay and lesbian very serious consequences. This trial in tice, to state our aspirations, and so we people within the organization, to bring fact exemplified a strategy of the state are going to march.'' And then the boss the issue into the forefront ... there is to make all peaceful resistance criminal said, "Well, ask for permission then if still a struggle to be fought here also. " and treasonous. you are going to march." And they As in the Mandela treason trial ear­ said, "No, we're not going to ask for lier, the only thing that saved most of permission. We're going to march." South Africa's Palace these people from the maximum pen­ And the boss said, "Well, I give you alty; and most of these people from in permission." of "Justice" fact being found guilty, was the atten­ And so we saw in Capetown, I think tion that was focused on South Africa, the largest demonstration in that city, THEMBA VILAKAZI and on the Palace of Justice, by the and everybody says there was a peaceful international community. I, like many march in Capetown, but we in the mass other people here in Boston, really movement against apartheid have There's a place in Pretoria which is became familiar with the name Simon always said that except for the violence called the Palace of Justice. It has a spe­ Nkoli through Gay Community News. of the police, except for the violence of cial place in the history of struggle in Most of the people on trial were mem­ apartheid's goon squads, there would in South Africa because this is the same bers of the United Democratic Front. fact be no violence in any of the demon­ court in which one of South Africa's What made Simon unique in this group strations that are launched by the mass best known political prisoners, Nelson was that he was the only one who was democratic movement in South Africa. Mandela, was tried and sentenced. public about his sexuality, his gayness. So there is movement in South Twenty-four years later there was South Africa, like most other soci­ Africa, but we should not be fooled. We another treason trial in the same place, eties, is very conservative, especially have to keep the pressure on. Even at a and twenty-two were accused, among about what we all do - sex. It takes a time when these demonstrations were them Simon Nkoli who is here with us lot of bravery to fight against apartheid going on, with permission that was not today. In South Africa, for a Black in South Africa, but there is some solace asked for, there were still people being man, in a white court, in the Palace even in that sacrifice in the sense that arrested. An executive member of the of Justice, being charged with treason is you have so much support from mem­ United Democratic Front was here in a very serious crime which carries the bers of your community; most of the the United States one month ago, and possibility of death, or of life imprison­ Black community is with you if you are met with President Bush. He was one of ment. That is how I first came to know struggling against apartheid. But I kind those arrested just yesterday. So, in as of Simon Nkoli, because all us who are of doubt that most of those either in the much as most of you here have followed concerned with the struggle for justice Black or white community are with you and supported Simon Nkoli, I think you in South Africa had our eyes focused on if you declare yourself gay and are have to keep your attention on South the Palace of Justice. proud of it. I think it takes a special Africa, because it is precisely your at­ All of those accused were refused bail courage to be not only a fighter against tention that can limit the amount of tor­ for a long time and when some eventu­ apartheid in South Africa, and all those ture the regime can impose on its vic­ ally were given bail, all were restricted. men in the Delmas prison trial exempli­ tims. Some families were denied a bread­ fied an extreme measure of courage, but We are not yet at a point ot victory. winner, some wives a husband, some in Simon's case it required an extra There are still some who are imprisoned sisters a brother, and there was a lot of measure. Here was a man who had paid as we speak. We are all in the struggle pain and sacrifice involved with being so much, but still was willing to con­ for human rights. The struggle for one of the treason trialists. The trial, front much more in order to bring jus­ human rights means fighting beyond which started in June of 1985, eventu­ tice, in a fuller sense, to our society in oppression across the color line, it ally was completed in November of South Africa. means fighting opression across the 1988, and happily Simon was one of So I am glad to be here on behalf of gender line, it means also fighting op­ those released. the Fund for a Free South Africa. I am pression across the sexual preference Eleven of his comrades were found glad that Men of All Colors and the line. There is nobody in South Africa guilty of some charge or other, and long Simon Nkoli Support Committee have who more exemplifies the universality prison sentences were imposed on them. organized this talk, and I am glad that of the struggle for human rights than They were tried for treason not because all of you are here. We are all involved Simon Nkoli. There is another gentle­ they ever really picked up a gun against in the struggle for justice in South man right now in South Africa, Ivan the state; in fact they had been quite Africa. It is a special time right now to Toms, also a declared gay anti­ forthright in making their struggle a be observing (and most of us should not apartheid activist, who is in prison right peaceful one, based on nonviolence. just be observers, but participants in now, so let us not stop, let us continue Whether philosophically or simply as a that struggle) the events in South our focus, and again thank you for giv­ strategy, that was the essence of their Africa. Just this past week, we saw the ing and extending your support; the struggle. Here again, we are seeing the chief boss, the President of South charge is that you must continue. government in South Africa trying to Africa, trying to tell Tutu and his fol-

Page Two Resist Newsletter November, 1989 Sharpeville to Stonewall: Linking Liberation Struggles by very few people. For example, when SIMONNKOLI people in the Vaal Triangle elected councilors in November, 1983, the press reported that 13 % of the population voted. Should we really regard 13 % as a I am here to say thank you for the normal vote in a normal society? support you have given me and my 21 In June 1984, it was announced that comrades in the Delmas treason trail. the rent was going to be increased in the First of all, before I go any further, I am township. You know what I mean by going to tell you about the events that announced? It was stated that at the led to the trial. In South Africa every­ beginning of September the rent would thing that the Black people or the op­ be increased. The community was not pressed people in that country do, they consulted, or even given a reason why must seek permission for. Black people the rent was to be increased. When are excluded from decision making and things like this happen in our township, have no right to decide for themselves. we have to ask why. We were told, We have some people in the parlia­ "because we're going to improve the ment who come from the townships. township, we're going to install electri­ These people are called the Black Local city," and all that jazz. But you know, Council. We do not accept these people these reasons have been given every year as our representatives because they when the rents were going to be in­ don't have power. They are not there creased, and improvements have never when something is discussed for Black been made. In the community of Sebo­ people living in the townships. They are keng there was no improvement in 1984 in the townships driving big cars, hav­ when this announcement and promises Photo: Laura Wulf. ing shops, and they don't suffer the were made. Three-fourths of Sebokeng pains of hunger. They have been elected was still out of electricity, the streets wanted it to be. were terrible, it was a filthy place. It is not only Sebokeng, but many Our Only Warning Was the Helicopters other communities are like that. So we Overhead stood up, the youth organizations, the That morning came like other morn­ women's organizations - everybody ings. We went to the church, we left the called meetings in the various com­ church, singing our own freedom munities of the Vaal Triangle to discuss songs, because freedom is what we want these issues. Halls were full, people in that country, and that is what we are were packed into those halls when we going to get. We marched. Since 1960, discussed these issues, and we came to when I was still a little boy, a baby, we the resolution that we were no longer had never had such a big march in that going to pay the increased rent. It was particular township. We were hopeful ILLEGIIIMATI AUTIIORIT~ suggested that on the 3rd of September, that we would march peacefully along ,_,..,, fee,-./~ """~ we would stay away from work and the 10 kilometers to where we wanted to The Resist Newsletter is published ten from school, and hold a big rally to pro­ arrive. But all of a sudden, when we had times a year by Resist, Inc., One Summer test the rent increase. passed maybe 7 kilometers, we saw Street, Somerville, MA 02143. (617) Of course, some of us felt that rallies police cars ahead of us and we knew 623 -5 110. The views expressed in articles, wouldn't be enough, and we organized something was going to happen. When other than editorials, are those of the the march. We decided we'd march you see police cars in South Africa you authors and do not necessarily represent from different places to the Adminis­ have to think that something is going to the opinions of the Resist staff or board. tration Building. Four of the communi­ happen. ties in the Vaal Triangle organized the The people in the front began making Resist Staff: Nancy Wechsler march. I live in Sebokeng, and I decided Nancy Moniz peace signs with their hands, and dis­ Tatiana Schreiber to join the march together with the playing our placards that said that we many thousands of others who partici­ cannot afford the increased rent, that Typesetting: Wayne Curtis pated. It was well organized. We had we wanted the local council to resign - Gay Community News delegates, we had petitions, we had pla­ peaceful things. The march was going Printing: Red Sun Press ,0:. "' cards, we had marshalls to ensure that on calmly, and then, without warning, 0 Printed on ReclJ('led Paper the march would be as peaceful as we continued on page four

#220 Resist Newsletter Page Three Nkoli continued from page three (though later they claimed there was a from everything else, and that includes tian or something. warning) we saw helicopters over our prisoners. So normally when people are Two weeks before my detention heads and tear gas was upon us. We arrested the whites are separated from under Section 29 was to have expired heard shooting and everyone had to run the Blacks, the men from the women. the security police came to tell me they for their lives. Unfortunately, some of But on September 23rd, when I was ar­ were very sorry but they believed there marchers were hit with what they call rested, more than 500 men, women and was a rumor that my time might be ex­ rubber bullets. At the end of the day the children had be together in one small tended. Of course they knew my time radio and TV reports were that 30 peo­ hall for a whole night. It was a terrible would be extended, and I then spent ple in Sebokeng were killed because of situation. We didn't sleep the entire another ten months in prison before I of rubber bullets, and others died night, and the following day, the 24th, was charged. because they suffocated while they tried the police realized for the first time that On June 11th, 1985, I was called from to run, and others died because we ran they may have arrested children the day my cell at l :00 in the morning. I arrived over them, not because we wanted to before. there in the hall, and this gentleman was sitting there, a big guy of course, and he said to me, "Mr. Nkoli, we've got good He said to me, ''Mr. Nkoli, we've got good news for news for you this morning. We have you this morning. We have decided to release you from decided to release you from Section 29." But then he looked at another Section 29. '' But then he looked at another paper and paper and added, "we are sorry to tell added, ''We are sorry to tell you this, but the Attorney you this but the Attorney General of the General of the Transvaal has decided to charge you with Transvaal has decided to charge you on high treason, three counts of subver­ high treason, three counts of subversion, two counts of sion, two counts of terrorism, and five terrorism, and Jive counts of murder. ' counts of murder.'' That was the good news I got that morning. I was told that because I had kill the people, but this happened. So they released the children and been released from Section 29 I could The police knew that when they shot some of the elderly people, and then contact my parents and my lawyer. It people at close range with rubber bullets they began calling people one by one was l : 30 AM and I would be appearing these people would die. There was no and charging them with attending an il­ in court the following morning, so I had excuse for their deaths, but in any case, legal funeral. I am sure you are not sur­ to do everything that night. I was given they were killed, and buried, and there prised that in South Africa funerals can a certificate from the Attorney General was no compensation to our families. sometimes be illegal. Four of us were to sign. The certificate said I would not And one person was actually killed by told that the police wanted to see us be allowed bail. I refused to sign that the shop people, the town councilors, separately. That afternoon three others because he was wearing a Free Mandela and I were fetched by the security certificate. T-shirt. They just saw him passing by police. Then, of course, they separated some shops, which happened to be a us, "You man, you go in that office, banned activity on September 3rd. you in that office, you that, you that.'' Somebody said, "Look at what that They left each of us alone like that, and guy is wearing! He's one of them!" and when they came for me they said, "Oh, they attacked him and killed him. so you're that man we've been hunting That was Joseph Sithole, and it was for.'' That was the first I'd heard they'd following his murder that we began to been hunting for me. They said, " Did organize a response. We felt we had to you know you'll be charged under Sec­ do something, we had to organize a fu­ tion 29?'' Section 29 means that you can neral to mobilize people around this be held for six months and are subject to unfortunate death of a young person. police interrogation at any time. Joseph Si thole was a very active I was then interrogated for four days member of the youth organization, and and four nights. In between interroga­ had been working very hard, and then tion sessions I was left in my cell, and of had to die in that way. The police knew course I was told "if you choose, you we were organizing the funeral, and, can tell us the truth, please don't hesi­ unfortunately I attended the funeral tate to tell us the truth about the other September 23rd and was arrested there. prisoners, and we'll come and take the I was one of the first to be arrested, but statement, but if you don't do that you that day 900 people were arrested all will rot in this prison cell," and it hap­ over the township because there were pens that we do rot in prison cells in funerals held in Sharpeville, Sebokeng, South Africa. Under Section 29 you and other communities. At our funeral don't have legal representation or any more than 500 people were arrested. kind of communication from the out­ I want to tell you what happened side world. You can't even read a next. In South Africa, they believe in newspaper, but we were given the Holy segregation. Everything must be apart Bible to read, maybe to make us Chris- Nkoli speaking with activists at "Sharpeville/St

PageFour Resist Newsletter November, 1989 The People Came Anyway pleted 22 months in prison. When the other hand, it really helped me. The following morning I went first to trial began the 22 of us were brought We have never discussed homosex­ regional court in Pretoria. When we ap­ together and moved from Pretoria to uality in the Black community in South peared there, all 22 of us who had been Delmas. Our trial was not to be held in Africa. It is something that is taboo charged, we didn't know one another. I Pretoria because it would attract lots of even now. When we talk about gay peo­ believe five of us knew each other very radicals and other terrorists, so they ple, they think of whites. In our (gay) well. But all of those accused were the wanted to have it in a small place where organization people said they had been popular leaders that we had all heard of these people wouldn't go. Well, the peo­ taken to a witch doctor to be cured, to because many were in the Executive ple came anyway. the prophets, to the high priests - Committee of the United Democratic we've been taken to everybody to bless Front. And there were members of the It Wasn't Honey or Sugar (Coming Out us, to try to take the evil spirit of being Azapo organization there also. in South Africa) gay out of us. It is thought to be some­ I should tell you about the technique Then, when I was with my comrades, thing that comes from the West. There that the state wanted to use against the I decided it was high time they should are no gays in South Africa as far as two organizations. They knew there know about me. Of course, four of other people are concerned, so it has was a conflict between Azapo and the them already knew because we worked been very difficult. UDF, and I think they thought that if in the same organization. But now I So, while I was still battling with my they charged us all together they could wondered how I was going to come out co-accused to get myself accepted, I get us to fight among ourselves. I tell to the rest of the people without causing received letters. The first gay letter you, we didn't. We sat down as accused any damage, without destroying the came from Toronto. I read this letter people and had a common trial. We community, because we were one. and was really smiling because I discov- were not going to make them happy by fighting. Both Azapo and UDF are fighting against apartheid in the coun­ Our trial was not to be held in Pretoria because it try, and on that day, for the first time, would attract lots of radicals and other terrorists, so the state decided that we were conspir­ ing together, so we felt we needed to they wanted to have it in a small place where these peo­ stand together. ple wouldn't go. Well, the people came anyway. We appeared and we were refused bail because of the Attorney General's Slowly and slowly i began talking to erect there was a gay and lesbian com­ certificate. The bail was refus·ed three people individually, and they respond­ munity out there, far from my country, times between June and November, and ed, "Really?" and some said, "You that sympathized with me. That was then the trial actually began on January can't be!" Well, I want to tell you why I just the first letter, and as time went on I 20th, 1986. Those of us who were de­ decided to come out. When you're on began receiving letters from Britain, tained when I was had already com- trial against the state, you are a witness Europe, the United States, and other for the defense. I thought the state countries. So I thought, "OK, perhaps might know I was a gay person and these letters can help me." We shared would try to use my homosexuality to everything in prison - magazines, attempt to discredit me or to discredit papers, so I thought I'd show the letters my co-accused. While I was interro­ to my friends, at least those that are gated in prison they did tell me they close to me. knew about me. They would say, "You I shared the letters and people started are wasting your time to think that any­ relaxing. In the beginning they'd say, body will ever follow you, or listen to "You're joking, man!" We don't want you." They said, "When Mandela is to listen to that. That can't happen here Prime Minister of the country he's not in this country!" And then it was, "Are going to include you in the Parliament. you really? How do you do it?" and Who do you think you are?" I had to other things like that. There's one story respect them because at least they knew I won't forget. There was a 61 year old that Mandela is going to be Prime man, and he came to me and said he was Minister of this country. a Christian and he loved me, and he Anyway, back to battling within my said, ''Simon, my child, is it true what I own community. It wasn't easy. I had hear of you? They say you are a homo­ come out to my parents and it wasn't sexual man," and I said, "Yes, they are honey or sugar. It was not tasteful to my right." He said, "Oh, come on, Simon, mother, especially. She felt that it was you know God doesn't want that to unfortunate, that she was being in­ happen to you. You are a caring person, sulted, and she said she regretted ever and anyway I don't believe you. You sending me to that St. Bosco Boys High were at the same meeting I was at with School! She was really struggling to ac­ you and at that meeting you spoke like a cept her own son. My mother loved me, man." I said, "Yes, I'm a man. I'm still and at that time I felt I shouldn't have a man." He said, "No, you said you wall" event in Boston. Photo: Laura Wulf. told her. I felt very guilty, but on the were a homosexual.'' continued on page six

#220 Resist Newsletter Page Five Nkoli continued from page Jive So people would argue that since I the gay and lesbian struggle, it will be ''because on that Sunday morning I had taken part in some action, I the same as women isolating their strug­ went to Soweto to speak before a group couldn't be gay. The image of gay, gle, or the youth, or workers, and then of lesbians and gay men.'' Then he said, when you talk about this, is of someone everybody will have lots of struggles "Mr. Nkoli, do you want this court to with two organs within himself. Some within apartheid. So lets bring all these believe that you are a homosexual people said, "I was with you in the struggles together, as we are doing, and man?" I said, "No, I was just answer­ shower, I looked at you well and you united we will go somewhere. When ing the question." looked like a man." Again I said, "I am South Africa is liberated, there will then Of course the judge said, ''What is a man." So I think we really need to be no question of anyone saying ''those this question leading us to? We cannot educate our people about ourselves. It's people were not part of us." sit here for the rest of the year. What do not easy. If I was straight, it wouldn't you want to prove by these questions? be easy for me to fight for gay rights or Just Answering the Question Are you trying to prove treason? Are to sympathize with it, without being Well, my own struggle did not go any you trying to prove terrorism? Murder? educated. further than when I was supposed to What? Next question please." The pro­ It's the same struggle women have give evidence. Some of my comrades secutor was left speechless. He contin­ been battling for so long to be accepted felt that I didn't need to go to the wit­ ued with a few questions and then he as persons. South Africa has these ness box because there was no case stopped. When I came down from the problems where for so long women against me. But actually they really witness box, there were my comrades have been regarded as women, nothing didn't want me to go because I am a gay welcoming me. They said they were sur­ else, with their duty to work in the kit­ person and they feared this would be prised at the way I handled the whole chen, look after children, and things like that. They have to battle, and we found ourselves as gay and lesbian peo­ MY co-defendants said they didn 't realize gay people ple in a similar situation because people could be so concerned about apartheid. OJ course they think that whatever we do, we cannot do it in the proper way. We have to didn't! How would they know in South Africa if all of educate people that among gays we us are in the closet? The danger of that is that when have good people, bad people, we have teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, we South Africa is liberated, what will we say if people are everywhere. That itself we cannot ask, ''What did you do to bring about change in this deny and we have to teach our people. country?" We'd have to say, "We were with you but We Need to be Out in the Struggle we didn 't want you to know we were there. '' That My co-defen dents came to me and would be a foolish answer. said they didn't realize gay people could be so concerned about apartheid. Of used against all of us. But my lawyers thing. They felt if they had had to do it course they didn't! How would they were very supportive and they said I had before a packed court like that they know in South Africa if all of us are in to go to the witness box to answer the couldn't have brought it up as I did. the closet? There are lots of gay activists allegations against me. They said if the · No one believed that if the state involved in political organizations, but gay issue was brought up they would brought it up I would take it as just a because of the pressure put upon the object, not to hide my homosexuality, normal thing. Of course, it is a normal gay and lesbian community, we are but because I was not charged on gay­ thing to be what you are. It's not abnor­ afraid to come out. "What will people related matters. mal. So at the end of the trial, at the end think if they know I'm a gay person? I So, I went to the witness box. I was of my evidence, everyone was now better fight against apartheid in a hid­ the last of the accused to give evidence, really relaxed about me. It did still come den way.'' The danger of that is that and I was shivering as I took the stand up. For example, when the Scottish when South Africa is liberated we as gay and asked God to bless me. I knew that Homosexual Rights Group wrote to all people will seem never to have taken it was while I was giving evidence that I of us to say they had money they wanted part in liberating our people. What will would have to come out. I feared that to send to us. We discussed this, as we we say if the people ask "What did you the state prosecutor would bring it up in always do, and some of them wanted do to bring about change in this coun­ an aggressive manner. They began ask­ the money sent to our wives and our try, where were you during the battle?'' ing me questions and they had a lot of girlfriends. Someone raised his hand We'd have to come back to them and allegations against us, putting us at the and said, ''What will my wife think say, "We were with you but we didn't wrong meetings and so on. They had me when she gets a check sent to her by a want you to know we were there.'' That at a meeting that I did not attend, and I Scottish Homosexual Rights Group? would be a foolish answer. denied that I was there. Can't they send it by another name?" I · We in the gay and lesbian community The prosecutor said, ''Mr. Nkoli, said, "No, we can't send it by another in South Africa are also to be blamed you have been in detention for three name." because those people that have come years. What makes you remember that I remember at some stage, before out of the closet then want to fight for on the 31st of July, 1983, you were at they really accepted me, there was sub­ gay and lesbian rights and isolate the that meeting?" I said, "I remember tle gay bashing. When Rock Hudson liberation struggle. We must say that very well that I was not there." "What died of AIDS, for example, they said, that is not enough, because if we isolate makes you remember?'' I said, continued on page seven

Page Six Resist Newsletter November, 1989 Nkoli continued from page six "Did you hear your friend died of AIDS?" I was really patient and I said, continued from page eight NCARRV raises these issues in "Yes, I've heard of him, I heard about state to establish a Florida chapter in diverse forums and with a range of it." Sometimes patience really helps 1986. Today there is also a chapter in public and private agencies including you in prison. In South Africa, in pri­ Jacksonville. The Tallahassee group the North Carolina Association of son, if you sulk you'll never help your­ has produced a radio program for Educators and the North Carolina self. You have to be strong enough to several years, and has done educa­ Council of Churches. The group suc­ stand anything that happens to you. At tional work about AIDS through par­ cessfully persuaded the Governor to some moments I thought it was a tech­ ticipation in radio and TV programs. appoint a Task Force on Racist and nique of the state to bring me to this Other projects of the group have Religious Violence. This year, trial just to frustrate me as a person. included a forum on Haiti, testimony NCARRV launched a new project on They must have been disappointed be­ on AIDS and gay-related issues before anti-Asian violence in response to the cause that never happened. the Florida legislature, and the pro­ murder of a Chinese man in Raleigh in At the end of the trial, I was the one duction of a bimonthly newsletter. July. accepted by my 21 co-accused. My last Like the national organization, the This event, the first documented message, as my brother Themba said, is Florida group seeks to educate and case of an anti-Asian attack in the that in South Africa now we still have challenge the community on issues of region, involved two white brothers many people in detention, we still have racism and homophobia. The group who attacked a group of five Asian many people banned, we still have lots also wants to alert gay and minority men in a Raleigh pool room. The of people restricted. When these people communities to the dangers of STDs, brothers followed the men to the park­ know they have international support, including ''traditional'' STDs such as ing lot and beat Ming Hai Loo on the they have hope, they have something to syphillis, which they note is a serious head with a pistol. According to cling upon, some reason to think that problem in the Tallahassee area. police, the white men said they had they must be strong because the world BWMT also provides support for ''lost brothers'' in Vietnam, and has taken up the issue. those in interracial relationships who called the Asians (whom they mistook I was not the only one in the Delmas face hostility both within and outside for Vietnamese though they were treason trial to receive international the gay community. The group works Chinese) "gooks" and "slant-eyes." support. We had the support of Am­ to ensure that people of color are NCARRV quickly established con­ nesty International, of the anti­ represented in the decision-making tact with the family and the Chinese­ apartheid movement, and sometimes structures of gay organizations and American Association, put the family we would receive a letter from an events in the state, and they structure in contact with a progressive lawyer unknown person. We didn't know how BWMT to include Black, Asian and who could follow the case, and to respond, but the messages we got in Hispanic involvement on more than a organized a press conference with 10 those letters were messages of encour­ token basis. community groups to speak out agement, and when we got encour­ Resist's grant went to support against the attacks and reassure the agement we became strong. • organizing for the 9th Annual Con­ Asian community that it had wide vention of the National Association support. Editor's Note: Nkoli's speech has been of Black and White Men Together NCARRV is now planning to work edited for length and some of his com­ held in Tallahassee in July. The event with the Asian community and the ments have been changed slightly to featured speakers and panels on anti­ U.S. Civil Rights Commission to read more smoothly. Any resulting er­ gay violence; family and parental investigate other acts of harrassment rors in meaning are solely the responsi­ issues; gays and the law; ethnicity; or violence towards Asians and Asian­ bility of the editor. Special thanks to and an extensive program on AIDS Americans in North Carolina, and Ann Russo and the Simon Nkoli Coor­ outreach and education. provide support and information on dinating Committee. For more infor­ responding to violence to the com­ mation, contact the Committee c/o 159 North Carolinians Against Racist and munity where the recent attack Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139. Religious Violence, Box 240, Durham, occurred. The group will also issue NC, 27702. a report on Anti-Asian violence North Carolinians Against Racist nationally and its impact in North and Religious Violence (NCARRV) · Carolina. originated in 1985 to respond to a NCARRV has taken up this issue in resurgence of Klan/nazi activity and a concerted way because it takes place At the TLAHUICA CENTER FOR Learn to LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL racist violence. The organization in a context of escalating anti-Asian Speak EXCHANGE you'll find advanced monitors and researches hate groups violence around the country. The Spanish teaching methods and small or in­ dividual classes in a solidarity en­ and bigoted attacks; provides victim attack bears strong similarity to the inMExJco vironment. and community support; and advo­ case of Vincent Chin in Detroit in ~LA { Write CETLALIC, Apdo . Postal 5-291, C.P. c,~•0 62051 , Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico . cates for changes in public policy. 1982. In Boston, though Asians make ..,.,.,,_,, Phone: (73) 12-90-47. NCARRV is recognized as a regional up only 3 % of the population, they resource for expert information on have been victims of nearly one-third bigoted violence and Klan/nazi activ­ of the racist attacks there according ity. The group has also done extensive to a 1986 AP report. and effective community organizing in Resist's grant went to support the areas experiencing racist attacks. Anti-Asian Violence Project.

#220 Resist Newsletter Page Seven This month's grant reports highlight bian liberation in the context of of Southern African liberation some of the groups Resist has funded national liberation struggles; AIDS movements, as well as against this year that address anti-racism activism in gay communities of color apartheid. work, Southern Africa solidarity, and both in Africa and the U.S.; an CCISSA has created a Southern lesbian and gay liberation. For more update on the political situation in Africa resource center in Chicago information write to the groups at the South Africa; and feminism in South compiling books, films and videos for addresses provided. Africa. A plenary session included use by CCISSA's speakers bureau and AIDS activists, a Black feminist others who do anti-apartheid work Simon Nkoli Coordinating Commit­ activist from South Africa, a Puerto in the community. tee, P .0. Box 426, Cambridge, MA Rican gay activist, and others. Partici­ While working to build support for 02139. pants believe that the work involved in full democratic participation in the Simon Nkoli's visit to Boston was organizing the event, and the two-day governing of South Africa, CCISSA's organized, (on very short notice!) by program of workshops and speeches, political perspective is that racism an ad hoc coalition of activists who were of critical importance in building is a powerful tool used to divide and had been working on gay and lesbian links between individuals and com­ exploit people throughout the world. issues, reproductive rights, anti­ munities in our movements. Resist's The group believes that by exposing apartheid and anti-racism work, and grant went toward general expenses and fighting apartheid it can also AIDS. The group ranged in age from for the event. Proceeds from the event expose the ways in which racism is 15 to 61; and included Black, Latina, (which included great food of the used here in the U.S., particularly in white, and Asian lesbians and gay African diaspora!) went toward the segregated and racially charged men. Several of the participants were Nkoli's work and that of the National atmosphere of Chicago. The group members of the Boston chapters of the Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays. maintains a commitment to multi­ National Coalition of Black Lesbians ~w,v,~, l!tU~.-..Trt~ (•Al.f'1'l~N.,$ racial work within the organization and Gays and Men of All Colors and its public events, and works in Together. coalition with a broad range of labor, The event was well attended and church and social justice groups. included, in addition to Nkoli's One of the largest and most diverse address, workshops on gay and les- anti-apartheid events spearheaded by CCISSA is the annual Soweto Day Join the Resist Pledge Program march and demonstration at the South We'd like you to consider becoming African consulate. This year CCISSA a Resist Pledge. Pledges account for and the Church World Service co­ over 300Jo of our income. By becom­ sponsored the Soweto '89 walkathon, ing a pledge, you help guarantee which.took place in Chicago's south Resist a fixed and dependable side neighborhoods and was followed source of income on which we can by a mass rally addressing the issue build our grant making program. In of federal sanctions against South return, we will send you a monthly Africa. pledge letter and reminder, along CCISSA used the walkathon as a with your newsletter. We will keep means of bringing the issue of apar­ you up-to-date on the groups we theid to new constituencies in have funded, and the other work be­ Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Chicago. Church, labor and com­ ing do.ne at Resist. So take the Southern Africa, 343 S. Dearborn St., munity organizations used educational plunge and become a Resist pledge! #918, Chicago, IL 60604. materials provided by CCISSA to We count on you, and the groups we The Chicago Committee in Solidar­ recruit walkathon marchers and fund count on us. ity with Southern Africa (CCISSA) pledges. The event provided material evolved from the Coalition for aid to political detainees and their ___ Yes, I would like to become Illinois' Divestment from South families in South Africa through the a Resist pledge. I'd like to pledge Africa, a statewide network that National Medical and Dental Associa­ $ ____/ ______worked with unions, student groups, tion. Resist's grant was used for the monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, 2x churches and others to successfully educational campaign accompanying a year, yearly). pass divestment legislation in Chicago the walkathon. ___ Enclosed is my contribution and Springfield. The organization of$ ___ continues to support strong sanctions Black and White Men Together, 411 ___ I'm not enclosing my con­ against South Africa, but has Chapel Drive, Box 226, Tallahassee, FL 32304-3321 tribution; but please bill me starting expanded the focus of its educational Black and White Men Together of with the next newsletter. and solidarity work to include the entire region of Southern Africa. Tallahassee began after the 1984 con­ Name Aware of the stranglehold South vention of the national organization in Address Africa and its apartheid system have Atlanta. There was sufficient interest on the neighboring countries, the among Floridians from across the City /State/Zip group has decided to work in support continued on page seven

Page Eight Resist Newsletter November, 1989