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'8 years in The Belfast SWP - A fraternal parting',
and
Part 2
of, 'The ARN, - A Movement'
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This
is the final article in relation to the Belfast
SWP, as I have now resigned from it. As I had stated
previous, the resignation was in large part a fraternal
parting and a decision that I had made myself after
much thought. Therefore as I spoke at the ARN mass
rally on Oct 29th 2004, I did so as an Independent
Socialist.
This
article accounts for Part 2 of the Anti Racism Network
(ARN) as well as detailing in full the links to
those accounts of my time within the Belfast SWP
over the last eight years.
The
ARN part 2 – A firm part of the Labour Movement,
the Belfast SWP, Part 2
After
the rally on Jan 27th of the year 2004, whose make
up made it ‘unprecedented in Northern Irish
political history’ (see, the ARN part one,
‘in the beginning’, recorded on the Blanket
– May 2004), we as a network sought to continue
to expand. We had begun to build associations and
support networks North, South, East and West Belfast,
as well as in some of the other most affected areas
from Dunnganon to North Antrim, with many more supporters
and groupings reflected around Northern Irish society.
With
that, post Jan 27th many of the groups began to
hold local events. In West Belfast for example,
‘The
first West Belfast ARN group (Falls Rd) (WARN!)
now firmly established held its first local public
meeting - social event, in West Belfast. Speakers
included Roden Street community Development group,
Belfast Travellers Support Group, Representatives
from the Filipino community and myself from the
ARN, amongst others.
Held
on a Saturday afternoon it was attended by over
one hundred and fifty persons from the local area
and surrounding workplaces, as well as by those
who use the community facilities. Almost half those
there where from minority ethnic backgrounds. Filipino,
Chinese, African, Traveller, Indian, etc. Also persons
from various solidarity campaigns where there, Ireland
Palestine, Cuban, Columbian, Refugee, etc as well
as persons from Argentina, Bolivia and other such
areas.
They
were joined with local residents, trades unionists
and workers from the local Royal Victoria Group
of hospitals, and other community workers and trade
union activists from around the locality. All in
all it was an excellent event and a good diverse
turnout. Like Mayday when over 100 persons joined
the ARN many again joined the local WARN!’
Also
in the West they and we, participated in local marches,
organising white line pickets, spoke at local events,
did leafleting, postering etc as well as launching
a local passport as part of a visual event, this
over many months of various activities.
For
me this event (First WARN! meeting) was held on
the road (Falls Rd) which I was raised as a child
(pre school) from the mid seventies through to the
early eighties; on seeing the venue of the meeting,
this brought back also other memories, the venue
was held at the end of a street named - ‘Genoa
street’.
Also
a few days prior to that the North Belfast ARN met
to firmly establish itself with up to 30 local community,
trade union and minority ethnic activists meeting
in the Indian community centre. Again a grassroots
and activist based group from the locality.
In
South Belfast (student branch) at Queens University
(I had spoken at its initiation) a small but lively
rally was called, while in East Belfast activists
were organising to build links to establish a branch.
Again in South, its main branch did stalls, leafleting
etc while in other areas outside of Belfast activists
began also to get organised and were active on the
ground and vocal within the media. The ARN steering
group during the summer months continued to organise
events such as the protest at the Belfast International
Airport against the detention of asylum seekers,
‘The
picket at the Immigration office at Belfast International
Airport was well attended by various organisations.
It also got good coverage on the evening news. Those
in attendance included Amnesty International representatives
from various branches, the Refugee Action Group,
the Anti Racism Network, Multi Cultural Resource
Centre, UNISON, Asylum Practitioners and human rights
solicitors, the Chinese Welfare Association, and
tools for Solidarity amongst others’.
Also
at this time we seen the launch of the first ever
‘Love Music Hate Racism’ gig at the Empire
Music Hall in South Belfast hall, where I, as representative
from the steering group, had worked with others
to bring about. As I spoke at the event I looked
out onto the hall and it was,
‘a
case of standing room only to the back door. Many
attended from the Network, representatives from
minority ethnic organisations such as the African
cultural and Chinese Welfare association. Human
rights activists and human rights organisations
from Amnesty International to the Equality commission,
attended. As did rank and file trade union representatives
from NIPSA to Unison, various grassroots community,
women's and gay right campaigners also attended.
Grassroots environmental, anti war, anti globalisation,
community, solidarity, and campaign activists, where
also joined by many people who came along to hear
the bands, and to lend solidarity to the cause.
So a broad collection of organisations and individuals
lending support, with many people joining up to
the network. A good night and thanks for all who
came to lend support for the fundraiser’.
This
time, as stated, although during the summer months,
the ARN steering group, completely voluntary with
very limited resources – monies raised by supporters,
had still been quite busy, and it continued. From
a front page headline of the South Belfast News
for example seeing the ARN chairperson and a leading
UUP man going head to head, through to seeing the
'Nigger' word used by an SDLP councillor (in a certain
context) whom quite quickly made a full apology
and retraction. This again after the ARN had called
for such in the media and on the front pages of
the Belfast Telegraph.
In
effect since the Jan 27th rally and within the space
of six months we had seen the closing of the Belfast
BNP branch, the ceasing of organised overt racial
attacks in specific areas for a time thus providing
breathing space for ethnic minority communities,
the mass mobilisation and rally, the local mobilisations
or rallies, active support and shelter for those
put out of there homes, participation in trade union
and local community marches, protests at detaining
centres at the Belfast International airport, the
empowerment of some working class communities against
attacks, moving the support of the trade union movement
into action as well as trade union councils and
trade unions (workers organisations), the censoring
and full withdrawal of racist statements from the
UUP to the SDLP, the standing firm and putting our
'head' above the water to stand visual and vocally
against paramilitary attacks.
Street
protests and agitation, paint outs, white line pickets,
public meetings, spray paintings – street art,
poster and leaflet campaigns, stalls, the sending
out of the police (state) and statutory bodies'
big guns to attempt to counter our arguments. The
police, paramilitaries, far right organisations,
state bodies, at times being put on the back foot,
the ceasing of organised racist attacks for specific
periods in specific areas. The concentration and
public focus directed at the socio and economic
conditions - deprivation of working class communities,
i.e. the lack of housing, facilities and actively
seeking to raise and to campaign on these issues.
The
raising of Fortress Europe, real support and defence
drawn up for those attacked, anti racism gigs, the
expansion of the ARN into associations around Belfast
and beyond, bringing the immediate situation to
the worlds TV screens, solidarity with other wider
issues, creating cross community support and activity,
gathering and receiving solidarity from across the
globe, at times beginning to push the tide of racism
back, etc etc. Therefore the seven person steering
group together from almost the onset, of myself,
Sara, Leish, Steven, Barbara, Nathalie and Lekan
with the activists within the ARN had now, in effect
at this stage as was recognised by the media etc,
had created a Movement against Racism. We were to
later agree to the widening out of the steering
group with other activists then also joining us,
having been delegated from local branches.
Yet
of course we had our critics, mainly the armchair
activists, but there were those genuine activists
who had raised concerns about the ARN not moving
quick enough, or us having not raised various issues
hard enough etc, which we acknowledged, learnt from,
and moved to address.
Yet
while the ARN in its early form, ‘I believe’,
was not collectively hard enough on ‘some’
issues (re – in relation to some of its press
releases that had been sent out by individuals),
other leading individuals though were. I and others
on the steering group had spoke and written, at
those times, on the loyalist involvement in attacks,
police and statutory bodies ineffectiveness, social
and economic deprivation, Fortress Europe etc, which
when the ARN agreed its direction, were to become
regular issues to be addressed. Again though such
issues needed to be raised and pushed for at times
by persons as so to be ‘implemented collectively’
rather than spoke of individually. For me I say,
read what I write (in my writings) or listen to
what I say, to get a better understanding of ‘my’
position, from the horse’s mouth.
Below
is an example of part of an ‘engagement’
at this time, I had with someone from a ‘differing’
organisation who held an understanding of how to
deal with fascists groups. This engagement was on
an open website for all to participate.
‘Dear
Sean, in recent times on a number of occasions
our mobilisations and our actions via various
strategies has brought an end for a time to brutal
and overt attacks in specific areas. This provided
both a breathing space for the minority ethnic
community and for the network to build roots.
These various strategies where needed in specific
situations due in many cases to local conditions
that needed to be taken into account, which I
cannot go into presently, but will in time.
In
doing so, (creating an initial large broad platform)
we are processing from that, to creating an activists
based grassroots, community and trade union based
Network. Which as stated, will mobilise on the
streets to confront such organisations if they
become visible.
So
initially rather than getting solely the left
into a room, and all that goes with that, we sought
a broad front against the attacks. Differing tactics,
Sean, are also needed when the enemy is not visible
or slithers in the night.
As
for a 'front for recruitment', putting aside that
I have stated on numerous occasions even on this
site that the issue and the campaigns should be
the priority. I would hope, Sean, that you do
not believe that I and others who have put their
heads above water and into the public domain (and
all that to date that has went with it, over the
last year or so) to stand against such attacks,
do it for any other main priority than to stand
firm against these scum that terrorise the most
vulnerable.
Sean,
the ARN has worked many strategies, that to date
has created breathing spaces on several occasions.
Breathing spaces for the minority ethnic community
but also breathing space for the network to expand
and build.
With
that now we can muster the support of, as stated,
the minority ethnic organisations, human rights
groups, grassroots environmental, anti war, anti
globalisation, community, solidarity, women’s,
community, student, gay and lesbian rights and
campaign activists etc along side trade unionists,
trades union councils, trade unions, and the trade
union movement as a whole, as we had done in the
last week.
And
so, with that, we potentially have a movement
that can mobilise our class against the fascists.
We potentially can have a Network that can begin
to mobilise workers and working class communities
against such organisations if, and when, they
become visible.
Of
course various tactics are needed in various situations.
Yet I have been in rooms in the past with solely
the left and have seen the difficulties where
ideological purism and sectarianism are rife,
therefore the campaign got nowhere. My and others
experience in initiating the Anti War Movement
in the North and its mass historic mobilisations
had taught us lessons that we have took into the
initiation of the ARN.
On
both occasions it was a broad front of many organisations
including that of the trade union movement. And
it was and is good to see the trade union movement
standing firm both against the war on Iraq and
now against the racial attacks.
With
that support, the momentum, and the public profile
created, the ARN steering group is now actively
seeking to build grassroots community and trade
union networks based on the mobilisation and activism
within and of each.
In
recent times we are starting to achieve that,
and on top of that we are raising the issues of
importance. Therefore we are working that now
from a position of strength, with the collective
involvement of many of the workers organisations
involved, which was brought about by initiating
that broad front and creating public momentum,
as opposed to what I have experienced before of
getting the left in the room and going nowhere
fast.
So
yes we differ on tactics, Sean, and I welcome
your engagement. I hope such can continue in a
fraternal way. I will say finally on your last
point,
‘you
don't talk about fascism, you smash it’
See you on the streets!
On
that first part, Sean, we need to organise against
it. Fascists don't always take to the street,
they sometimes attempt a cloak of respectability,
in a suit for example when they knock on your
door, and they don't all have bomber jackets,
DM boots and skinheads. Sometimes they come in
the night, sometimes they embrace many working
class sentiments against socio and economic deprivation,
thus attempting to provide scapegoats. We also
see many other underlying situations and issues
at play in the North within communities. So they
have many differing tactics, Sean, and we need
to counter them via various avenues.
But
at the end of the day, and fundamentally, it is
the power of the working class and its organisations
that can smash them if the become visible. The
ARN by initially creating a broad front and public
momentum now has the support of many such organisations.
To date we have had to deal with those who are
not visible but extremely dangerous and to date
in many cases we have been successful.
At
the end of the day, Sean, we hold tactical differences
as how to prepare the ground and mobilise and
we both have dealt to date with very different
circumstances. Yet I agree that the fascists need
smashed when they are visible and, one day if
needs be, I will stand with you, firm, as will
I believe a network of working class peoples and
their organisations, if needed.
In
the meantime we each in our differing ways need
to crush and dis-able both the visible and more
subtle aspects of them from the onset. Our tactics
differ but our cause is the same. Solidarity, Comrade.
D’
Then
at this time, once again attacks started to intensify
in their overt brutality, this not only again in
South Belfast, but also around other areas of Northern
Irish society. So again the steering committee of
the Network met to seek once again to attempt to
bring an end to such attacks. As we were by and
large Belfast based we — as a steering group
— sought to attempt to bring an end to the
attacks in that specific area. This time as opposed
to the last time we had built up some connections
in and around the area and with that we had agreed
to call an event within the ‘Loyalist’
Village area of South Belfast. We again had got
the support from the Irish Congress on Trade Unions
(ICTU) as well as all the main Trade Unions for
whatever event we where to call to attempt to bring
an end to the attacks. Again this was an important
initiative by the steering group, but events where
to dictate that we could not go ahead with the rally.
In hindsight as I had acknowledged after, we should
have had a backup initiative but the thing about
the ARN is, that we will acknowledge and attempt
to learn from mistakes, which I have already found
in my short time as an activist that many other
organisations are not prepared to do.
While
this situation was developing I was invited to go
into the Village and speak. When I had arrived at
the venue with Leish and Steven from the ARN steering
group, I had found the media interest to our arrival
to be immense. At the meeting there was some finger
pointing towards myself by some who should know
better, nevertheless apart from this our presence
was welcomed. Yet that night and the next, rioting
and roadblocks broke out, and went up, in the Village
area to which a Unionist politician had attempted
to attribute those events to me, for speaking in
the area ‘uninvited’. In fact I was invited,
and in fact the rioting etc broke out due to arrests
in relation to those very racist attacks. Despite
this I was, and am held to blame for those riots
by some, simply for speaking out against racist
attacks. Nevertheless such rhetoric by that unionist
politician, along with saying that ‘Davy is
a racist’ which he wanted recorded at a local
South Belfast meeting, showed his real priorities.
This
situation also showed up for me in real terms what
many already knew, as I had stated in Part 1 of
my articles on the ARN. That those in a leadership
from afar who had argued with me to ‘go into
the area’ to ‘sort it out’, where
in fact living in never never land. As I had said
then, that that would have been absolutely madness
(as even the dogs on the streets knew), but it seemed
a handbook was argued to be followed, simply because
I believe that it was there and should be followed.
As I said before, such a specific situation at that
specific time needed to work outside of that handbook.
As here we had a situation where the ARN had build
up a far bigger profile, had the support now of
the Trade Union movement, all the main trade unions
- minority ethic organisations, all the major human
rights organisations etc and I had been ‘invited’
by the community into the area. With that there
were two nights of rioting and quite a bit of hostility.
Yet back at Xmas it was argued that we ‘uninvited’
go into such a tight knit community and into those
that ‘controlled it’, this with the ARN
still relatively unknown, this situation would have
been hard enough. Yet most comrades (SWP) in Belfast
knew that at least we (SWP) needed that support
from not only within the area but more especially
within the wider ARN, yet that support for good
and logical reason was not forthcoming.
This
because everyone knew the reality on the ground,
and we therefore dealt with that reality in ’real
terms’. And in doing so provided for a time
a breathing space. Yet speaking to a leading comrade
who came from afar at a later date he was still
adamant that, despite what every other organisation
who knew what was happening on the ground had understood,
and thus their logical opposition to such a call.
Despite also no support whatsoever from within the
area, and despite of what was going on, those behind
it, their history, and therefore a knowledge of
their probable re - action. I therefore listened
with disbelief as he said that we (SWP) as Revolutionary
Socialists should have ‘went in’ to ‘sort
it out’. Therefore there and then, ‘the
nail had in effect been hammered right through’,
in relation to my concerns over Democratic Centralism.
This
had an impact on me as I knew I could not put myself
in such a situation again where I knew that such
a decision that I would have to follow (Democratic
Centralism) would have been completely counter productive
(with severe intensification of attacks) and potentially
deadly to the minority ethnic community. This, at
this specific time and at this specific place. Therefore
I knew when I did not follow that argument and that
some had not learnt, I believe, from that specific
situation that I could not, and would not put myself
in such a situation again. This where a decision
was attempted to be taken from afar based not on
the reality and knowledge of a specific local area
and local activist knowledge from across the left
spectrum, but rather on an all embracing handbook
of tactics, which was argued to be followed. Of
course in 95% of occasions there will of course
be similar tactics used, even when one is not ‘invited’
into an area, or when one has limited support. This
though ‘must’ be put into the context
of, in this case, the total local historical and
present situation, thus having a real assessment
of the real outcome of any activity taken.
So
once again the attacks for the time ceased, and
with that it was argued to revitalise the South
Belfast branch. Although the South Belfast branch
on paper was the largest, it had been for a quite
a while inactive. It had done some leafleting, postering
and a stall but had not reacted or attempted to
react in many cases to local attacks. Therefore
an argument was made to revitalise it and an agreement
was made to call a local rally. This rally was to
coincide with media speculation and a police press
statement for ethnic minorities to remain alert
over the Sept 11 period (anniversary of attacks
in USA) with the rally on Sept 10th. The South Belfast
group started to build for the event and was supported
from the central ARN, in relation to calling for
support for the local rally. Also as the media had
been contacting me in relation to the Sep 11th press
statement I was able to use that also as a platform
to advertise it, which I did via many local newspaper
and TV outlets urging local people to attend, this
in tandem with Barbara, the spokesperson for South
Belfast. So on a miserable day with the rain pouring
down over 120 local people showed their solidarity
and attended. As Chair for the overall network,
with whom the press usually sought interviews, I
had asked if local activists could speak to the
media and directed the media to local activists,
rather then doing the interviews myself. I felt
it was and is important for local activists and
residents to be at the forefront of local events.
At
this time the Belfast SWP met and we were all in
agreement that we needed to argue for the ARN to
call another mass rally. Although we (the ARN steering
group) almost brought around the rally in the Village
we agreed we needed another one soon, although had
not tied down the fine details. Again I had problems
with what some of the points that the Belfast SWP
had raised at that meeting but was in agreement
that we should press for a rally sooner rather than
later. It therefore was not a matter of convincing
people as to having a rally as the steering group
had already decided that, but it was to press to
make it sooner. So with the original members of
the steering group and three other ‘delegates’
from other branches we met to hammer out the details.
With that, we started to create public momentum
and so by the time I had contacted ICTU (Irish Congress
of Trade Unions) and had sought and got their support
we had an impressive list of endorsements. They
ranged from all of the main trade union and minority
ethnic organisations through to all the political
parties and main human rights organisations, as
below,
‘Public
endorsement and support already to date has come
from, the Chinese Welfare Association, The Belfast
Jewish community, The Indian Community centre,
the Belfast Islamic centre, the Multi Cultural
Resource Centre, The Latin American Support Group,
Travellers Movement of Northern Ireland, the Refugee
Action Group, Tools for Solidarity, Black Network,
Afro Community Support Organisation, Sai Pak Chinese
community group
Also
from the trade union movement - to date - the
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), as well
as Unison, T&G, NIPSA and from the Belfast
Trades Union Council, from the Fire Brigades Union
of Northern Ireland, Trademark, Unison Community
and Voluntary branch, the Independent Workers
Union.
Support
and endorsement also from the N.Ireland Human
rights Commission, the N.Ireland Law Centre, The
N.Ireand Children’s Commissioner, The Northern
Ireland Council for Voluntary action NICVA, the
Equality Commission of Northern Ireland, Amnesty
International Northern Ireland, Age Concern Northern
Ireland, International Voluntary Service N. Ireland.
Political
parties to date, DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP
SDLP, Alliance, PUP, SWP, WP, SP, CPI, SEA
More
Support from - STEP, Duncrun Cultural
Initiative, the Fountain Men's Group, L/Derry,
the Fountain Youth Club, L/Derry, and the Rasharkin
Women’s Group, North Antrim, SCA, Cliftonville
Community Regeneration Forum, Manor Street Cliftonville
Residents and Environmental association, West
Belfast Economic Forum, Women into Politics, UNESCO,
The Blanket, Intercomm, Wheel works Youth Arts
Organisation, IPSC, Organise!, Irish Football
Associations Community Relations Office, Fourthwrite,
The Independent Workers Union, The centre For
Global Education - The One World Centre, the Future
Way Programme’
Also
during the build up of that month of October we
lent support to various campaigns including the
battle against deportation of the Somasundram family.
We also seen in the public domain the loyalist paramilitary
organisation the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) having
put a quota as to how many Chinese families could
live in the Village area of South Belfast while
therefore forcing the Chinese Community who wished
to build its new community centre on Donegal Pass,
out of the area. With that we saw a leading DUP
politician attempting to legitimise and justify
the CWA community centre’s, in effect, removal,
at the behest of a minority. This type of behaviour
in effect directed our slogan for the march of No
Excuses! which Flair from WARN! and now of the ARN
steering group came up with.
I
had also at this time been personally increasingly
busier with ‘differing’ interviews and
debates. Some of the more interesting ones included
being flown to London to take the ‘GMTV sofa’
that went out live to millions around the UK. This
interview was requested as part of Black History
month. In another I had also my first TV debate
with a leading Ulster Unionist politician, The Director
of the CWA, and the Belfast Lord Mayor, on ITV.
Also at this time I had did my first interview which
wanted to account for my time growing up as a black
kid in Belfast and also of the founding of the ARN
movement, this on NVTV. These amongst others, where
as stated, some of the more interesting requests
I was receiving at this time.
The
build up to the No Excuses rally started to gain
momentum. We wanted a march and rally with a hard
message against racism but also a rally that celebrated
diversity. At this time the Belfast SWP comrades
who where on the steering group had raised as to
how many we had thought would attend the rally.
They were both in agreement of 1000, I had thought
though that that was pessimistic and had said if
we build it properly we can get 2500 onto the street.
In fact 2500 plus on Oct 2004, did at the end of
the day rally with us. We had planned to have feeder
marches on the day coming from South and West Belfast
organised by the local ARN groups. Although the
South march was small (around 25 persons) it nevertheless
was loud and lively. As it marched down from South
it met up with the larger West Belfast feeder parade
which was lead by 10 – 15 foot bamboo poles
hoisting aloft huge red banners, and followed behind
was local community and solidarity banners. We were
also linked up with others who had missed the start
of the feeder march from West Belfast at entrances
at Castle Street. So by the time we got to the central
meeting point we where several hundred strong. I
had been asked by several lead activists to lead
of the march in the triangular formation of the
red flags as we had done from the West. That is,
myself leading of the march with the first red flag,
two more behind that, three behind that and so forth.
It
was with a sense of pride that I had lead of the
march, the largest such march seen against racism.
I had felt similar pride when I had marched holding
and leading the Branch 8 NIPSA banner at the unofficial
mass walkouts of civil servants, as my comrade Ryan
(the lead organiser) took to the mike and the fore
with the chants. Again also when I had lead the
lead banner during the time of the Anti War Movement
when again thousands marched behind it, as we made
our way on the outskirts of Belfast to ‘greet’
the USA warmongering President who had arrived onto
our small island to host a war summit, during the
Iraq war. On each occasion that sense of pride was
not only through ‘leading off’ some inspirational
and historic movements and moments, but more especially
that on each occasion leading activists within each
campaign had suggested and indeed asked, if I would
do so. I had of course lead of other banners on
various diverse campaigns, from carrying a lead
banner from ‘Ballymurphy’ entitled Ballymurphy
against state collusion. Having been born into Ballymurphy
I am considered a ‘Murph’ man, and marching
directly behind the banner where many from the Murph
including that of Gerry Adams. I had also lead of
the lead banner at the Falls and Shankill march
which had seen working class people from the Shankill
march behind it. Then of course there was an ‘unprecedented’
incident when I was holding an Anti Racism banner
and the combined leaderships of Northern Ireland’s
loyalism where behind it. That is, David Ervine,
as well as Tommy Kirkam, Frankie Gallagher, Frank
McGoubrey, Jackie Mc Donald etc. Therefore I have
found during eight years an activist that politics
on many occasions can not only be inspirational
but interesting at times.
And
so with that we marched 2500 plus strong up through
central Belfast streets on Oct 29th 2004. Speaking
from the platform at the end on behalf of the ARN,
as Chair of the ARN, I had raised many key issues
of concern and the issues at the root cause of the
problem such as, the ineffectiveness of the police
and statutory bodies, the lack of resources in working
class areas suffering socio – economic deprivation,
the issue of racism being pushed down from above
– No excuses to political representatives attempting
to legitimise or justify racism, etc. One of the
most visual or non visual aspects of the rally was
the complete non attendance of Unionist representatives.
Of the larger parties only, Sinn Fein, SDLP and
Alliance were in attendance. A brief report below
of the rally I had sent to the ARN network,
‘Dear
friends over 2500 people attended the ARN rally
against racism and for Diversity on Saturday.
A
lively march came down from South Belfast which
met up with a larger feeder march that came down
from West Belfast. The WARN (West Against Racism
Network) was lead by 15 foot flags and streamers
with people carrying various banners and Placards.
Loud, lively and colourful it then together marched
around to the Art College to join up at the main
meeting point.
The
march itself stretched from Belfast City hall down
Royal Avenue and beyond and putting aside the 10
minute delay at the front it took almost an hour
for all to come in from the short walk.
Banners
from Trade unions - trade union branches and community
organisations joined human rights banners and home
made, and solidarity banners, amongst others. The
atmosphere although fun, loud, lively and colourful
was at the same time sending out a strong message
against Racism.
Many
thanks to the activists who put in the work on the
ground to bring this about, a collective team work
approach by ARN activists ensured a good day, a
positive result, and seeing the largest such Anti
Racism rally to date. Therefore not only was a clear
message(s) sent out but also many joined the ARN.
Local
Networks will be meeting again shortly and pictures
and a video shall go up on the site. If persons
have any pictures that they wish to go up send them
across to antiracism_ni@hotmail.com All the Best,
D’
Yet
despite this mass rally attacks continued firstly
on the Lower Falls Road in West Belfast, this a
few days later. It happened on the very streets
where I as a child in the late seventies I had run
the gantlet of racist abuse and physical attacks
by the Brits and Peelers. Yet the response by the
local community to this recent attack was inspiring,
as reported below.
Falls
road rally
Dear friends, last night saw a magnificent response
by the local residents who came out at the corner
of Violet Street, Falls Road, against attacks on
Filipino Nurses. Three to four hundred people came
out in a united stand against the attacks. Within
a very short time of the attacks local residents
had drawn up their own leaflet and where going to
their neighbours homes to distribute them, seeing
many of them coming out also and lending a hand.
Last night’s turnout and atmosphere of solidarity
I, and I presume all who attended, left one feeling
inspired. While we gathered against the attacks
carried out by a mindless minority, the community
though in their hundreds responded as one in an
untied stand and voice.
At
the rally, when a member of the Filipino community
had finished speaking, amongst the loud applause
some one shouted out, 'you are very welcome' this
to more loud cheers and applause. Another speaker,
who is Chair of THE SCA, a fifty plus year resident
of the local area, and a WARN supporter and activist,
spoke of how the Filipino people were the community,
that 'they are our community', he said, 'and deserve
our protection as a community'. It was also raised
that accommodation has been sought for the victims
of the attack as so to be re - housed back into
the community. Amongst the hundreds in attendance
were also many members of the Filipino community
- the West Belfast community.
The
Chair finished of by thanking all in attendance
and for persons to get involved in the local West
Belfast ARN group.
This
was a wonderful response which seen a local community
and local residents from the onset pro active in
dealing with the issue. A clear message was sent
out that Racism will not be tolerated in the local
area and that the community not only stands shoulder
to shoulder with the Filipino people who are part
of the community, but the community will also protect
and defend them.
There
was other attacks reported in the week following
this rally including again in Belfast, this time
it was North Belfast, to which, as I finalise this
article the local North Belfast ARN group are dealing
with. With a local rally called in North Belfast,
the community like in the West last week are moving
quickly on this issue. Update – below is a
report I sent out to the network about the North
Belfast Rally.
Dear
Friends,
After
attacks in North Belfast on persons from the minority
ethnic community an immediate local response in
the form of a picket was called. This later became
a rally given the growing local support. So last
night we saw up to two hundred persons rallying
on a cold night out side the Fortwilliam shops on
the Antrim Road. Again this was an inspiring local
and immediate community response to these latest
attacks which are happening now almost on a daily
basis. The ARN now has local associations all around
Belfast with groups also outside of Belfast. If
persons want to get involved in their local group
or indeed establish one then drop us a line at antiracism_ni@hotmail.com
These
attacks, as stated, are increasing not only numerically
but also in their viciousness and if they are not
nipped in the bud it will be but a matter of time
before, once again, someone is killed. Again we
urge persons to get actively involved in the ARN
or set up groups in your local community as so we
collectively can begin to attempt to push back this
wave of attacks and racism now happening around
Northern Irish society. The ARN work many strategies
but as a local commentator said this morning 'he
had never seen before such local immediate response
anti -racism rallies, after attacks on the minority
ethnic community'.
Of
course while we need to work to see that such rallies
are not needed, we nevertheless know that such events
send out a clear message to the bigots that residents
within the local community are saying that such
attacks will not be tolerated. And more especially
at the same time showing both solidarity to the
victims of the attacks and to let them know that
they are welcome within the community.
Although
the bigot’s actions put them on the news, the
reality is that there is so much goodwill, support
and solidarity that goes unreported that comes from
the local communities. The ARN collectively through
various avenues of our activity have had, and will
have a vital role to play in attempting to push
back this tide of racism that is becoming ever more
numerical and brutal across Northern Irish society.
So join us, get active and stand firm.
Therefore
within a space of ten days or so the ARN and our
supporters have held a march and rally through Belfast
city centre 2500 plus strong. Then responded to
the attacks in local communities. The Falls Road
seen a magnificent local response of 300 –
400 people pouring onto the streets within a short
space of time rallying to show support and solidarity.
Then a few days later 200 more people poured out
onto the streets again in an immediate local community
response, this in North Belfast to again stand against
the racist attacks in the local area.
And
so the ARN, now a Movement, continues to grow and
expand, and as it continues to be the lead active
voice against racism, it will continue to mobilise
and defend. We are the ARN!
As
persons are now aware I have left the Belfast SWP.
Below is the definitive links to my time there,
and of the collective and personal campaigns I have
been involved in and ideas that I have thought about.
Firstly though below, let me clear up some of the
after effects of my departure.
Since
I have left the Belfast SWP there are of course
all the accounts of what the SWP comrades had said
and are saying about me, also of their past intense
manoeuvrings to keep certain people apart or to
keep certain persons off platforms etc, now being
eagerly accounted by others. Such tittle-tattle
I have little time for and more importantly little
concern about. Then of course there are also the
myths and the whispers of to my leaving and as to
my position now. Such is the nature of things. .
There are though issues that have been raised that
are important and I will deal with a few of them.
So briefly, apart from being called recently a Black
radical, a Black rebel a Black anarchist, etc, I
have also been called a ‘Half Prod’ by
some. But I will say that,
NO,
NO, NO, I am not going to join Sinn Fein, SDLP,
IRSP, WP, SP, Alliance, PUP, CP, Socialist Democracy,
WSM, Anarchist organisations, Jehovah’s Witness,
the Moonies etc. Hope that makes that one as clear
as possible.
Therefore
I won’t be
‘privatising
hospitals’ or joining the Black Bloc as some
had risen!
Secondly
I am not a Nationalist, ‘Republican’,
Liberal, or indeed a ‘Loyalist Lover’.
I am if one needs to define oneself, an Independent
Socialist. And will work to, and attempt to, create
a network of like minded persons, presently. Hope
that clears that up.
Thirdly
I read of someone mentioning the issue of ‘political
authority’ and another with a bizarre thought
as to my problems with Democratic Centralism (DC).On
DC as I have said before some form of DC is needed,
but my practical experience of it witnessed from
many quarters and organisations, at this stage of
my activism I believe in, that form is not for me.
I had no problems following the line on 99.9% percent
of issues and indeed at times when I fundamentally
opposed something I nevertheless still ‘followed
the line’ when I lost the argument. It has
though been my recent experience in tandem with
other issues such as feeling suffocated at this
time. Also as to how one I believe should loosen
one's top collar a tad in relation to rigid organisation
as part of a diverse movement (which would make
it easier to win others, within such a specific
movement – in effect - to adapt without diluting).
Of course you need to make collective party decisions
to attempt to change the direction of campaigns,
movements etc, but it is the way in which it is
done I believe is as important, more especially
at this time (down your throat politics will not
work in this period). Therefore for me my problem
is not with DC per say, but with witnessing some
of the practical aspects of it, and therefore presently
I wish to orientate my activism elsewhere. I believe
(as thoughts run through my head) that such problems
need not be thought insurmountable, therefore it
is not to say in the years ahead that I may not
return to a DC socialist organisation. Hope that
clears that up.
Finally
on Political Authority, I may if I ever find the
time shall write an article on this, but for now.
For me I hold respect for activists, (who may hold
some political differences) but who are genuine
on the ground hard grafting activist. This far more
so than those who may be closer to my thinking but
who almost solely comment and criticise in polemics
from the side or from the comfort of their armchairs.
Similarly in relation to ‘Political Authority’
and ‘respect’, there are those I see who
have been around for decades who are to ‘the
lead’ in their political organisation, and
because of that ‘hold the tradition’,
and with that, they therefore can and have gained
experience, respect and authority within their relevant
small organisations. This more especially within
organisations that have a high turnover of membership,
or very small membership. Yet of course such ‘Authority’
is of course won within such organisations –
but is that the vital aspect of revolutionary activism?
While such Revolutionary parties believe that they
are the vanguard, one though cannot ‘lead’
the class without the participation of the class.
Therefore without that Respect and Authority of
the Class a Revolutionary party will not succeed
in its aims of revolution.
Therefore
for me, I look around at what is perceived to be
the leader of Socialist organisations and indeed
other leading figures, and see exactly what they
have built around them outside of the confines of
a small socialist organisation. It is far easier
to win support in a small DC ideologically lead
organisation, more especially if one ‘holds
the tradition – and sticks to it’, and
is seen as the leading figure over decades in relation
to writing the most important articles or speaking
at the most important meetings, this more especially
to newer cadre. This is intensified if one believes
that they have that ‘Authority’ to decide
what can and cannot be forwarded to wider membership,
or if one deals with the publications, the organisers,
or in effect deals with the daily running of such
an organisation. These had been some vocal problems
some had raised in their various organisations over
time.
It
is though harder however to win and hold that respect
within the class, the communities, workplace etc
as a similar small socialist organisation or as
an openly revolutionary socialist activist, where
you actually have to win people of other ideas to
your ideas and to support you in the course of local
campaigns and struggles. It can be easy at times
to get persons to march through the city centre
but the real test is can one do similar from their
workplace or within their local working class community.
Therefore
for me my respect again more especially lay with
those Socialist activists who can individually mobilise
their class, their local communities, their trade
unions, and their votes in large scale. Yet when
I look around at some such leading activists of
such small socialist organisations and see that
while some of them from many differing organisations
‘hold the tradition and Authority’ of
their said small socialist organisations after many
decades of involvement, some of them though are
irrelevant within the wider class, this in a sense
that they within their locality or union have not
and cannot mobilise support for their position and
or campaign. Yet, thankfully I can see many who
can. Revolutionary activism and political authority
and respect is not confined to those that hold a
long standing tradition within a said organisation
and all that more ‘access’ that comes
with it to help cement that very position. It is
I believe more important when such respect and authority
is held within the class.
Below
are some of the links to my eight years as a member
of the Belfast SWP in relation to some of our, and
my, recorded activism and thoughts. Having walked
into a cold drafty room in central Belfast as a
fresh face to politics, I, as stated, had thought
how we few (counted on one hand) people almost unknown
outside of our own ranks could begin to effect change,
as they had talked about at that first meeting.
It then took four or so years since I first walked
into that room of hard graft and work on the ground,
but eventually we were to play leading and essential
roles in helping to initiate and create mass united
campaigns, rallies and movements onto the streets
of Belfast. From the largest Anti Sectarianism rally
ever seen during the conflict to the largest Anti
War march and rally ever seen in the North, through
to one of the largest mass unofficial workers walkouts,
to then seeing the largest such Anti Racism march
and rally also seen in the North, This putting aside
the hundreds of militant youth we had mobilised
as part of the Anti Capitalist movement for direct
action onto the streets of Belfast, or the array
of trade union banners fluttering in the wind from
North and Southern Ireland for our stand against
the 11-plus as we again marched through the streets
of Belfast. On each we were to the fore in mobilising
thousands and at times tens of thousands of Catholic
and Protestant workers to stand together in unity.
Although even a few years ago there was only one
other active member who still remains in the Belfast
SWP who had sat in that room with me at that time,
the Belfast SWP since then had won some of the best
activists into its ranks over that time which I
to this day hold great respect for.
Davy
Carlin, Eight years a Socialist activist –
the Belfast SWP – now an Independent Socialist
Recorded
on the Blanket (Letters page), May 2002,
(1) ‘Conspiracy Theory’ May 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket (the Blanket magazine winter 2002)
(1) ‘The Turkish Hunger strike ‘–
(The Irish Hungers Strikes)
Recorded
on the Blanket (Letters page), March 2003,
(1) ‘Free Palestine’ March 2003
Recorded
on the Blanket (letters page) Feb 2002,
(2) ‘Double standards’ Feb 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket (Letters page) Feb 2002,
(1) A US brand of civil Rights, Feb 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket, my trade union conference NIPSA,
July 2002
(1), ‘Opportunity knocks, or not?’
Recorded
on the Blanket, the Interface Sept 2002
(1)’The Interface’ Sept 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket, Sept 2002
(1) ‘The meeting’ Sept 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket Oct 2002,
(1) ‘The right to live’ Oct 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket Oct 2002,
(1) ‘From Belfast to Genoa – now Florence’
Oct 2002. The governments called it the worst
riot that Europe had seen in over thirty years,
and released a statement saying that the protests
had ‘descended into anarchy’. In fact
it was an inspirational coming together of our
anti capitalist movement.
Recorded
on the Blanket Nov 2002
(1) ‘The price of peace is in the pocket’
Nov 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket Dec 2002,
(1) ‘My address to the Progressive Unionist
Party conference’, Dec 2002
Recorded
on the Blanket is the West Belfast series which
was began in July 2002 finished Oct 2003. It accounts
for my life growing up in West Belfast as a child
and also my first contact and experiences with
the SWP as well as with other left and socialist
organisations. (1 to 5) ‘West Belfast, Childhood
and the Wars’, Oct 2003
Recorded
on the Blanket - Following the initiation of the
termed ‘historic’ Falls and Shankill
Road March in Belfast -
(1) West Belfast Fire Fighter Support Group -
Dec 1st 2002
(2) The Falls and Shankill March as One - Dec
8th 2002
(3) When the Falls and Shankill Marched as One
Jan 2003
Recorded
on the Blanket - Following the initiating of the
Belfast Anti-War Movement, Derry Anti-War Coalition
and the Stop the War Coalition through to its
mass mobilisations, street protests, occupations,
walkouts and direct actions in Belfast and beyond
(1) Sept 2002, ‘ Not in our Name’
(2) Belfast Socialists, Capitalism and War - Dec
2002
(3) Belfast, Building a Mass Anti War Movement
Part 1 - March 2003
(4) Building an Anti War Movement Part 2, Moving
to Action - June 2003
Recorded
on the Blanket - The end of the year 2003, The
Belfast SWP, Following and giving a brief overview
of the various campaigns we were involved in that
year including standing in elections, - Dec 2003.
Recorded
on the Blanket - following the initiation of the
Belfast Anti Racism Network through to it mass
mobilisations and actions.
(1) ‘The Hall and State of Illusions’,
August 2003 – Was where it was proposed that
I set up a second meeting – if I could –
to do something about the racist attacks. This
was in fact the real beginning of the ARN, now
A Movement
(2) Anti Racist Network, ‘Statement for Endorsement’
- Oct 2003,
(3) Anti Racism Network ARN, In the Beginning
Part 1 - May 2004)
(4) The ARN - ‘A Movement part two’
– as above.
Recorded
on the Blanket, the Belfast SWP firm role in and
the respect from the Labour Movement in the North
(1) ‘A firm part of the labour movement,
the Belfast SWP’, (Part 1)’, July 2004
(2) ‘A firm part of the labour movement,
the Belfast SWP, (Part 2)’, as above.
Recorded
on the Blanket, the mass unofficial mobilisations
of workers and our initiation of the rank and file
network which we initiated, that lead such walkouts,
(1) ‘NIPSA, the most important workers strike
in Northern Ireland in twenty years’, Sept
2004
Index: Current Articles + Latest News and Views + Book Reviews +
Letters + Archives
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All
censorships exist to prevent any one from challenging
current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress
is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and
executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently
the first condition of progress is the removal of censorships.
- George Bernard Shaw
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Index:
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