After our HOT and informative debate on Afrika Speaks last week (Listen Here!), we continue our discussion on a viable agenda for the Black Community in the wake of BREXIT!
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We continue to look at the fallout of Brexit, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. The outcome has caused the resignation of the prime minister, a cut throat campaign to replace him (1), civil war in the Labour Party (2)and now the resignation of UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, asserting: “I’ve done my bit… I couldn’t possibly achieve more.” (3)
The political turmoil has also spilled onto the streets amidst a surge in what has been termed “celebratory racism.. a new kind of hostility towards “anyone who is different”, as the idea of ‘Englishness’ becomes exclusively white and Christian.” (4) As a result, racist attacks have soared from anything between 57% according to the True Vision website (5) and a whopping 2700% as reported by Anti-racism charity The Monitoring Group, including anything verbal assaults to fire bombings. Barrister Peter Herbert, chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, said: “Britain has returned to a level of racism, violence and fear not seen since Enoch Powell’s Rivers of Blood speech.” (6) The Newcastle National Front unveiled a banner declaring: “STOP IMMIGRATION START REPATRIATION” (7)
Given that that three quarters of “black voters” voted to remain (8) it is possible that this outcome influenced the decision. Ironically, at a time when, according to author Dreda Say Mitchell: “people of African and Caribbean heritage become comfortable with being British,” (9) open racism is on the rise.
In terms of responses, one that has been notable is the coalescing around the (now beleaguered) Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn with formations such as Africans for JC Values and Momentum Black Connexions (MBC). As (MBC) media officer Marc Wadsworth outlines:
“Jeremy has the best record on anti-racism, anti-imperialism, Black self-organisation and Black self-determination of any Labour leader since the foundation of the party and that is why he is so popular in our communities. On the issue of black political representation, we note the unprecedented amount of African, Caribbean and Asian MPs he appointed to his shadow cabinet.” (10)
However, others may argue that after five decades and more devotion to the Labour party, with only being patronised and ignored as a reward , others are making the case for self-determination. One such attempt is the interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament ( iNAPP) that lists as it’s Aims and Objectives:
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To be an effective, constituted and mandated ‘voice’ for Afrikans in the UK.
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To define, defend and develop the best interests of Afrikans in the UK, through self-affirmation and institution building, as well as campaigning and lobbying.
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To mobilise all Afrikans in the UK to join and play an active, progressive role in the iNAPP.
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To forge principled and operational unity across social, organisational, ideological and religious lines for community empowerment and capacity building in every aspect of life.
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To investigate the causes and implement solutions to the social injustices, disadvantages and maladies which disproportionately affect the Afrikan community, especially our youths.
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To develop constructive engagements within British society and to build and raise the profile of the Afrikan presence, past and present so as to progress the aims of iNAPP.
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To ensure that iNAPP strategic priorities are maintained through succession planning with future generations via role modelling and education programmes for the development of our youths.(1) Ross, Tim and Hope, Christopher (03/07/2016) Boris Johnson allies accuse Michael Gove of being a ‘Machiavellian psychopath’ who plotted to win leadership ‘from the beginning’. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/03/boris-johnson-allies-accuse-michael-gove-of-being-a-machiavellia/(2) Cecil, Nicholas (24/06/2016) EU referendum result: Labour in civil war as MPs call for Jeremy Corbyn to resign over Brexit vote. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/eu-referendum-result-labour-in-civil-war-as-mps-call-for-jeremy-corbyn-to-resign-over-brexit-vote-a3280001.html.(3) Sky News (04/07/2016) Nigel Farage Steps Down As Leader Of UKIP. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigel-farage-steps-down-leader-ukip-091411234.html.(4) Ridley, Louise (02/07/2016) Racism After Brexit Is ‘Celebratory’ And ‘Englishness’ Is Becoming Exclusively White And Christian, Says Expert. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/racism-after-brexit-attacks-muslims-leave_uk_57766dc8e4b0f7b55795302d.(5) Sherwood, Harriet, Dodd, Vikram, Khomami, Nadia and Morris, Steven (27/06/2016)Cameron condemns xenophobic and racist abuse after Brexit vote. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/27/sadiq-khan-muslim-council-britain-warning-of-post-brexit-racism.(6) Owen, Jon (02/07/2016) Brexit vote see reports of racist attacks and abuse soar from 4 to 112 in a week . http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/brexit-vote-see-reports-racist-8336766(7) Khaleeli, Homa (29/06/2016) ‘A frenzy of hatred’: how to understand Brexit racism. http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/29/frenzy-hatred-brexit-racism-abuse-referendum-celebratory-lasting-damage(8) Glaze, Ben (24/06/2016) Who voted for Brexit? How the EU referendum divided generations and social classes. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/who-voted-brexit-how-eu-8277077.(9) Mitchell, Dreda Say (12/10/2011) Black Britons may be the last defenders of the union.https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/oct/12/black-britons-union-uk.(10) (2016) Black Labour members back Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. http://www.the-latest.com/black-labour-members-back-jeremy-corbyns-leadershipSo tonight we ask the question:After Brexit, what is the Black Agenda? Pt 2
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Are we now “comfortable being British”
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Will we see “a level of racism, violence and fear not seen since Enoch Powell’s Rivers of Blood speech”?
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If so how can we combat it?
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Is organising around Jeremy Corbyn’s values the answer?
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What will happen to this movement if he is deposed?
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Is an autonomous formation preferable or desireable?
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What is iNAPP’s position on Brexit?Our very special guests:Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and UNIA-ACL Ambassador for the UK and national co-Chair of the interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of over 30 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations andEducation: An Africentric Guide To Excellence.
After our HOT and informative debate on Afrika Speaks last week (Listen Here!), we continue our discussion on a viable agenda for the Black Community in the wake of BREXIT!
Our very special guests:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka
Bro. Minkah Adofo
Hear weekly discussions and lively debate on all issues affecting the Afrikan community, at home and abroad. We talk it straight and make it plain!
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