AFRICAN JUBILEE YEAR 1987-1988 DECLARATION

A Declaration presented by the London Strategic Policy Committee as an expression of its commitment to counter racist strategies, to eliminate the practice of racism in every branch of local government activity and its commitment to the cause of human rights and justice, to pay tribute to the Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey on the occasion of the centenary of his birth (17th August 1887) departed 20th June 1940. the twenty fifth anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of emancipation in the Caribbean and in recognition of the monumental contributions of Afrikans and the people of Afrikan descent to the political, economic and cultural life of London.

The Committee declares its support for the demands of Afrikans, both at home and abroad, for just restitution and recognises that some of the root causes of racial discrimination inequality of opportunity and poor relations between persons of different racial groups within its boroughs are imperialism, colonialism and neo colonialism.

The years of incalculable damage done to the Afrikan continent based on the myth of white supremacy bears witness to this fact. Further the committee acknowledges that if it is to take its obligations under Section 71 of the Race Relations Act of 1976 seriously it must seek to address the concerns of all in the boroughs who are affected by these matters.

In keeping with the principle of human liberty and confraternity among all races as exemplified by the Right Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey in his eloquent and principled support for the struggle for the independence of India, Ireland and all oppressed people the committee believes the apartheid mentality both here and abroad undermines human dignity, liberty and rights and is a threat to world peace and racial harmony.

In accordance with these views, the committee will, within limits of its legal powers, do whatever is necessary to end all links between the committee and the apartheid of South Africa, carry out its functions in such ways that do not militate against the independent vitality and validity of the struggles and sacrifices of Afrikan people for total political and economic liberation and unification and the struggles of blacks and other victims of racism for human rights and justice under active laws in the United Kingdom.

In particular it will, whenever possible and appropriate, having regard to the committee's legal powers and duties, pursue vigilant practices to:

1. Uphold the tenets of the GLC's 1984 Anti-apartheid and Anti-racist Declarations:
2. Promote positive public images and an understanding of Afrikans and people of African descent and encourage the positive teaching and development of their history, culture and struggle:
3. Encourage the naming of streets, buildings and parks after Marcus Garvey and other prominent personalities of the Pan-Afrikan revolutionary process, and the commemoration of historic connections between the Pan-Afrikan revolutionary struggle and London, including the erection of plaques, sculptures and murals in honour of such connections:
4. support African organisations and liberation movement based in London:
5. Ensure that the London Strategic Policy Committee and its agencies pursue policies consistent with this declaration.

The committee hereby declares the period between August 1987 and July 1988 as African Jubilee Year, and the month of October 1987 and every October thereafter as Black History Month, and undertakes to organise appropriate events to publicise and encourage and implement the adoption of this declaration and to encourage all other local authorities and organisations to do likewise.

 

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