Speak Out at the Lambeth Council Meeting
Rally at 5.30 on the steps of the town hall
Wednesday July 6th

Fight for Equal Quality Education for All the Youth of Lambeth
Make the Race Relations Act Real

Join the student delegation who will call on the Council to organise a public hearing on the impact of the Race Relations Act.

Black and other minority and anti-racist white students, youth and the community in London must take a stand and lead a renewed mass struggle against racism and for equality in Britain. The power of a mass civil rights movement lead by the youth of London, drawing in trade unions, church, community and other organisations can and must determine the direction of British society.

The thirty year anniversary of the 1976 Race Relations Act is approaching. By adopting this act close to thirty years ago British society made a first and very important effort to take measures against the institutional racism and racist bigotry that pervade British society.

Yet today this historic law remains largely as words on paper. Institutional racism and bigotry still shape opportunity and social relations in our nation. The Race Relations Act established the right of black, Asian and other minority people to speak freely about racism and not be victimised. Yet today in Britain, things that are insults and hurt the feelings of black or Asian people are common, but if a black or Asian person speaks out against racism they are accused of hurting feelings, or being offensive. The anniversary of the race relations act is an opportunity for us to stand together and say loud and clear -- We will be heard! We will not tolerate racism in Britain any longer! The students and youth who are prepared to lead this struggle for our rights and dignity must step forward now.

Almost thirty years after the Race Relations Act we live in a city where inequality is growing, particulary in our schools. Education in London is becoming increasingly separate and unequal. Black, Asian, and other minority students are more and more being placed in schools that are characterised by a lack of basic resources, old or lacking books and supplies, and run down buildings. Each year many black and other minority students are left without a school to attend. We must change this basic characteristic of British society.

The question of the educational future of the youth of London is a defining issue for for our nation. Winning this fight requires the voices of black, Asian, and other minority students and youth to be heard free from victimisation. Education must be about the discovery of the truth not attempting to sweep the truth under the rug.

To win our struggle for justice and equality we must stand together, we must fight. The voices of the black, Asian, other minority and anti-racist white youth of London must be heard. In the lead up to the anniversary of the Race Relations Act we must begin a struggle to reveal the truth about our scoiety with frankness and honesty. By building this struggle and speaking out against racism to commemorate the anniversary of the Race Relations Act we can take a very important step to realizing its promise.

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