Politicians, trade unionists and community activists had
earlier marched along Union Street from St Nicholas Churchyard, led by the
upbeat rhythms of the Guarana Drummers, and fuelled by a commitment to fight
for social justice and humanity and against racism and fascism not only in the
North East but across the world. Christmas shoppers once again stopped to watch
the colourful display of banners and flags.
Kate Ramsden |
“That’s why it is so good to see you all out here today to
give the message that we stand together with all those suffering injustice in
this country and across the world; that we will fight racism and apartheid
wherever we see it, that we will demand justice and humanity for all oppressed
peoples; and we will not be silenced.”
Amanda |
“Apartheid and racism are not historical events. Parts of
society not just across the world, but also here at home see race as a reason
for oppression.”
She called for local politicians to refuse to share a
platform with far right candidates in the forthcoming election, to deny them
any legitimacy within the political system.
Stuart Fairweather |
"We all need to continue the struggle against racism in our workplaces, in our communities and ideologically. We need to stand against the Tory plans to limit people's right to migrate and to contribute to society. Our public services, our industry and culture are greater for our diversity."
Barney Crockett |
“And we must also remember that nowadays, one in eight
people in Aberdeen came from abroad in the last 10 years and we must embrace
our cultural diversity.”
Ally Coutts from Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign
and Jonathan Russell from CND reminded us of the battles we still face for the
future of humanity across the world and the complicity of our UK government and
UK banks and businesses in perpetuating oppression. Ally said, "On this the UN Day of Solidarity with Palestine, we must do all we can to take forward the fight for freedom and justice for the Palestinian people."
Jonathan Russell |
Myshelle Haywood |
RIC’s Myshelle Haywood spoke of her own experience as an
immigrant from the USA and slammed the “Life in the UK” test, which, “basically
institutionalises someone’s warped idea about what minority ethnic people are
like.”
“Well I say that people are people. What unites us is our
humanity and our desire to have decent happy lives.
“Racism flourishes when we ignore it,” she warned. “When we
talk about it and look at it, it loses
its power and appeal. It’s exposed for what it truly is, hateful and
pointless.... Our future is no place for racism.”
This was echoed by Christian Allard, SNP MSP and by Richard
Baker, Labour MSP. Christian told the Rally
that there were over 300 racist incidents in Aberdeen last year, and we all
need to take action to challenge this.
Richard responded to the call from the AAFA and pledged that
there would be no platform for racist parties in Aberdeen. Richard Baker |
Christian Allard |
Dame Anne Begg |
Maggie Chapman |
Maggie Chapman, the Rector of Aberdeen University and
co-convener of the Scottish Greens added her voice to the battle against racism
and fascism in all its forms, here in the North east and across the world.
The Rally ended with a poem read by Tommy Campbell of UNITE, and written by Ralph Windle, for his father and for the dedication of the International Brigade Memorial.London, South Bank, 1985
Tommy Campbell |
From which no time shall darken out their sun;
And quicken, with the blood of those who died,
These living hands for battles yet unwon.
Here speaks, at last, Jarama of their knowing
All freedoms ebbed where Ebro held its line;
Till ‘Hold Madrid’ rang out upon their going,
‘No Spanish orphan dies, who is not mine!’
All freedoms ebbed where Ebro held its line;
Till ‘Hold Madrid’ rang out upon their going,
‘No Spanish orphan dies, who is not mine!’
These do not die, who were in love with living,
Enough to lose it for some others’ gain;
Who gave the world, but did not count the giving,
Its unforgotten images of Spain.
Enough to lose it for some others’ gain;
Who gave the world, but did not count the giving,
Its unforgotten images of Spain.
We grasp these hands no tyrant can ignore,
Of quiet men of peace when roused to war!
Of quiet men of peace when roused to war!