Monday, 15 August 2016
Africans In The Corbyn Camp Don't Want Tokenism Nor Do We Want To Be Fodder
Africans In The Corbyn Camp Don't Want Tokenism Nor Do We Want To Be Fodder article to be released Tuesday Aug. 16, 9am - come back or else bookmark
Sunday, 19 June 2016
Colours For African Pride And For Marking Atrocities Against Africans?
June 20 2016
By Kwaku
TAOBQ co-ordinator
Following the terrorist attacks on Paris in 2015, who can forget the widespread exposure of the French flag colours of red, white and blue?
Facebook provided a filter for the colours on the profiles of subscribers who wanted to show solidarity with Parisians. The French tri-colour run across mastheads, such as Metro, the free London newspaper, whilst the colours were projected upon some of the city's buildings.
This year, following the massacre at the Orlando gay club, Metro's masthead was adorned with the multi-colours of the LGBT community's flag which was also photoshopped into the front page photo. Google incorporated the colours within its logo. And seeing the rainbow flag flying at half mast at the US embassy in Berne, Switzerland, one can imagine the same happened at other US embassies across the world.
This got me thinking - when do newspapers, corporate behemoths, or embassies show sympathy or solidarity by displaying symbolic colours when atrocities are inflicted against Africans?
Then it occurred to me that it wasn't so simple. What flag or colours are there that universally represent Africans? Not the green, white and yellow of the African Union (AU), as the organisation represents only continental Africa. The ratification of a 2012 proposed 6th region that could make African diasporan countries such as Haiti eligible for state membership seems far off.
There are two competing pan-African colours - red, gold and green, which is inspired by Ethiopia's green, gold and red flag, and the red, black and green of the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association-African Communities League) flag.
Moving forward, I propose a combination of both flags, thus creating a Global African flag consisting of red, black, gold and green, which can represent people of African heritage, be they from the African continent or the African diaspora.
Without taking anything away from the two pan-African tri-colours, there's no reason why this "unifying" quad-colour can not come to symbolise African pride, unity, or solidarity.
The Global African flag was created in 2014 to illustrate the August 31 Declared African History Reflection Day press release published on the TAOBQ blog on September 1 2014. This year, TAOBQ along with African Histories Revisited/BTWSC, will be marking the third African History Reflection Day (AHRD) as part of African History Reflection Day: An Xtra History & Reasoning Session at Harrow Mencap. Expect the Global African flag, and Afriphobia, to be some of the topics that come up for discussion.
If one's in sympathy with using certain colours to symbolise solidarity with Africans, particularly when atrocities are inflicted against them, then it's up to one to be pro-active and not wait for mainstream newspapers, corporate behemoths or embassies. They will only co-opt such a move after some groundswell has been created from the grassroots up.
Finally, whilst AHRD is inspired by a UNIA declaration, it's important to note that there are a number of global African histories connected to the month of August. One of which is the inspiration for a UN/UNESCO initiative which has noble aims, but which is mollified and undermined by what some heritage establishments call Slavery Remembrance (or Memorial) Day, but which conscious Africans call International Day Of African Resistance Against Enslavement - August 23.
August 23 And The Significance Of August Within Global African History is a free inter-generational event which takes place Tuesday Aug. 23 2016, 6.15-8.15pm at Unite HQ in Holborn, central London. To book: http://bit.ly/Aug232016.
By Kwaku
TAOBQ co-ordinator
Following the terrorist attacks on Paris in 2015, who can forget the widespread exposure of the French flag colours of red, white and blue?
Facebook provided a filter for the colours on the profiles of subscribers who wanted to show solidarity with Parisians. The French tri-colour run across mastheads, such as Metro, the free London newspaper, whilst the colours were projected upon some of the city's buildings.
This year, following the massacre at the Orlando gay club, Metro's masthead was adorned with the multi-colours of the LGBT community's flag which was also photoshopped into the front page photo. Google incorporated the colours within its logo. And seeing the rainbow flag flying at half mast at the US embassy in Berne, Switzerland, one can imagine the same happened at other US embassies across the world.
This got me thinking - when do newspapers, corporate behemoths, or embassies show sympathy or solidarity by displaying symbolic colours when atrocities are inflicted against Africans?
Then it occurred to me that it wasn't so simple. What flag or colours are there that universally represent Africans? Not the green, white and yellow of the African Union (AU), as the organisation represents only continental Africa. The ratification of a 2012 proposed 6th region that could make African diasporan countries such as Haiti eligible for state membership seems far off.
There are two competing pan-African colours - red, gold and green, which is inspired by Ethiopia's green, gold and red flag, and the red, black and green of the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association-African Communities League) flag.
Moving forward, I propose a combination of both flags, thus creating a Global African flag consisting of red, black, gold and green, which can represent people of African heritage, be they from the African continent or the African diaspora.
NOTE: As of June 10 2020, the 4 band version was
adopted as the Global African Quad flag.
The Global African flag was created in 2014 to illustrate the August 31 Declared African History Reflection Day press release published on the TAOBQ blog on September 1 2014. This year, TAOBQ along with African Histories Revisited/BTWSC, will be marking the third African History Reflection Day (AHRD) as part of African History Reflection Day: An Xtra History & Reasoning Session at Harrow Mencap. Expect the Global African flag, and Afriphobia, to be some of the topics that come up for discussion.
If one's in sympathy with using certain colours to symbolise solidarity with Africans, particularly when atrocities are inflicted against them, then it's up to one to be pro-active and not wait for mainstream newspapers, corporate behemoths or embassies. They will only co-opt such a move after some groundswell has been created from the grassroots up.
Finally, whilst AHRD is inspired by a UNIA declaration, it's important to note that there are a number of global African histories connected to the month of August. One of which is the inspiration for a UN/UNESCO initiative which has noble aims, but which is mollified and undermined by what some heritage establishments call Slavery Remembrance (or Memorial) Day, but which conscious Africans call International Day Of African Resistance Against Enslavement - August 23.
August 23 And The Significance Of August Within Global African History is a free inter-generational event which takes place Tuesday Aug. 23 2016, 6.15-8.15pm at Unite HQ in Holborn, central London. To book: http://bit.ly/Aug232016.
A Collective Response To Recent Suspensions Of Labour Party Members For Alleged Anti-Semitism
Copied below is an Africans For JC Values-led letter recently delivered to the Labour Party HQ. The letter is co-signed by Labour Party members and non-members, Africans and non-Africans, Jewish and non-Jewish people, united in view that the selective use of suspensions is unhelpful.
Delegation hand over letter at Labour Party HQ. Photo by Kwaku
Africans For JC Values
Africansfor@gmail.com
We also register our concerns about the suspensions of Ken Livingstone, Simon Hinds, Tony Greenstein, David White and others. We are disappointed that the appalling behaviour of John Mann MP, haranguing and insulting Ken Livingstone, a senior citizen, and calling him a liar and Nazi apologist in front of cameras, has not led to reproach or censure from the Labour Party and its Compliance Unit, even though the behaviour brought the Labour Party into disrepute. John Mann MP is an elected representative of the Party, and his behaviour fell far short of the standards expected of elected representatives.
It appears allegations of anti-Semitism are being used to stifle the sharing of information on some of the uncomfortable events that took place during the Shoah, the Maangamizi (African Holocaust) and free speech. Allegations are also being made to silence criticisms of Israel, hamper the work of Momentum activists, and undermine Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
It is worrying that comments that do not please a section of the population are deemed anti-Semitic, whether or not statements are made in the course of rational or factual discussion, and there seems to be undue haste to suspend. Some members of the Party appear to have exploited a somewhat hysterical atmosphere which has been allowed to develop. This is reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, rather than of calm, rational consideration. African tradition teaches us to value the lessons of the past in the spirit of Sankofa, so that we do not repeat mistakes.
We also note that there isn't the same level of indignation when anti-African comments, or Islamophobic comments linking Muslims to ISIS, are made. All communities should be treated with equal respect.
The current suspensions are perceived as a tool to intimidate activists on the Left which is inimical to the progress of the Labour Party.
The recent lifting of Jackie Walker's suspension supports the view that the suspensions are being applied and publicised in haste, without due consideration.
We call on the General Secretary of the Labour Party, the Compliance Unit and the NEC to make a full response to the points raised in this letter and not use the Chakrabarti Inquiry as an excuse to avoid addressing the serious points raised.
Yours sincerely,
Awula Serwah, Africans for JC Values
Chris Jones, Africans for JC Values
Kwaku, Africans for JC Values
Nana Asante, Kilombo UK, Momentum member
Delegation hand over letter at Labour Party HQ. Photo by KwakuAfricans For JC Values
Africansfor@gmail.com
For
the attention of:
Iain McNichol, General Secretary
Members of the National Executive Committee
and Compliance Unit Head
Labour Party
1 Brewers Green
London SW1H 0RH
Iain McNichol, General Secretary
Members of the National Executive Committee
and Compliance Unit Head
Labour Party
1 Brewers Green
London SW1H 0RH
Hand delivered on 14th June
2016
Dear Mr McNichol,
Re: A collective response to recent
suspensions of Labour Party members
We, the undersigned, affirm our
faith in true Labour values and therefore support the leadership of Jeremy
Corbyn and the refreshing politics of the Alternative he has brought back to
the Labour Party.
We
are, however concerned about the recent suspensions of committed Labour Party
members for alleged anti-Semitism which undermines serious discussion and
thinking. We are particularly concerned by the selective use of
suspensions, most recently the suspension of Marlene Ellis, a hard
working activist with a track record of fighting racism and supporting the
local community, for an online post made on behalf of Momentum Black ConneXions
which called for Ken Livingstone to be reinstated.
We also register our concerns about the suspensions of Ken Livingstone, Simon Hinds, Tony Greenstein, David White and others. We are disappointed that the appalling behaviour of John Mann MP, haranguing and insulting Ken Livingstone, a senior citizen, and calling him a liar and Nazi apologist in front of cameras, has not led to reproach or censure from the Labour Party and its Compliance Unit, even though the behaviour brought the Labour Party into disrepute. John Mann MP is an elected representative of the Party, and his behaviour fell far short of the standards expected of elected representatives.
It appears allegations of anti-Semitism are being used to stifle the sharing of information on some of the uncomfortable events that took place during the Shoah, the Maangamizi (African Holocaust) and free speech. Allegations are also being made to silence criticisms of Israel, hamper the work of Momentum activists, and undermine Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
We
are uncomfortable with the parallel between the suspensions and what
took place during the McCarthy era in the United States.
It is worrying that comments that do not please a section of the population are deemed anti-Semitic, whether or not statements are made in the course of rational or factual discussion, and there seems to be undue haste to suspend. Some members of the Party appear to have exploited a somewhat hysterical atmosphere which has been allowed to develop. This is reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, rather than of calm, rational consideration. African tradition teaches us to value the lessons of the past in the spirit of Sankofa, so that we do not repeat mistakes.
We also note that there isn't the same level of indignation when anti-African comments, or Islamophobic comments linking Muslims to ISIS, are made. All communities should be treated with equal respect.
The current suspensions are perceived as a tool to intimidate activists on the Left which is inimical to the progress of the Labour Party.
The recent lifting of Jackie Walker's suspension supports the view that the suspensions are being applied and publicised in haste, without due consideration.
We call on the General Secretary of the Labour Party, the Compliance Unit and the NEC to make a full response to the points raised in this letter and not use the Chakrabarti Inquiry as an excuse to avoid addressing the serious points raised.
Yours sincerely,
Awula Serwah, Africans for JC Values
Chris Jones, Africans for JC Values
Kwaku, Africans for JC Values
Nana Asante, Kilombo UK, Momentum member
Abu Akil, GACuk
Adotey Bing-Pappoe
Alexis Shepherd
Beverley Wong, Momentum Black ConneXions (MBC)
Camille Sahiri
Cathy Bolore
Delia Mattis Momentum Member
David Prichard-Jones, Labour Party Member
Dr David Muir
Dr. Ricardo Twumasi, Labour Party Member
Eddio Calpan
Esther Stanford-Xosei, Global Afrikan People's Parliament (GAPP)
Explo Nani-Kofi, Kilombo Centre for Civil Society and African Self Determination
Glenroy watson, GACuk
Ian Malcolm-Walker, Momentum NC and LRC EC both in a personal capacity
Jackie Walker, LRC, Labour Briefing Editorial Board
Jan Pollock, London Disabled People for Momentum member, UCU London retired member
Kayanja Tunya
Kofi Mawuli Klu, Pan-Afrikan Reparations Coalition in Europe (PARCOE)
Leandre Sahiri
Linda Musoke
Martha Osamor
Mary Goffore
Mary Sithole
Master Mo Monty
Michael Kalmanovitz, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (U.K.)
Mike Cowley, Edinburgh North and Leith CLP in a personal capacity
Natoya Smith
Nechamah Bonanos, Streatham CLP member Brixton and Streatham Hill ward
Nubian Emperor, Global Afrikan Congress
Orvil Kunga
Pauline Muir
Raj Gill Ealing, Momentum member
Richard Clarke
Sam Weinstein, Payday Men's Network
Selma James, Global Women’s Strike
Sara Calloway, Women of Colour, Global Women’s Strike
Shemi Leira
Simeon Stanford
Simon Hinds
Steve Tomlinson
Tony Greenstein, Brighton Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Brighton & Hove Unison LG, Jews 4 Boycotting Israeli Goods
Yvonne Sahiri
Adotey Bing-Pappoe
Alexis Shepherd
Beverley Wong, Momentum Black ConneXions (MBC)
Camille Sahiri
Cathy Bolore
Delia Mattis Momentum Member
David Prichard-Jones, Labour Party Member
Dr David Muir
Dr. Ricardo Twumasi, Labour Party Member
Eddio Calpan
Esther Stanford-Xosei, Global Afrikan People's Parliament (GAPP)
Explo Nani-Kofi, Kilombo Centre for Civil Society and African Self Determination
Glenroy watson, GACuk
Ian Malcolm-Walker, Momentum NC and LRC EC both in a personal capacity
Jackie Walker, LRC, Labour Briefing Editorial Board
Jan Pollock, London Disabled People for Momentum member, UCU London retired member
Kayanja Tunya
Kofi Mawuli Klu, Pan-Afrikan Reparations Coalition in Europe (PARCOE)
Leandre Sahiri
Linda Musoke
Martha Osamor
Mary Goffore
Mary Sithole
Master Mo Monty
Michael Kalmanovitz, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (U.K.)
Mike Cowley, Edinburgh North and Leith CLP in a personal capacity
Natoya Smith
Nechamah Bonanos, Streatham CLP member Brixton and Streatham Hill ward
Nubian Emperor, Global Afrikan Congress
Orvil Kunga
Pauline Muir
Raj Gill Ealing, Momentum member
Richard Clarke
Sam Weinstein, Payday Men's Network
Selma James, Global Women’s Strike
Sara Calloway, Women of Colour, Global Women’s Strike
Shemi Leira
Simeon Stanford
Simon Hinds
Steve Tomlinson
Tony Greenstein, Brighton Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Brighton & Hove Unison LG, Jews 4 Boycotting Israeli Goods
Yvonne Sahiri
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
Open Letter From 40+ African Signatories Sent To Labour Party's Chakrabarti Inquiry On African Liberation Day
PRESS
RELEASE:
London,
UK
May 25 2016
May 25 2016
Call
It By Its Name: Afriphobia Is Racism Against African People
A
group of African political, equality and community activists, and academics
within and outside Britain have signed an open letter (copied below) to the
Labour Party’s
Chakrabarti Inquiry into ‘Anti-Semitism and other
forms of racism’.
They
are of the view that the Inquiry’s remit is discriminatory in that it
highlights one form of racism but does not name anti-African racism,
Afriphobia, which is ingrained in society and results in the
over-representation of Africans in all indices of social deprivation.
The
group has made suggestions for the Inquiry to consider with regards to its
focus and language.
On
the 53rd anniversary of the African Union’s African Liberation Day
(ALD) initiative, they advocate the use of the term Afriphobia to specifically identify
anti-African racism, and AAME (African, Asian, Minority Ethnic), instead of
BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic), which excludes the African identity.
One
of the co-signatories KB Asante, a former aide of President Kwame Nkrumah and
Ghanaian High Commissioner to the United kingdom said: “As a member of the
Ghana delegation at the birth of African Liberation Day in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia on May 25, 1963, I support the sentiments expressed in this open
letter challenging the structural racism and Afriphobia ingrained in
society.”
The
open letter, initiated by Africans For JC Values, a Momentum movement
organisation, is in response to recent suspensions and censuring of Labour
Party members on allegations of anti-Semitism.
Ends
From
Awula Serwah
Africans For JC Values Secretary
via africansfor@gmail.com
Africans For JC Values Secretary
via africansfor@gmail.com
Some of the Open Letter co-signatories with seated L-R KB Asante and Matilda Asante. Photo by Toyin Agbetu
OPEN LETTER:
Call It By Its Name: Afriphobia
Is Racism Against African People
An
Open Letter To Labour Party’s Chakrabarti Inquiry From A Group Of Africans
Concerned About The Inquiry’s Focus & Language
May
25 2016
We
the undersigned note that the Labour Party has set up the Chakrabarti Inquiry
(Inquiry) to investigate “Anti-Semitism and other forms of racism”.
We
are of the view that the terms of reference: ‘Anti-Semitism and other
forms of Racism’ are unwittingly discriminatory, as racism against Jewish people
is set apart from racism and prejudice against other peoples, particularly
Africans (Afriphobia) and Muslims (Islamophobia).
Even
though there is only one race, the human race, a more appropriate
title could be on the lines of ‘Investigation into Racism, which
includes Afriphobia, Anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia’.
We note that over the years there have been allegations of racism towards Africans (Africans from the continent of Africa and Africans from the Diaspora) and Asians within and outside the Labour Party, but no independent public inquiry has been set up to investigate these allegations.
Undoubtedly
the Jewish holocaust (properly known among the Jewish people as Shoah) is
a terrible blight on human history, but we must remember that there were
holocausts before and after. The Congolese holocaust in the name of King
Leopold II, is said to have claimed 10 millions lives.
The holocaust
perpetrated on Africans, also properly known by African people by the
Kiswahili words Maafa or Maangamizi, led to the deaths of tens of
millions of Africans in holding cells on the continent of
Africa, in the process of capture and kidnappings, in the Middle
Passage, in enslavement and plantation systems in the Americas,
Caribbean, and in the German-governed death camps in Namibia.
The
survivors of the Middle Passage suffered unimaginable torture and
hardships at the hands of enslavers and plantation owners, and their
descendants continue to suffer acute deprivation and are the object of
discrimination and racism in America and in the UK, where they are under
represented at every level of public life, including in the Labour Party, and
over-represented in all indices of social deprivation and criminalisation.
It is for this reason that pan-African Reparation organisations continue to work on repairing the damage to Africans and Africa caused by the trafficking of enslaved Africans, colonialism and neo colonialism. This damage is still being experienced by people of African heritage today.
How is it that commentators can freely blame Africans for the atrocities they suffered with little understanding of the context of the Maangamizi or Maafa without any public uproar? In addition, the school curriculum does not currently teach sufficiently about non-European civilisations, the contributions of non-Europeans to world civilisation or the uncomfortable truths about the British Empire. This in itself contributes to the structural racism which is in society in general, including the Labour Party, where ignorance of the history of the peoples of Africa pervades.
Anti-Semitism
and Islamophobia are recognised as challenges that need to be addressed, but
Afriphobia is so ingrained in our society that it is not
acknowledged as an issue that needs to be challenged, or called by its
specific name.
People
of African heritage can be vilified and even blamed for the genocide they
suffered without any public inquiry or calls for a public inquiry. However
when comments perceived to be negative are made about Zionism or the
state of Israel, this is perceived at times to be anti-Semitic by those who do
not like the comments, whether or not these claims are supported by evidence.
This often results in suspensions from the Party and other unfair
censures.
We reject
the idea that opposition to Zionism or the Israeli government is necessarily
anti-Semitism.
The United
Nations has declared 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of
African Descent, and has recognised that Africans represent a distinct group
whose human rights must be promoted and protected.
We therefore call upon the Inquiry to investigate and accord equal importance to Afriphobia and its manifestations within and outside the Labour Party.
We also ask the Inquiry not to unwittingly promote discrimination by the exclusion of the Afriphobia* terminology, and advocate the use of the AAEM (African, Asian, Ethnic Minority) terminology instead of BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) which excludes the African identity.
*
We define Afriphobia as: The prejudice or discrimination against;
fear, hatred, or bigotry towards people of African heritage and things African.
Awula
Serwah
Africans
For JC Values secretary
Kwaku
(RE:IMI (Race Equality: In Music industry))
Dr
KB Asante
Matilda Asante
Matilda Asante
Adekayode
Oke (AFRIKAATUUU Convention for Afrikan Networking (AFRIKAATUUU-CAFRINET),
Nigeria)
Adwoa Oforiwaa Adu (All-Afrikan Students Union Link in Europe (AASULE))
Althea Gordon-Davidson (Pan-Afrikan Community Educational Services (PACES))
Beverley Wong (Momentum Black ConneXions)
Blema Etrey
Boucka Stephane Koffi (Pan-Afrikan Fora International Support Coordinating Council (PAFISCC))
Chris Jones (Africans For JC Values)
Esther Stanford-Xosei (Global Afrikan Peoples Parliament)
Darla Migan (Vanderbilt University, US)
Delia Mattis (Momentum member)
Dr Barryl Biekman (Europe-Wide NGO Consultative Council on Afrikan Reparations (ENGOCCAR), Holland)
Enigye Adjoa Ayebea, Grassroots All-Afrikan Women's Internationalist Solidarity Sisterhood (GAAWISS), Ghana)
Explo Nani-Kofi (Kilombo Centre for Citizens' Rights and African Self-Determination, Ghana)
Glenroy watson (RMT London Transport Regional Council, Global Afrikan Congressuk)
Jackie Walker (Momentum, South Thanet Labour Party (suspended), LRC Executive and Labour Briefing Editorial Board)
Kofi Mawuli Klu (Pan-Afrikan Reparations Coalition in Europe)
Kwame Adofo Sampong (Trade Unions and the Pan-Afrikan Community Link (TUPACOL))
Adwoa Oforiwaa Adu (All-Afrikan Students Union Link in Europe (AASULE))
Althea Gordon-Davidson (Pan-Afrikan Community Educational Services (PACES))
Beverley Wong (Momentum Black ConneXions)
Blema Etrey
Boucka Stephane Koffi (Pan-Afrikan Fora International Support Coordinating Council (PAFISCC))
Chris Jones (Africans For JC Values)
Esther Stanford-Xosei (Global Afrikan Peoples Parliament)
Darla Migan (Vanderbilt University, US)
Delia Mattis (Momentum member)
Dr Barryl Biekman (Europe-Wide NGO Consultative Council on Afrikan Reparations (ENGOCCAR), Holland)
Enigye Adjoa Ayebea, Grassroots All-Afrikan Women's Internationalist Solidarity Sisterhood (GAAWISS), Ghana)
Explo Nani-Kofi (Kilombo Centre for Citizens' Rights and African Self-Determination, Ghana)
Glenroy watson (RMT London Transport Regional Council, Global Afrikan Congressuk)
Jackie Walker (Momentum, South Thanet Labour Party (suspended), LRC Executive and Labour Briefing Editorial Board)
Kofi Mawuli Klu (Pan-Afrikan Reparations Coalition in Europe)
Kwame Adofo Sampong (Trade Unions and the Pan-Afrikan Community Link (TUPACOL))
Kwame
Dede Akuamoah (NKRUMAHBUSUAFO Kwame Nkrumah Convention Family Movement, Ghana)
Leanard Phillip
Linda Bellos (Linda Bellos Associates)
Maatyo Dede Azu (ADZEWAGBETO Pan-Afrikan Women's Liberation Union (ADZEWAGBETO-PAWLU), Ghana)
Marlene Ellis (Momentum Black ConneXions)
Mawuse Yao Agorkor (VAZOBA Afrika and Friends Networking Open Forum (VAZOBA-AFNOF), Ghana)
Nana Asante (Africans For JC Values, Momentum member)
Omowale Ru-Pert-em-Hru (Pan-Afrikan Society Community Forum)
Nehemie Zeguen Toure (Mouvement Social Panafricain pour le Development Integral (MSPDI), Cote d'Ivoire)
Ngoma 'Silver' Bishop (Bema Arts)
Opeyemi Araromi (Pan-African Congresses-United Kingdom Organising Committee (PACs-UKOC))
Professor Lewis Gordon (University of Connecticut, US, Rhodes University, South Africa, Birkbeck School of Law, UK, Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, France)
Professor Paget Henry (Brown University, US)
Prophet Kweku & Jendayi Serwah (Afrikan Emancipation Day Reparations March Committee (AEDRMC))
Samantha Asumadu (Media Diversified)
Shemi Leira (Momentum Black ConneXions)
Simeon Stanford (Afrikan Reparations Transnational Community of Practice (ARTCoP))
Sumana Nandi (Grassroots Women's Internationalist Solidarity Action Network (GWISAN), India)
Toyin Agbetu (Ligali Organisation)
Wedam Abassey (Forum of Nkrumaist Thought and Action (FONTA), Ghana)
Xolanyo Yawa Gbafa (EDIKANFO Pan-Afrikan Youth and Students Internationalist Link (EDIKANFO-PAYSIL), Ghana)
BACKGROUND LIST
Leanard Phillip
Linda Bellos (Linda Bellos Associates)
Maatyo Dede Azu (ADZEWAGBETO Pan-Afrikan Women's Liberation Union (ADZEWAGBETO-PAWLU), Ghana)
Marlene Ellis (Momentum Black ConneXions)
Mawuse Yao Agorkor (VAZOBA Afrika and Friends Networking Open Forum (VAZOBA-AFNOF), Ghana)
Nana Asante (Africans For JC Values, Momentum member)
Omowale Ru-Pert-em-Hru (Pan-Afrikan Society Community Forum)
Nehemie Zeguen Toure (Mouvement Social Panafricain pour le Development Integral (MSPDI), Cote d'Ivoire)
Ngoma 'Silver' Bishop (Bema Arts)
Opeyemi Araromi (Pan-African Congresses-United Kingdom Organising Committee (PACs-UKOC))
Professor Lewis Gordon (University of Connecticut, US, Rhodes University, South Africa, Birkbeck School of Law, UK, Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, France)
Professor Paget Henry (Brown University, US)
Prophet Kweku & Jendayi Serwah (Afrikan Emancipation Day Reparations March Committee (AEDRMC))
Samantha Asumadu (Media Diversified)
Shemi Leira (Momentum Black ConneXions)
Simeon Stanford (Afrikan Reparations Transnational Community of Practice (ARTCoP))
Sumana Nandi (Grassroots Women's Internationalist Solidarity Action Network (GWISAN), India)
Toyin Agbetu (Ligali Organisation)
Wedam Abassey (Forum of Nkrumaist Thought and Action (FONTA), Ghana)
Xolanyo Yawa Gbafa (EDIKANFO Pan-Afrikan Youth and Students Internationalist Link (EDIKANFO-PAYSIL), Ghana)
BACKGROUND LIST
African Liberation
Day on May 25 is an annual holiday in various countries in Africa, and the
world, coinciding with African Union's Africa Day. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Liberation_Day
Afriphobia is the
prejudice or discrimination against; fear, hatred, or bigotry towards people of
African heritage and things African. Africans For JC Values. www.bit.ly/AFJCCInq
Anti-Semitism is
hostility to or prejudice against Jews. Oxford Dictionaries
Hearing On
Afro(i)phobia In The EU. European Union. http://greenmediabox.eu/archive/2014/02/20/afrophobia-in-the-eu/20140220_afrophobia-in-the-eu_en.mp4
Herero And Namaqua
(Namibia) Genocide. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herero_and_Namaqua_genocide
IDPAD 2015-2024
Understanding The UN's Int'l Decade. Kwaku. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=489rcX2lJLE
International
Decade For People Of African Descent. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Decade_for_People_of_African_Descent.
United Nations. http://www.un.org/en/events/africandescentdecade/
Islamophobia is
the hatred or fear of Muslims or of their politics or culture. Collins
Dictionary
Maafa (or African
Holocaust, Holocaust of Enslavement, or Black holocaust as alternatives are
terms used to describe the history and ongoing effects of atrocities inflicted
on African people. The Maafa includes the Arab and Atlantic slave trades, and
continued through imperialism, colonialism, and other forms of oppression to
the present day. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maafa
Maangamizi is the
intergenerational white supremacist racist mind-set which fueled the
Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved Afrikans (TTEA), Maangamizi (Hellacaust of
chattel, colonial and neo-colonial enslavement) from the 15th century to the
present day. SMWCGE. https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-maangamizi-we-charge-genocide-ecocide
‘Maangamizi’ Video
With Lyrics. Akala. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9X0McxAWm8
The Hidden (Congo)
Holocaust. The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/1999/may/13/features11.g22
When You Kill Ten
Million Africans You Aren’t Called ‘Hitler’. Walking Butterfly. http://www.walkingbutterfly.com/2010/12/22/when-you-kill-ten-million-africans-you-arent-called-hitler/
Thursday, 5 May 2016
Africans For JC Values Conference Provided An Illuminating Experience
Africans For JC Values Conference Provided An Illuminating Experience
May 4 2016
The Africans For JC Values Conference had an action-packed programme which went beyond drilling down Jeremy Corbyn's 'Standing To Deliver' 10-point plan.
Africans For JC Values (AFJCV) secretary Awula Serwah preceded her welcome address by asking the early attendees to give a quick introduction.
Among the early attendees were Brent Councillor James Allie, political commentator Ayesha Hazarika, and reparations activist Kofi Mawuli Klu
Unite union executive Kwasi Agyemang Prempeh provided a brief introduction, followed by solidarity salutations from a number of social and community groups.
Esther Stanford-Xosei of GAPP (Global African People's Parliament) provided an incisive and succinct address, which covered reparative justice. Sally Callaway of Camden Momentum and Women Of Colour Global Women's Strike emphasised the importance of addressing refugee and migrant issues within African (or "people of colour") led organisations
Jan Pollock of London Disabled People for Momentum Caucus reminded groups to look to the past, when self-organised groups co-operated with other groups across different equality interests. Raj Gill of Ealing Momentum urged the audience to join the Labour Party in order to support the socialist fight.
Glasses or no glasses, community activist Beverley Wong managed to pack a lot into her golden minute, whilst one of the many points raised by Mary of the All Africa Women's Group was the right for refugees to be able to work in order to contribute more meaningfully to society.
For Zita Holbourne, a co-founder of BARAC (Black Activists Rising Against Cuts), it was not rocket science that the Conservative government's austerity policy was going to have a dis-proportionate impact on African and Asian workers. Hence the need for a campaigning organisation such a BARAC.
The presentations began with equality campaigner Linda Bellos making a quick presentation on the importance of understanding the Equality Act 2010. She advocated that parliamentarians and councillors familiarise themsleves with formal training on the Act.
AFJCV chair and former councillor Nana Asante, with the help of two short videos, took us through the Explaining How The Parliamentary System Works/How Does One Become A Councillor Or Parliamentarian? presentation.
She also helmed the key presentation, Digging More Deeply Into 10 Points Jeremy Corbyn (JC) Is Standing To Deliver. But before that, there was a whirlwind round of a mixture of serious and light-heartedness.
History consultant and conference chair Kwaku picked up the pace with the Importance Of Language & Quiz. Using African instead of "black", African History Month instead of Black History Month, enslaved instead of slave, were some of the points highlighted in the Language session, which was culled from the 'Look. How Far We've Come: Race/Racism Primer'. Though the Quiz was inspired by the Marcus Garvey quote on history reproduced in the accompanying image, there were light moments and contemporary music questions.
During the Young-ish Person's segment, Destiny read out two quotes by Barak Obama, whilst Rochelle read a Desmod Tutu quote, which comes from the 'African Voices: Quotations By People Of African Descent' book co-edited by Kwaku & Ms Serwah.
Ricardo Twumasi, a BHFNC research officer who's also defending his doctoral thesis this week, spoke on 'Why I Joined The Labour Party’, and Momentum.
Social commentor and political activist Patrick Vernon spoke in his capacity as chair of Labour Party's Race Equality Advisory Group on Where Is The Labour Party At With Is Racial Equality Strategy?. "Race is back on the agenda under Jeremy Corbyn," he said, before urging the audience to get involved in the party's consultation, so that they can influence Labour's race equality processes and commitments, and key policy areas such as health, housing and international affairs.
Vernon also quoted a tweet sent earlier by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, which is reproduced below. Fine words, but expect to hear the case for incluson of Afriphobia!
Former Black Sections chair and journalist Marc Wadsworth spoke on What Lessons Can We Learn From The Labour Party Black Sections? What one can learn from the LPBS experience is to self-organise, then set out policies and aims - a manifesto - before looking for people to fill roles or representation, to move the manifesto forward.
He admitted that a lot of the gains made in the 1980s/90s have been lost. "We need to be vigilant" urged Wadsworth, in order to regain some of the lost ground, He even showed an old anti-racist T-shirt produced by NALGO (National and Local Government Officers' Association now part of UNISON) and pointed to trade unions as one of the key stakeholders that can "help fix" things.
Mr & Mrs KB Asante, who came from the Gold Coast (present day Ghana) to Britain in the late 1940s to study mathematics and statistics, and nursing, respectively spoke on Students & Politics In The 1940s/1950s. Although active in the Gold Coast Students Union (GCSU), Mrs Asante recalled how she and others from other countries would express solidarity with students from any colonial country, such as Kenya, which was fighting for independence.
Mr Asante ponted out that whilst studying at Durham University he engaged with students and locals of the mining town. It was natural for him to join the Labour party and he became secretary of the Socialist Society. Having read the Socialist rites of passage - Harold Laski's 1925-published 'A Grammar Of Politics', in addition to attending meetings in the university and studying political issues, he travelled to Yugoslavia and Sweden to help with community projects.
He joined the Socialist group which demonstrated against the imposition of a charge of one shilling (5p) on medical prescriptions by the embryonic National Health Service. Upon qualifying, they returned home, where they served their country for many years, and continue to do so. Mrs Asante rose to become a senior public health professional, whilst Mr Asante worked in diplomatic service and politics included working as an aide to Ghana's first prime minister and president Kwame Nkrumah and Secretary for Education.
Although the Discussion segment was cut short in order to end on time, not only were the main points touched upon: Importance of joining the Labour Party and helping it to reclaim its socialist roots, so that the onslaught on Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell is reduced and focus is on challenging unfair Conservative policies; and a Labour win for a fairer Britain. With all the presenters being on hand, attendees were able to have their questions or comments responded to within this segment, or in the impromtu post-event networking in and out of the premises.
Whilst the general consensus was that the conference had been an illuminating experience, with a broad theme of activism running through the programme, attendees did not seem to be in a hurry to leave after Awula Serwah's rounding up Vote Of Thanks!
AFJCV's first meeting was on Dec. 10 2015 in Brent. In Jan. 2016 it organised a networking dinner in Croydon, and officially launched in Feb. at the Houses of Parliament with John McDonnell MP as our host.
This is what McDonnell said at the well-attended event: “This is what the media and others don’t get. Yes, we're trying to get the Labour Party to be the next government, of course we are. That’s important, but we're trying to build a social movement that will support that progressive government, because if you don't do that, they’ll destroy us.”
He pointed out that it was through the launch of AFJCV and the building of other grassroots social movements that their plans can come to fruition.
AFJCV aims to galvanise Africans, be they from the African continent or the Diaspora, who believe in a new kind of politics and society, subscribe to the Jeremy Corbyn (JC) 10 point plan, which was explained in detail at the conference. AFJCV provides a platform for Africans to have a voice and highlight issues of particular concern to them.
“We want to create a society that is radically fairer, more equal, more democratic, that is based upon prosperity, but a prosperity that is shared by everybody." continued McDonnell.
“So Africans For Momentum I think is a really good initiative, because if you look at our work over the years, it's been about confronting racism, discrimination in all its forms in society, but also argue not just for equality, but for social justice as well.
“As many of you have been involved in this over the years, it is making sure that in addition to securing that social justice for ourselves, making sure that we assist others in securing that social justice. It’s on that basis of solidarity that we’ve come together. So I really welcome this initiative. I think there’s a real opportunity.”
He also urged support for the Corbyn leadership in order to weather the onslaught from the establishment, press, other political parties, and some within the Labour Party “who hadn’t yet come to terms with Jeremy being the leader.”
“A Labour government with Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister and John McDonnell as chancellor offers the best prospects for a better Britain for the majority of the population, and not just for a few,” asserts AFJCV secretary and conference organiser Awula Serwah.
“It will be a government committed to investment and growth, not austerity, ending zero hours contracts, and strengthening the National Health Service, which we all rely on, rather than dismantling and privatising it. Which ever way you look at it, the majority of the population, including most Africans, will benefit from the ten points Jeremy Corbyn is standing to deliver.
“But it’s not going to happen, if we don’t rally round the Corbyn-McDonnell leadership. We cannot afford to lose this unique window of opportunity,” adds Serwah. “As John McDonnell pointed out in his speech at our launch, they are facing an onslaught from sections of the media and others outside and within the Labour Party.”
If you have any ideas and can help with the organising of what should be the next AFJCV event, please let us know by contacting Awula Serwah via africansfor@gmail.com.
We'd like to commit more to the AFJCV work, so to improve our human and financial resources, we'll soon launch a crowdfiunding appeal to cover one full-time worker and admin. Of course if you have deep pockets or connections to donations, you're welcome to get in touch!
AFJCV background video: http://bit.ly/AFMVid
AFJCV launch video: https://youtu.be/tx6ncg0GGHg
AFM/AFJCV Launch Harrow Times coverage: http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/14318946.Young_people_from_Harrow_discuss_Africa_in_Westminster/?ref=mr&lp=14
Croydon networking article: http://www.the-latest.com/uks-africans-declare-support-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn
May 4 2016
The Africans For JC Values Conference had an action-packed programme which went beyond drilling down Jeremy Corbyn's 'Standing To Deliver' 10-point plan.
Africans For JC Values (AFJCV) secretary Awula Serwah preceded her welcome address by asking the early attendees to give a quick introduction.
Among the early attendees were Brent Councillor James Allie, political commentator Ayesha Hazarika, and reparations activist Kofi Mawuli Klu
Unite union executive Kwasi Agyemang Prempeh provided a brief introduction, followed by solidarity salutations from a number of social and community groups.
Esther Stanford-Xosei of GAPP (Global African People's Parliament) provided an incisive and succinct address, which covered reparative justice. Sally Callaway of Camden Momentum and Women Of Colour Global Women's Strike emphasised the importance of addressing refugee and migrant issues within African (or "people of colour") led organisations
Jan Pollock of London Disabled People for Momentum Caucus reminded groups to look to the past, when self-organised groups co-operated with other groups across different equality interests. Raj Gill of Ealing Momentum urged the audience to join the Labour Party in order to support the socialist fight.
Glasses or no glasses, community activist Beverley Wong managed to pack a lot into her golden minute, whilst one of the many points raised by Mary of the All Africa Women's Group was the right for refugees to be able to work in order to contribute more meaningfully to society.
For Zita Holbourne, a co-founder of BARAC (Black Activists Rising Against Cuts), it was not rocket science that the Conservative government's austerity policy was going to have a dis-proportionate impact on African and Asian workers. Hence the need for a campaigning organisation such a BARAC.
The presentations began with equality campaigner Linda Bellos making a quick presentation on the importance of understanding the Equality Act 2010. She advocated that parliamentarians and councillors familiarise themsleves with formal training on the Act.
AFJCV chair and former councillor Nana Asante, with the help of two short videos, took us through the Explaining How The Parliamentary System Works/How Does One Become A Councillor Or Parliamentarian? presentation.
She also helmed the key presentation, Digging More Deeply Into 10 Points Jeremy Corbyn (JC) Is Standing To Deliver. But before that, there was a whirlwind round of a mixture of serious and light-heartedness.
History consultant and conference chair Kwaku picked up the pace with the Importance Of Language & Quiz. Using African instead of "black", African History Month instead of Black History Month, enslaved instead of slave, were some of the points highlighted in the Language session, which was culled from the 'Look. How Far We've Come: Race/Racism Primer'. Though the Quiz was inspired by the Marcus Garvey quote on history reproduced in the accompanying image, there were light moments and contemporary music questions.
During the Young-ish Person's segment, Destiny read out two quotes by Barak Obama, whilst Rochelle read a Desmod Tutu quote, which comes from the 'African Voices: Quotations By People Of African Descent' book co-edited by Kwaku & Ms Serwah.
Ricardo Twumasi, a BHFNC research officer who's also defending his doctoral thesis this week, spoke on 'Why I Joined The Labour Party’, and Momentum.
Social commentor and political activist Patrick Vernon spoke in his capacity as chair of Labour Party's Race Equality Advisory Group on Where Is The Labour Party At With Is Racial Equality Strategy?. "Race is back on the agenda under Jeremy Corbyn," he said, before urging the audience to get involved in the party's consultation, so that they can influence Labour's race equality processes and commitments, and key policy areas such as health, housing and international affairs.
Vernon also quoted a tweet sent earlier by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, which is reproduced below. Fine words, but expect to hear the case for incluson of Afriphobia!
Former Black Sections chair and journalist Marc Wadsworth spoke on What Lessons Can We Learn From The Labour Party Black Sections? What one can learn from the LPBS experience is to self-organise, then set out policies and aims - a manifesto - before looking for people to fill roles or representation, to move the manifesto forward.
He admitted that a lot of the gains made in the 1980s/90s have been lost. "We need to be vigilant" urged Wadsworth, in order to regain some of the lost ground, He even showed an old anti-racist T-shirt produced by NALGO (National and Local Government Officers' Association now part of UNISON) and pointed to trade unions as one of the key stakeholders that can "help fix" things.
Mr & Mrs KB Asante, who came from the Gold Coast (present day Ghana) to Britain in the late 1940s to study mathematics and statistics, and nursing, respectively spoke on Students & Politics In The 1940s/1950s. Although active in the Gold Coast Students Union (GCSU), Mrs Asante recalled how she and others from other countries would express solidarity with students from any colonial country, such as Kenya, which was fighting for independence.
Mr Asante ponted out that whilst studying at Durham University he engaged with students and locals of the mining town. It was natural for him to join the Labour party and he became secretary of the Socialist Society. Having read the Socialist rites of passage - Harold Laski's 1925-published 'A Grammar Of Politics', in addition to attending meetings in the university and studying political issues, he travelled to Yugoslavia and Sweden to help with community projects.
He joined the Socialist group which demonstrated against the imposition of a charge of one shilling (5p) on medical prescriptions by the embryonic National Health Service. Upon qualifying, they returned home, where they served their country for many years, and continue to do so. Mrs Asante rose to become a senior public health professional, whilst Mr Asante worked in diplomatic service and politics included working as an aide to Ghana's first prime minister and president Kwame Nkrumah and Secretary for Education.
Although the Discussion segment was cut short in order to end on time, not only were the main points touched upon: Importance of joining the Labour Party and helping it to reclaim its socialist roots, so that the onslaught on Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell is reduced and focus is on challenging unfair Conservative policies; and a Labour win for a fairer Britain. With all the presenters being on hand, attendees were able to have their questions or comments responded to within this segment, or in the impromtu post-event networking in and out of the premises.
Whilst the general consensus was that the conference had been an illuminating experience, with a broad theme of activism running through the programme, attendees did not seem to be in a hurry to leave after Awula Serwah's rounding up Vote Of Thanks!
AFJCV's first meeting was on Dec. 10 2015 in Brent. In Jan. 2016 it organised a networking dinner in Croydon, and officially launched in Feb. at the Houses of Parliament with John McDonnell MP as our host.
This is what McDonnell said at the well-attended event: “This is what the media and others don’t get. Yes, we're trying to get the Labour Party to be the next government, of course we are. That’s important, but we're trying to build a social movement that will support that progressive government, because if you don't do that, they’ll destroy us.”
He pointed out that it was through the launch of AFJCV and the building of other grassroots social movements that their plans can come to fruition.
AFJCV aims to galvanise Africans, be they from the African continent or the Diaspora, who believe in a new kind of politics and society, subscribe to the Jeremy Corbyn (JC) 10 point plan, which was explained in detail at the conference. AFJCV provides a platform for Africans to have a voice and highlight issues of particular concern to them.
“We want to create a society that is radically fairer, more equal, more democratic, that is based upon prosperity, but a prosperity that is shared by everybody." continued McDonnell.
“So Africans For Momentum I think is a really good initiative, because if you look at our work over the years, it's been about confronting racism, discrimination in all its forms in society, but also argue not just for equality, but for social justice as well.
“As many of you have been involved in this over the years, it is making sure that in addition to securing that social justice for ourselves, making sure that we assist others in securing that social justice. It’s on that basis of solidarity that we’ve come together. So I really welcome this initiative. I think there’s a real opportunity.”
He also urged support for the Corbyn leadership in order to weather the onslaught from the establishment, press, other political parties, and some within the Labour Party “who hadn’t yet come to terms with Jeremy being the leader.”
“A Labour government with Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister and John McDonnell as chancellor offers the best prospects for a better Britain for the majority of the population, and not just for a few,” asserts AFJCV secretary and conference organiser Awula Serwah.
“It will be a government committed to investment and growth, not austerity, ending zero hours contracts, and strengthening the National Health Service, which we all rely on, rather than dismantling and privatising it. Which ever way you look at it, the majority of the population, including most Africans, will benefit from the ten points Jeremy Corbyn is standing to deliver.
“But it’s not going to happen, if we don’t rally round the Corbyn-McDonnell leadership. We cannot afford to lose this unique window of opportunity,” adds Serwah. “As John McDonnell pointed out in his speech at our launch, they are facing an onslaught from sections of the media and others outside and within the Labour Party.”
If you have any ideas and can help with the organising of what should be the next AFJCV event, please let us know by contacting Awula Serwah via africansfor@gmail.com.
We'd like to commit more to the AFJCV work, so to improve our human and financial resources, we'll soon launch a crowdfiunding appeal to cover one full-time worker and admin. Of course if you have deep pockets or connections to donations, you're welcome to get in touch!
AFJCV background video: http://bit.ly/AFMVid
AFJCV launch video: https://youtu.be/tx6ncg0GGHg
AFM/AFJCV Launch Harrow Times coverage: http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/14318946.Young_people_from_Harrow_discuss_Africa_in_Westminster/?ref=mr&lp=14
Croydon networking article: http://www.the-latest.com/uks-africans-declare-support-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn
Friday, 1 January 2016
A New Name For The British Honours System?
January 1 2016
It's that time of year when the new British New Year's Honours List of those who've mainly impressed the monarchy, government and major political parties, and Big Business, is published.
Whilst the Honours system has its critics, spare a thought for a suggestion proposed by Brent South (now Brent Central) MP Dawn Butler, who in seconding the 2007 Queen's Speech suggested the Honours be modernised by awarding it for British Excellence:
https://youtu.be/COZtEbBfuM
Perhaps Excellence, instead of Empire, may sit better with some people, like poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who famously turned down the prospect of an OBE in 2003:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/nov/27/poetry.monarchy.
Names on the latest Honours list include the likes of musician/DJ/actor Goldie, and actors Idris Elba and David Oyelowo.
However, now that the Daily Mail, of all newspapers, has lambasted the Honours system (click here), and there's apparently an investigation going on as to how a list of some who've quietly refused the Honours (click here), one wonders whether Butler's Excellence suggestion will be taken up in future deliberations on the Honours system.
Kwaku
TAOBQ co-ordinator
It's that time of year when the new British New Year's Honours List of those who've mainly impressed the monarchy, government and major political parties, and Big Business, is published.
https://youtu.be/COZtEbBfuM
Perhaps Excellence, instead of Empire, may sit better with some people, like poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who famously turned down the prospect of an OBE in 2003:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/nov/27/poetry.monarchy.
Names on the latest Honours list include the likes of musician/DJ/actor Goldie, and actors Idris Elba and David Oyelowo.
However, now that the Daily Mail, of all newspapers, has lambasted the Honours system (click here), and there's apparently an investigation going on as to how a list of some who've quietly refused the Honours (click here), one wonders whether Butler's Excellence suggestion will be taken up in future deliberations on the Honours system.
Kwaku
TAOBQ co-ordinator
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