Taking a Stand Against Injustice

October 24, 2009 I participated in protest against the English Defense League (EDL), who is racist political party. The protest was held in Newport, Wales. I learned about the protest early that week when I signed a petition to stop racism, increase jobs and education funding. I rode the inner-city bus with some of members of the Cardiff University's Socialist Society. And no I'm not a socialist.

Initially I thought that going to this protest would make a very interesting experience. The protest was held in the city centre since the EDL was suppose to meet at a pub near by.

After arriving to the city centre, I was given a picket sign, which on side said "Stop Racism, more jobs and education" and on the other side read "EDL not welcomed here." Next I over hear the police saying the EDL will not show up, because of what happen at protest in Swansea last weekend. Previously, the EDL was ran out of the city literally. In my mind, I'm like wow this is crazy, this has to be what some of civil rights protesters felt like. Suddenly, my thoughts are somewhat interrupted by loud tunes of Bob Marley audio, "We are together. It's this love I'm feeling."

It was amazing how even though the weather was very rainy that morning, there still a great turn out of people. I seen people sitting on bare, wet ground sharing chips (fries) they brought from home. Then I heard drums and seen more people dancing like it was no one's business.

All the music stops as speakers come to platform and give anti-racism, fight for your rights speeches. They talk about how "we will not let the Nazis (referring to EDL, WDL, BNP) splits us." "They are trying to use minority as a scapegoat and blame us for the economic crisis." "In the 1960's it was the black people, now today it is the brown, Islamic people."

After several speeches someone sang a anti-fascist song. Then more talks about how the BBC News Network was wrong for giving racist politicians a stage on the talk show "Question Time." I would say one of the most interesting points someone made was "If you want to stop terrorism, stop anticipating it." It was only fitting that Bob Marley's "Get up, Stand up for your rights" would be played.

Chants of "Nazi Scum get off our streets," filled the centre. It was a beautiful thing to see so many people come together not just those whose rights were being threatened, but also others who just want to make sure equality is widespread. It was this very day that I took my first direct, public stand against injustice.

Quote of the week: “In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."

-Martin Niemoeller

Cheers,

Black Girl in Wales