North Belfast Rally Against Racism

antrim | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Thursday November 11, 2004 12:08 by Davy Carlin - ARN

After attacks in North Belfast on persons from the minority ethnic community an immediate local response in the form of a picket was called. This later became a rally given the growing local support. So last night we saw up to two hundred persons rallying on a cold night out side the Fortwilliam shops on the Antrim Road

Dear Friends,



After attacks in North Belfast on persons from the minority ethnic community an immediate local response in the form of a picket was called. This later became a rally given the growing local support. So last night we saw up to two hundred persons rallying on a cold night out side the Fortwilliam shops on the Antrim Road. Again this was an inspiring local and immediate community response to these latest attacks which are happening now almost on a daily basis. The ARN now has local associations all around Belfast with groups also outside of Belfast. If persons want to get involved in their local group or indeed establish one then drop us a line at antiracism_ni@hotmail.com


These attacks, as stated, are increasing not only numerically but also in their viciousness and if they are not nipped in the bud it will be but a matter of time before, once again, someone is killed. Again we urge persons to get actively involved in the ARN or set up groups in your local community as so we collectively can begin to attempt to push back this wave of attacks and racism now happening around Northern Irish society. The ARN work many strategies but as a local commentator said this morning 'he had never seen before such local immediate response anti -racism rallies, after attacks on the minority ethnic community'.

Of course while we need to work to see that such rallies are not needed, we nevertheless know that such events send out a clear message to the bigots that residents within the local community are saying that such attacks will not be tolerated. And more especially at the same time showing both solidarity to the victims of the attacks and to let them know that they are welcome within the community.

Although the bigot’s actions put them on the news, the reality is that there is so much goodwill, support and solidarity that goes unreported that comes from the local communities. The ARN collectively through various avenues of our activity have had, and will have a vital role to play in attempting to push back this tide of racism that is becoming ever more numerical and brutal across Northern Irish society. So join us, get active and stand firm. D