New Work December 1985
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refugee and asylum issues. Contact: Interights, Kingsway Chambers, 46 Kingsway, London WC2. Tel 01- 242 5581. (Refugee Action News, Winter 1985)
Refugee Action has initiated a pilot research project into the educational, training and employment needs of women from Vietnam in Lewisham. Funded by Goldsmiths College and the London Borough of Lewisham Training & Promotion Unit, it will run for three months during which time researchers will focus on a sample of women of all ages and educational backgrounds in the borough. (Refugee Action News, Winter 1985)
The Black Theatre Forum has been awarded a GLC grant to extend its campaigning activities to protect the funds going into Black theatre and to extend its membership to more Black theatre practitioners. Further details: Agnes Meadows, Administrator, Black Theatre Forum, c/o The Director's Guild of Great Britain, Lyndhurst Hall, Lyndhurst Road, Belsize Park, London NW3. (Black Arts in London, 1st-15th December 1985)
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The Association of London Black Artists (ALBA) held its inaugural meeting on 15th November 1985, at which ALBA's Organising Committee was elected. The Association's main aim is to challenge imperialism, racism and sexism in the arts. Membership is open to Black (defined as 'people of African and Asian descent') artists and organisations. Further details: Tel 01-286 1854/8 or 01-240 9850. (Black Arts in London 15th December-15th January)
Concern about the increasing number of racist attacks, the apparent organisation behind some of this violence and the unreliable police response has led to the formation of an new organisation called Anti-Fascist Action, set up last July to co-ordinate and organise community self defence. Anti-Fascist Action can be contacted at: PO Box 273, Forest Gate, London E7. (Policing London, November 1985)
An umbrella group to campaign against racist reporting in the 'Daily Mail' was formed in August '85. The Working Group Against Daily Mail Racism was set up when the paper's editors refused to meet representatives from Asian community groups protesting against the 'Brides for passports' story featured in the Mail. The Working Group is based at WFA Media and Cultural Centre, 9 Lucy Street, Manchester M15. (Runnymede Trust Bulletin, November 1985)
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking people 'whose ethnic minority background, skill and fortitude can bring about change and a new way of life to the ethnic minority groups', to fill 13 new Section 11 posts. (Guardian 11.12.85)
Derbyshire County Council has created a new post of Race Relations Officer - Libraries. The postholder will be expected to develop and co-ordinate anti-racist strategies and promote multi-culturalism throughout the library service. (Guardian 27.11.85)
As part of its commitment to provide just and relevant services to borough residents, Camden Social Services Committee has created a new Race Relations Unit within the SSD. The Unit will help formulate policy, ensure implementation, monitor and evaluate service delivery to the black and ethnic minortity communities. (Guardian 11.12.85)
Last September, the Home Office announced an initiative to promote black business enterprise through the establishment of business advice centres in inner city areas where there is a significant Afro-Caribbean population. The first three will be in Deptford, Handsworth and Finsbury Park. Section 11 will be used to support agency staff costs added to which each agency will receive a Home Office grant of £50,000 for the first two years providing this can be matched by other sponsors. The Department of Trade & Industry will contribute £5,000 a year towards running costs for the first three years, with the Department of the Environment providing help with premises under the Urban Programme. The Home Office has made it clear that the new agencies will be open under equal terms to all sections of the community. (Home Office Press Release)