ESTABLISHED IN November on the initiative of the Black Liaison Group - involving over 40 black organisations - the Anti-Racist Alliance (ARA) was formed to combat growing racism, rising numbers of racist attacks and support tor extreme right and fascist political groups.
Ten national trade unions now sponsor the ARA: MSF, NUM, NALGO, UCATT, FBU, NUCPS, NAPO, NUPE and the NUl - along with a wide range of black and jewish organisaLocal and regional launches initiatives are taking place in Lambein, Greenwich, sout wark, Islington, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Camden, Hounslow and Haringey. Outside Rolan Adams campaign London launches are planned in Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Wolverhampton, Leeds and Scotland.
A Teachers' Anti-Racist Alliance' has also been estabfished, and a London tally is planned for 9 March. Plans are national demonstration and It also looks as though there will be a national conference of the Alliance, again around summertime, arter local croups nave been given a chance to establish themselves.
The ARA rally on 29 January was a big success, attracting over 500 people. While the Asylum Bill was not really taken up enough by speakers, links were certainly made between the rise of Euro-racism and Fortress Europe, and also -importantiy - between the Gul! War/New World Order and rising racism.
The only disappointing asect of the rally was that both Ken Livingston and Marc Wadsworth used the opportunity ti nake a dig at, in Wadsworth's words, extremist left-wing splitters' - referring to the WP's re-launch of the ANI Public rallies should aim to unite the anti-macist movement. Disagreements over tactics, even strong disagreements, should be discussed within the framework of an open and democratic movement.
ine Aka should be encour aged to move in this direction. Disagreements will not necessarily come only from the left -they could equally come trom other black organisations.
For information about local and national events contact ARA, PO Box 188, London, SWIA OSG or telephone 071 607 3958. Digs against the left: Livingstone