Dear
friends,
The
end of the year for the Anti Racism Network started
of as it ended with activists taking a firm stand
against racist attacks and racism.
Through
December we have seen the South Belfast association
organising successful pickets high lighting the
continuing issue surrounding Homefinders. In North
Belfast the association organised a successful vigil
highlighting the issue of the criminalising of asylum
seekers at Belfast City Hall, while activists in
West Belfast organised the second Love Music Hate
Racism gig in Belfast. It was a case of standing
room only - and we would like to thank the John
Hewitt bar and open windows productions for all
their support.
Friends
the ARN has held mass rallies this year we have
seen also responses by local communities in their
hundreds mobilise against such attacks. We have
also organised several pickets and vigils highlight
the ongoing issue of the plight of asylum seekers
as well as monitoring and lending support and advice
to many - and much more. Although persons may be
aware of the many initatives that the ARN have been
involved in both through the media and through this
network we in fact also deal with many individual
cases of people contacting us looking support.
Friends
we have seen even at the close of this year that
the racist attacks still continue which makes it
all the more important that we are as organised
and ready for the coming year to continue to stand
firm against the still racist attacks and racism
- and in support and solidarity with the victims
of them. We have done a lot of good and vitally
important work, yet this is just the beginning.
To that effect the ARN steering group shall be meeting
shortly after the New Year.
Will
be in touch soon, in solidarity,
Davy
Carlin, ARN
Dear
friends,
We
would like to thank you for all your support for
the Street Seen initiative taken recently to collect
sleeping bags and warm clothes for homeless persons.
The initiative itself was helped in part also by
the large media coverage we got from the newspapers
- radio and television as so to publicise and cover
it. Although Street Seen is only on its second issue
its print is 10,000 copies. The publication affords
space to those who may not find space afforded elsewhere
for their stories, poetry etc as well as providing
an avenue for more established writers to put out
their message.
The
ARN has featured in the first two issues, with this
issue having the centre pages on the ARN recent
rally. The monies raised have already been poured
into various initiatives in relation to providing
education, support, information and solidarity to
Homeless persons. Therefore the 'Street Seen Network'
{Northern Ireland's own Homeless Newspaper} has
already established many links around the North
and the South with also interest abroad. So if you
see it in towns and cities pick it up as it is a
worthy read for a worthy cause.
This
recent initiative was very successful and the sleeping
bags etc are been distributed to those most in need.
So once again thank you for all you support with
a personal thank you to the Northern Ireland Anti
Poverty Network for their additional help.
Davy
Carlin, Street Seen
