in Coventry. some of us came here at an early age and all have had our formal education in this country...
anyone wishes conduct meaningful survey of our situation, he she find that perhaps more than 80 per cent of us are unemployed ane nave o prospect 01 employment whatsoever we are rudged only by the colour of our skin, not strength character.
We are accorded little respect, either as citizens residents this country.
All the indications are that we are not wanted in this country. A colour bar is operated at all the entertainment centres in this city.
will not admit us only aamit two or inree in order relations get around the TaCt laWs doesn't matter how well you do or do not dress.
The people the housing department push us around and when they feel like it they offer us houses which are unfit for even pigs to live in. Police We do realise that as a matter of priority we must OUNCIVES COCcupational skills so that we can present a positive selfimage to our children, to our parents, and to socie ty. However, of all the problems greatest is without doubt LIC DOuCe born here, We are always seen as problems; by your In the Precinct on 2 May The harassment suffer at their hands are unimaginable and perhaps may be fully understood if you are white, particularly if you magistrate. Words like t...ing black bastards' "jungle bunny', 'niggers', 'my father didn't fight the war for black bastards like you, Why you black c..nt don't you go back to the fucking jungle you come fromiends our brothers, One of our who was under age, kept in the cell for a very long time. When he asked 'How are my parents going your teachers, by the police.
ed on racism prejudice and discrimination. told by the officer that he will the "jungle drums' The police deliberately DrOVOKC Us, make false arrests, and Halas. us evervwhere we so. magistrate acoss magistrate always believes the police evidence against ours..
Hs as molen we nave now reached the point of which took place in the Burgess last night 6 May 1981, convinced us that the ponce are real enemies. The skinheads first hit our brothers, yet after the fight the police only arsocial workers, by your probation officers, by by your housing officials, by the careers department, by your social security departments and last but by no means least The stark realities of our daily life are bas.
rested the blacks.
The name of our black brother who was beaten up was given to the police by a responsible member of our community yet no action Wal sOnindecenuy of sisters was assaulted by four skinheads. When she wen to the police station she mocked asked whether she was 'on the game The whole thing was treated as a big joke. She was questioned by three male police officers and asked to lift her dress up It was only when she kick. ed up a fuss that they sent female police ofWe do sympathise with our Asian brothers and sisters. We kept ourselves at a distance in this matter because we did not want to influence the situation and hope that by keeping a low profile Skinnedd would not interfere us; but in the light of what happened last evening we want to give this message This is a message to the lord lhavor. the city councillors, the white community of this city and particularly the skinheads and other white racist thugs who think they can attack us and get away with it.
as black young people Coventr peaceful law-abiding peo ple. The white community has nothing to fear from us. We don't beat up old ladies or arond smashing things. We don't interfere the police, skinnedes or racists But we reserve the right to walk the streets of this cut! unmolested and feel citizen has the right, every be s/he black or white.
Anyone, repeat, anyone, who will be attacked in returr with every means at our disposal.
So skinheads and racists beware; leave alone and we will leave you alone; but if attack ally of our brothers sisters again then declare war. If you want this city to remain peaceful then the message is clear leave us alone.
hope everyone takes this message serious ly, because we are dead serious. If you don't and the attacks on our brethren then Coltille Brixton might look like a tea-party to what will happen in Coventry:
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lord mayor and citizens of Coventry WE ARE a group of black young people living
Dress or wil
A message from young West Indians to the Many of us were