N e w s B r i g h t Black Tackling Fears & Prejudices AN EU SPECIAL
Issue 50
FEATURE: ‘B REXIT ’ What it means for Black People
WHY DO I FEEL LIKE AN IMMIGRANT? RAM AD[ H]AN EX PLA INED
However, today I found myself wondering if they voted to see less people like me walking their streets, occupying their houses and taking their jobs. England, in that moment, didn’t feel like home - I felt as though I didn’t belong.. for the first time.
The Editor’s Rant
LIVING IN FEAR OF BREXIT
I have lived in the UK since I was born, and apart from an incident in the 1970s, when someone shouted out ‘nigger’, I have never felt different, and I have never felt like an immigrant. However, after Britain voted to leave the EU, and there were whispers at work about immigration being the main reason, I started feeling uncomfortable. One person in particular kept repeating: “just because we voted to leave doesn’t mean we are racist”. I wondered why she had to emphasise it so many times and why she had to justify her position, after all, didn’t say anything.
I know it is probably paranoia exacerbated by the stuff I have read on Facebook, but nonetheless, I could be seen as a threat to people’s housing situation; job situation; lack of benefits because no-one knows who I am, where I was born and my economic situation, and in that moment of frustration and resentment, they probably don’t care, and are not interested in finding out..
White people who are angry at the system do not know that I was born in England, that my children, my grandchildren and great grandchild were all born in England – the colour of my skin denotes something different. It tells them that I am a foreigner - one of
As far as I was concerned, the argument for leaving was to curb the influx of immigrants coming in from the EU, full stop. It never occurred to me that I might be targeted because there were also concerns about the influx of Africans coming over. How would anyone know what nationality I was?
As I took my usual lunch time walk, for the first time I felt uneasy, frustrated and angry that my peace of mind was being challenged.
I always walked around the nooks and crannies of Marsh Farm. Marsh Farm is a place in Luton that lost its reputation when there were riots in July 1995. It has never recovered. My colleagues won’t walk around Marsh Farm, they say they are scared; and I am brave to walk around Marsh Farm in my lunchbreak alone. It has never bothered me though. The same way it didn’t bother me to walk downtown Montego Bay on my own, and walk to Halfway Tree in Kingston on my own. I have never been afraid of things like that because I think perpetrators know who to target, and I don’t normally project fear. I have walked under the tunnels, through the alleys, and around the twists and turns, and all I have thought about as I walked, is how beautiful and green Marsh Farm is.
However, after Brexit, my walk didn’t have the same sentimentality; it wasn’t enchanting. Real or imagined, the faces that stared at me, looked angry and resentful. I noticed those that looked a bit rough around the edges, which I had never noticed before.
them who has taken their jobs; their homes, their benefits.
I imagined how scary it must have been ‘back then’ when hatred against blacks was rampant, because in that instant when a scowling face glared at me, I felt isolated, frightened and misplaced. That is what racism does – it isolates and stereotypes.
I hope things that sorted out quickly and painlessly.
The Editor.
1
By the time this publication comes out, it will be too late.. I will have casted my vote, and I will know the outcome of not only my vote, but the millions who voted one way or the other.
it hasn’t been an easy decision. It is the first time I have been interested in hearing views of colleagues and friends, to see how they are thinking and why. In seeking wider understanding, I posted my intention to vote leave on Facebook and received hostile responses, more or less saying I was an idiot and the Brexit lot are Fascists. I was directed me to a series of informatve links which were designed to prove that that they were saying was true, but I couldn’t be asked to read any more confusing material.
DID YOU VOTE TO LEAVE OR REMAIN?
So I was left to my own devices, along with the Electoral Commission advising me that if I want a stronger Britain, a stronger economy, stronger leadership on the world stage, less cross-border crime; help with tackling global threats like terrorism and climate change; more jobs, lower prices for families, more trade for business, then I should VOTE REMAIN. However, the sceptic in me asked the question, why
Over the past few weeks I have been mulling over the idea of whether to vote to remain or vote to leave. The debates have not helped, if anything they have hindered because instead of providing clear directives and plans, they repeated the same ole spiel every time. The word ‘immigration’ was bandied about by Farage and his fogies, and as a child of an immigrant, albeit with British Citizenship, I couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable about the ‘Brexit’ mandate.
I was warned that Farage is a racist, but I chose not to believe it. I heard (what seemed reasonable) that he is not allowing any ‘additional’ immigrants to come in and use the services, so there was a part of me that was saying ‘I’m all right Jack’. The rational part of my brain reminded me, that the UK has been in the EU since 1973, so if it ain’t broke why vote to change it? Even though the cost of EU membership is in excess of £250 million a week, it seemed that even the farmers want us to remain.
weren’t there lower prices for families now? Why didn’t we have a stronger economy now, if what they are saying is true?. The VOTE LEAVE campaign was emphasising how EU law controls UK migration policy, and that EU law means we must accept ‘free movement of people’ [from the EU}; that the EU is growing in that there used to be 9 member states and now there are 28 member states recently being Romania Bulgaria & Croatia. The Brexit Possee were saying that we pay approximately £350 million a week to the EU budget, and while we get 2/3rds of it back through rebates and jobs, we have no control over how the money is spent. They were saying then, that if we vote to leave the EU, we would get back control; the £350m per week would be spent on our priorities (like NHS, schools and hospitals); and there would be border control.
Blackbright News
ISSN No. 1751-1909
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.blackbrightcommunityservices.com Blackbright News is a not-for-profit Publication
Myrna Loy, Founder & Managing Editor
(Logo designed by Flo Awolaja; photos extracted from Stock Photos/Google/Facebook Images, except where supplied) FOR PREVIOUS ISSUES PLEASE VISIT
www.issuu.com/blackbrightnews PRINTED BY MIXAM (UK) LIMITED
Paypal: blackbrightnews@gmail.com
2
Brexit campaigners believe that we are still be able to trade with the EU without handing permanent control to people we cannot vote out and whom we have never met; and they also said that we would have international influence and use it to encourage friendly international cooperation - and they made the Brexit package sound quite attractive to the untrained eye!
The thing is, with the vote leave, there was simply too much focus on immigration, which was unnerving. I am black, so in the eyes of those who oppose immigrants, I could be seen as ‘one of them’ who is a drain on resources. The long and short of it is that there are no guarantees how that £350m per week savings, will be spent; it could go into the politicians pockets; it could be sent off to use on weapons, it could be used to fund properties for politicians; it could be used to entice immigrants who are legally here, to get out – we just don’t know.
DID YOU KNOW... .... that the last two Prime Ministers, Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron were both Librans? Librans tend to be fair, just and balanced, but beware of the iron fist in the velvet glove.
Did you also know that if Theresa May becomes Prime Minster, she will be the third Prime Minister in succession under the astrological sign of Libra?
The downside of being a Libran is that they are people pleasers and can be easily swayed. We have to ask ourselves therefore, whether we want this trait in our new Prime Ministers, because it was probably for this reason why David Cameron called the EU Referendum against his better judgement.
The death of Jo Cox did it for me. A 42 year old woman, following her passion, was brutally murdered because her killer wanted out of the EU and she was advocating to stay in.
Andrea Leadsom, who is also running for Prime Minister, is a Taurean, and while they are loyal and security conscious, they are very stubborn, which is not the best6 trait to possess at the negotiation table. Jeremy Corbyn is also a Taurean, and we have seen evidence of his stubbornness, in him not stepping down despite pleas from his cabinet. If Parliament wants him to step down, they will need to use reverse psychology.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it - I am voting to remain.
The Editor
Boris Johnson on the other hand is a Gemini - they have two sides, which explains why he was passionate and dedicated one minute, and then, what Gove termed as ‘shambolic and unreliable’ the next.
Why did Nigel Farage step down? Well he is an Aries. Aries are proud and impetuous. He was not going to put himself in the line of fire, face embarrassing questions and finger pointing.
Michael Gove is a Virgo, and was Boris Johnson’s right hand. A perfectionist, he would have focussed on the detail, but as a personality, what you see is not what you get. So now you have an idea of why these MPs may have made the decisions they did.
3
standing which in turns engenders a greater respect for our sisters and brothers, irrespective of colour, creed, race or religion. This special month sets us up for rest of the year and teaches us to remain harmonious, patient, understanding and to build on mutual respect towards one another.
By Tafneen Sharif RAMADHAN is a month of fasting for over a billion Muslims across the globe. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim’s life. The five basic acts being: 1. Declaring there is one God and Muhammad is God’s messenger 2. Ritual prayers five times a day 3. Giving in charity 4. Fasting and self control during Ramadhan, if one has good health 5. Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, if one can afford it Ramadhan is the time when Muslims fast during the hours of daylight. It is common to have one meal, known as Suhoor, just before dawn and another, know as Iftar, directly after sunset. As well as refraining from eating and drinking it is a time for self-reflection, developing good character, abstaining from ill speech, being kind to all and carrying out good deeds. Becoming God consciousness and creating sympathy and empathy for the poor and less fortunate is very important. It is a reminder that life is short and it should be spent on doing good work, striving to fulfil the needs of others and making the world a better place for all. The holy month teaches us important lessons in these difficult times. Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon Him) declared that all humanity are sisters and brothers of one another, and that there is no superiority of one race or person over another. Through the sharing of experience, knowledge and 4 perception we are empowered with a wider under-
In the UK we are facing the longest Ramadhan in over 30 years, as it coincides with the Summer, meaning up to 19 hours without food or water. This in itself is a test of patience, endurance and willpower. Given the recent uncertainties and divisions we are facing both in this country, as well as in the rest of the world, these are exact traits one needs to develop. To show solidarity and to gain an understanding Luton Foodbank together with Discover Islam and Macmillian Cancer Support have set the FAST-A-THON challenge for others to join in the fasts to experience hunger for a day and to raise money for the less fortunate.
other countries who have increased their exports to the single market faster from outside, than we have from the inside”. The implication of his disclosure being that Britain is in a strong position to negotiate terms beneficial to Britain.
British Citizens feel royally let down. The markets have plummeted since Brexit; David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage have resigned. David Cameron, Tory Leader & Prime Minister) was the one who called the EU referendum, which has resulted in the precarious Brexit position we are now in. Boris Johnson was the former Mayor of London and was MP for Uxbridge. Boris passionately campaigned for Brexit promising the money saved from EU membership would be spent on the NHS and he also promised to reduce immigration - he has now reneged on both promises and stepped down. Then there is Nigel Farage who also vigorously campaigned for the Brexit vote and who has stepped down because he wants his life back and has achieved his ambitions.
HOW HAS LEAVING THE EU CHANGED PEOPLE’S LIVES?
It was on everyone’s minds (including those who voted to leave) why did the EU Referendum vote go the way it did? It was unprecedented - 33.3million British Citizens ‘spoke’ through their votes, and their ‘voices’ were heard. ‘Leavers’ were fed up of the influx of immigrants who they believed contributed to insufficient housing; low salaries, high rents and unemployment. Brits who were passionate about the health service, bought into the promise that the £350m membership fee sent to the EU, could now be spent on the NHS, schools and other public services. However, when the result to leave the EU (otherwise known as ‘Brexit’) was made public, Boris Johnson, who spearheaded the Brexit Campaign, confessed: “that was a mistake; I should never have said it”. Now we are out of the EU, confused by broken promises, we find ourselves in a precarious position, wondering “What the hell did I vote for?”
While the campaign was in full swing, it was hoped that Jeremy Corbyn (Labour MP), would have been speaking to the young, the uncertain and the working class about the implication of voting either way,, but he was nowhere to be seen. As a result, many voted without understanding the implications of their voting behaviour.
It is clear that Brexit has divided people on a very profound level, and the media has used inflammatory and emotive language to prey on the emotions of the vulnerable, fearful, patriotic, unsure and frustrated.
‘The Bremains’ (i.e. those who voted to remain in the EU) wanted to keep the status quo; they didn’t want to want to rock the boat so they voted for stability and reform. However, the Bremains were pipped at the post, and the Brexits won.
British subjects voted emotively and subjectively, while for others, it was a protest against Cameron’s leadership, immigration and EU bureaucracy. In any event, the media has had a field day fuelling divisions in society and scaremongering.
Now many Bremains are quite rightly worried, as they have witnessed a failing yet arrogant Brexit Party, assuring them that they will be able to make good with the EU. They are also convinced that “the EU will not cut off their nose to spite their face”. The logical Bremains are asking why would the EU agree to something that could leave them vulnerable to disintegration. There are a lot of concerns, and to this Douglas Carswell (UKIP MP) reassures concerned voters that “there are already 27
33.6 million people voted, which was made up of British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK; many, but not all, British citizens living abroad, plus those who had been living abroad for 15 or less years.
5
Commonwealth migrants from any of 54
states, including Australia, Canada, India, Pakistan and Nigeria could also vote provided they were residents in the UK.
We have been informed that it was an historic turnout, and the ‘win’ was marginal, with 52% in favour of leaving the EU, leaving 48% in favour of remaining in the EU. Douglas Carswell (UKIP MP) believes that the UK claimed to a nervous audience on Question Time that Britain can have unrestricted that whilst I was born in the UK, I look like an immigrant to a white person. My children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are all born in the UK, and likewise, since Brexit they feel like ‘immigrants’. These feelings of ‘uncomfortableness’ are compounded when those who voted to leave keep repeating ‘we are not racist’. Why even make the statement? For me, Brexit was about curbing the influx of EU migrants and saving the cost of EU membership, so it makes me nervous that they believe they need to defend their vote. Anyway, racist or not, the seed of resentment has been sewn, and immigrants (and nonimmigrants) are feeling uncomfortable, whether they are from the EEC or somewhere else.
access to a single market, without being in the single market, which would allow [us] to trade in goods and services under the EU rules, and that Britain could negotiate the non-payment of tariffs, similar to the ‘Norway model’ (apparently non-EU Iceland and non-EU Turkey have tariff-free unrestricted trade in goods).
We have since heard that because we have left the EU, France, (who was protecting our borders) now have no obligation to do so, so now the immigration camps that have been built at their borders, will now tipple over onto ours. There is a strong possibility that the 1.3m ex pats who migrated to the EU may have to return if tariffs and taxes prove to be too high - so what the Brexits were voting against, may well be what they receive, which will mean further animosity, frustration, resentment and racial tensions.
For many of us, the country looks like it is in a mess and all we are hearing is that the elected Prime Minister must be able to negotiate a deal with potentially uncooperative EU officials that is right for Britain and must also pick up the pieces left by those who abandoned ship.
Many voters are concerned that Brexit campaigners did not have a contingency plan, so are left wondering what’s next? Since we learned that the UK voted to leave the EU, we have watched the pound drop; we have heard that companies are leaving Britain. The shock of David Cameron resigning, the dismay in learning that 80% of the Labour cabinet have resigned; the double-shock came when Boris Johnson stepped down, followed a week later by Nigel Farage has left citizens spinning. The three main players in the game, who campaigned to leave the EU, have jumped ship, leaving those who do not know what is going on behind the scenes, paranoid and fearful. Being a black person, I am more aware now,
So what happens now?
6
We have been told that the answer is in securing a tenacious prime minister, and so Theresa May is being backed for the role, with 199 votes as opposed to Andrea Leadsom who following close behind. A Libran like Maggie Thatcher, Theresa may well lead the country with an iron fist in a velvet glove, but that strategy may well be what the country needs to get us on track. While Theresa voted to remain, I believe that because she wants stability, so she will do her best to achieve that, which makes me, as an individual, would prefer her to rule the roost.
LEAVING HOME Remember how stressful it is to move into a new city or house? Remember how it could be even more stressful when your rent is about to expire and you still haven’t found a good enough place to stay? Well, take that feeling, multiply it by a 100 and you would understand the trauma I faced when I moved to Canada.
David Cameron is still our Prime Minister until October, and is having meetings with the EU council, so it is believed he will do his best to keep things steady until he resigns.
Now, having recently being through the process of moving to North America, I have three important recommendations for anyone considering moving to that part of the world. They include making prearrangements for a place to stay for at least one month, finding out about their mobile phone requirements and possibly having a sim card(prepaid) delivered to your current home address and finally, buying a plug converter/adapter.
George Osborne is (or has been) working with the G7 (which is the Group of Seven industrialised democracies - the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom that meet annually, to informally discuss issues such as global economic governance, international security, and energy policy). The Bank of England’s rescue package is being implemented, and there is talk about relaxing capital rules, pumping up funding and cutting interest rates in order to stabilise the economy, so it don’t look so bad after all!.
I am a Nigerian who moved to England a few years ago to study for a Master degree. Surprisingly, the move from Nigeria to England was incredibly easy and seamless. Even though I had no family members in the UK, I felt little home sickness and was enthused by the thought of exploring a new country.
By Myrna Loy
Moving to Canada on the other hand presented a totally different scenario. From the first step taken at Calgary International Airport, I felt like I had been transported to a world that I thought only existed on television. There were people in cowboy hats and boots right at the door of the plane pointing us in the direction of Immigration Services. 7
You could attribute this to my ignorance- but in my mind, I saw Canada as a really cold, modern country with a mixture of French and English people. There was no place in that picture where I made provisions for cowboys and girls. This amused and worried me at the same time because I was a proper city girl who was in no way cut out for life in the country. However, I got to find out much later on that Calgary is well known for its Cowboy culture and is actually Canada’s fourth largest city. Another interesting scenario presented itself when contrary to what I was used to in England, I could not find a mobile phone sim card for sale anywhere in Calgary or Victoria International airport (which was my final destination). I had heard that the telecommunications industry was not as deregulated as it was in England but for some reason I thought “Surely, there must be a way for commuters to call their loved ones from the airport�. I thought wrong! It subsequently took two whole days for me to find a suitable tele-
phone package. So, I strongly advise you to make proper arrangements for a mobile phone sim card beforehand. Otherwise you might end up like me, spending two days without any means to contact my family and friends. Now, finding a place to stay was the biggest headache I ever had. I know you might be asking why I did not find a place to stay before my move. Well, I did try to find a place, but you can understand that landlords were unwillingly to rent a place to someone over the internet. Also, I needed to see the place first in person, before making any decisions. This caused me to rent a hotel for about a week in the hope that I would find a place to stay before the week ran out. I was wrong! It took me a month to find a suitable place and by then a large chunk of my saving had disappeared. This leads to my second recommendation. Please try to book a place in advance! It is true that several landlords would be hesitant to rent their apartment to someone over the internet, however, there are a few who understand your situation and would be willing to help you out. Finally, I recommend that you
buy a plug converter/adapter. I know this might seem like one of the less important aspects of travelling at first until you find yourself without a laptop, tablet or even a mobile phone to talk to your loved ones. The loneliness one feel when one moves to a new country could be 10 times worse when there is absolutely no one to talk to. As a result of this feeling, you may be forced to buy this item (which would normally cost five buck home) for more than twice the price out of sheer desperation. You do not want to find yourself in that situation. Therefore purchase a plug converter/adapter and place it in your luggage right now. Now, I hope I have prepared you for your journey to North America. Please remember to pre-order a sim-card, rent an apartment and buy a plug converter/adapter. Hoping you have a fun time! by Eugono
THE DESTRUCTION OF BRITAIN?
DID THE RIGHT SPERM WIN? by Vinette Hoffman-Jackson
(Did you deserve to be created?)
When I started reading the book ‘Did the Right Sperm Win?” I was confused by the title and had many expectations. I had been asked to review the book in readiness of an interview with the author, andfound the book difficult to navigate at first, but the more I read it, the more I understood its journey, and the more my expectations were fulfilled. The book is written very simply and each story is no more than two pages long, with a ‘Jerry Springer’ type closing statement at the end of each story. By the time I finished the book, I realised that wisdom is often simple, so the profound statements and analogiesshould not be underestimated. I enjoyed the book immensely because of the subtle ways it encourages personal development.Vinette develops stories from her grandfather’s snippets, her children’s enquiries and interactions with other people she has met along the way.
Peter Eyre – Middle East Consultant and Political Analysis asks: Could the people of this country ever imagine that we are about to embark on the potential destruction of Britain as we once knew it? Have you ever thought what caused the original “Financial Meltdown” in 2008? Could you even contemplate yet another meltdown that will make the previous one look rather miniscule by comparison? Ever thought what happens when the Stock Markets collapse big time? Well folks, keep watching the horizon because the time is fast approaching when the New World Order makes it final assault on the world with a much more focused attention on Britain and the European Union!!
Vinette spent most of her life in education in various capacities, where she acquired and developed the skills of mentoring, coaching, motivating and inspiring young people.She tells me that she also has a unique talent
of storytelling becauseof the way she is always analysing every-day experiences, extracting the learnings from each experience. Vinette interprets her learning with passion, often leaving her listenersfeeling inspired.Vinette won the2016 Speaking Champion of Toastmasters International Area 20 International Speaking Competition.
Vinette shares a quote by Maya Angelou:“There is no greater agony than an untold story”, and having felt the agony of her own untold story, she explains that sheeventually decided to answer ‘her calling’to write her first book. Vinette, the author to the book ‘Did the Right Sperm Win?’shares a collection of inspiring short stories, anecdotes and personal reflections that will inspire readers to recognise their true potential and find their purpose in life. She is a single mum to 3 boys, Matthew, Jonathan and Ethan.
As you all know Gordon Bowden and myself have worked tirelessly for some years in trying to uncover the massive fraud that involves the “Upper Crust” in the corporate sector the banking sector both of whom are in bed with some very senior politicians and members of the House of Lord’s!!
9
https://eyreinternational.wordpress.com/2012/05/ 18/is-britain-prepared-for-the-next-new-worldorder-created-financial-tsunami/
WHERE THE SPIRIT LEADS, I WILL FOLLOW The Spirit of Queens was created, published and printed within 7 DAYS! The poems in Spirit of Queens came as a block of information, which at first led the author to believe that the poems were borne from past life regression. However, after evaluating what had happened, it was clear that she had been the portal through which her spirit guides entered.
SOCIAL MEDIA, IT’S ANTI-SOCIAL No we haven’t sold our soul, what has happened is our socialisation has been shut down and minimised. Social clubs, youth clubs places where people hang out in a lot of areas, got closed down - there are laws against assembly, you cannot hang out in the park without being told to move on; you can’t stand on the street and talk.
The Spirit of Queens is an amalgamation of spirit led poetry that shares aspects of the poet’s life, beliefs, values and fears. This is the fourth publication by the author, who is also a visual artist and an inspirational leader.
The smoking ban and increase in the price of alcohol, has meant people don’t really nip down to the pub; most people have got cars now; a lot of areas are being built up so whilst there are more people, it feels really busy and claustrophobic.
This book stands testament to her versatility. It contains ‘tweets’ of inspiration, snippets from the beyond and words from the present.
The high street is being killed off, forcing people to shopping centres where you will now see a range of strange faces; gentrification and migration is splitting up existing communities. People are getting jobs, 9-5, plus hours travel either side, there is now no official working hours which means shift work.
It can be obtained free from your local library or as a Kindle download on Amazon.
Technology has changed - everyone has indoor entertainment readily available, the price of internet and computers/laptops decreases making it accessible to everyone not just professional smart phones then become available, (don’t forget there are people who do not need or cannot use a Smartphone, but they can use the internet, so because socialisation has decreased social media has increased as a way for people to access each other and to socialise with people with common interests due to the diminishing community. That’s why a lot of people end up on social media, and dating sites… some realise they can meet a partner, then you get people who hide behind photos, set their profiles to private, accompanied by deception and lies. Social media is actually ‘anti social’. It is something you do on your own with other people that are on their own. Think about it!! Author Unknown 10
BUY YOUR COPY NOW SPECIAL PRICE £5 Email: artowngallery@aol.com
LADY LOY 10pm til midnight GMT
Please support
Blackbright News
www.issuu.com/blackbrightnews Email: blackbrightnews@gmail.com @Blackbrightnews