-------- Original Message -------- Subject: National Council of the Black Radical Congress Meets Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 04:35:41 -0500 From: Black Radical Congress <blackradicalcongress at email.com> To: brc-press at lists.tao.ca
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Following is a Press Release/Statement from the Black Radical Congress --------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
Black Radical Congress P.O. Box 490365 Atlanta, GA 30349 (404) 768-2529 blackradicalcongress at email.com http://www.blackradicalcongress.org
January 26, 2000
National Council of the Black Radical Congress Meets
Atlanta, GA -- The National Council of the Black Radical Congress met January 21-23, 2000 at Morehouse College, an outstanding and historically Black institution in the City of Atlanta, GA. In the wake of birthday celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the National Council met to discuss the important work of the Black Radical Congress. The Council continues to be inspired by the working peoples of the city of Atlanta and the traditions of those such as Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. DuBois, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the millions of men and women in the South who have fought against this unjust political, economic and social system.
In keeping with this radical tradition, the National Council of the Black Radical Congress made the following recommendations:
1. The Black Radical Congress calls on the assembly and government of the State of South Carolina to bring down the Confederate flags that hang over public buildings and institutions in South Carolina and all other southern states of the old confederacy. The Confederate Flag remains a painful symbol of slavery and racism in this country. All states should be condemned who persist in holding up the history and celebration of slavery and racial repression. The BRC supports all of the political forces who are struggling to bring down the flag in South Carolina, in particular, and other states, in general.
2. The Black Radical Congress supports the right of the immediate family of Elian Gonzales to retain custody of their child. The BRC opposes the use of this child as a political hostage by conservative, anti-Cuba forces in Miami. The BRC uses this opportunity to call for the lifting of the U.S. blockade against the people of Cuba.
3. The National Council heard statements from workers in the Atlanta area who were struggling against attempts by management to institute oppressive conditions at the workplace for workers in Atlanta and in the South, but especially for Black workers and workers of color. The BRC opposes any attempt by the Georgia Regional Area Transportation Authority to renegotiate the contracts of the workers in any way that reduces the benefits and living standards of the workers. The National Council noted that the whole thrust of liberalization and privatization supports inhumane work conditions nationally and internationally.
4. The National Council reiterates its full and steadfast support for Mumia Abu Jamal and calls for a new trial. The National Council joins with all of those freedom-loving peoples around the world who oppose the death penalty. The BRC re-affirmed its unconditional opposition to the prison industrial complex.
5. The BRC is meeting in Atlanta at a time when the whole society wants to reaffirm the ideals of peace, justice, and civil rights of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The National Council is aware that justice in the assassination of Dr. King still has not been achieved. The Council supports the call for a full investigation into the conspiracy surrounding the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.
As we move into the month of February, the Black Radical Congress encourages the promotion and support of Black History Month. Various educational, cultural and political programs and activities are being planned across the country. The life, history and contributions of peoples of African descent should be accurately validated and celebrated.
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The Black Radical Congress National Office P.O. Box 490365 Atlanta, GA 30349 Phone: (404) 768-2529 Fax: (404) 614-8563
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