Not in my name five minute silent vigil

HOPE not hate / Searchlight by Cathy Pound | Monday, 14 September 2009

TUC delegates five minute silent vigil: Picture © Sid Frisby

Today, TUC delegates ended the opening session of Congress with a five minute silent vigil on the steps of the ECHO Convention Centre facing Albert Docks in Liverpool. Brendan Barber, the TUC General Secretary, called on delegates to use the five minutes not only to reflect on the vicitms of racism, such as Anthony Walker, whose mother Gee Walker had just spoken very movingly to delegates, but also to remember the 120 ships that left these docks heading to Africa for use by British slave traders.

In addition, Barber asked delegates to stand as one to reject the threat from the far right today, as they use the same tactics of fear and stirring racial tensions in our communities.

A banner and placards bearing the "Not in my Name" message were held throughout the vigil, creating a formidable wall of defiance against the two BNP MEPs elected this June.

Pictures © Sid Frisby http://www.sidfrisby.co.uk/