FRIDAY 15th OCTOBER, 5.45pm-9pm
LMHR presents “RAP, GUNS, AND RACISM” – debate + gig
ESF Music space, Alexandra Palace, London N22
A debate on racism in Britain, focusing on issues such as the demonisation of black music by press and politicians, police racism and stop-and-search, Islamaphobia, the scapegoating of asylum seekers, the activities of fascist parties like BNP, and above all how we can fight back against these things. The debate will be discussing politicians’ and the media’s obession with blaming the black community and ‘black music’ for the alleged rise in gun & drug crime, and related violence. The debate will ask is gun crime a problem only for the black community, what exactly is ‘black on black crime’, and is black or ‘urban’ music like garage and hip-hop responsible for fuelling crime and violence, merely reflecting reality, or something else? The debate will reflect on racism in the UK through the experience of young blacks, Asians and whites, and ask how can best challenge it.
Following the debate will be a two-hour showcase of the best in British black music.
Line-up:-
Debate (6-7pm): ASHER D, SKEME & BIG P, COREY JOHNSON, WEYMAN BENNETT (Unite Against Fascism), HARDKAUR
Gig following debate (7-9pm): All above PLUS – RAS KWAME, FAITH SFX, KANO, 2MUCH, LADY FURY, DJ SAMURAI, BLADE, SO REAL, NAYDEAN
ASHER D (formerly with So Solid Crew). Asher, an acclaimed actor and rapper, was jailed for possession of a firearm two years ago. He’ll be bringing his experience of the British criminal justice system and music industry to bear on the debate.
WEYMAN BENNETT, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism and national organiser of the Anti Nazi League. Weyman, who has also stood for parliament as a Socialist Alliance candidate, has been a political activist and anti-racism campaigner for over 20 years. He was the national organiser of the campaign against the Criminal Justice Bill in 1994-95.
The debate is open to everyone and questions and points from the audience will be very much encouraged.
