Part 5, pages 121-150, 1991-1995

The UN, which most observers feel has been notably weak in performing any
monitoring function, has called for a cease fire and has been trying to arrange
meetings between MPLA and UNITA, so far unsuccessfully. UN observers,
systematically attacked by UNITA, have been driven out of most of their outstations.
UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali has recommended that the UN scale
back its monitoring mission from 700 to 64 personnel and withdraw completely by the
end of April if renewed peace talks are not underway by then. The most recent
deadline for resumed talks, March |, passed with UNITA failing to show up.

Clearly, with the rebels having seized 75% of the country, a UN withdrawal would

leave Angolans at the mercy of UNITA, its forces poised to take military control.

Recently, Angolan President Eduardo Dos Santos, in a letter to President
Clinton, has personally appealed to the United States to recognize his government.
Last October, Herman Cohen, then U.S. Assistant of State for Africa, told Congress
that once the United Nations certified the Angolan elections the U.S. government
would recognize the government of Angola. The UN accepted the elections as "free
and fair," but the United States remains, with South Africa, the only country in the
world not recognizing Angola. President Dos Santos explained in his letter to Clinton
that the Bush administration’s silence over recognition had encouraged Savimbi to
pursue a military solution, “To maintain a position which does not recognize Angola
means to favor UNITA," Dos Santos said. Certainly, after 16 years of backing
UNITA, U.S. influence and responsibility cannot be understated.

Many observers were concerned when Warren Christopher, U. S. Secretary of
State, in his confirmation hearings, suggested taking a cautious "wait and see" attitude
towards recognition, President Dos Santos has clearly stated that he needs the help of
the international community and that diplomatic recognition for the Luanda
government would signal a resounding setback for Savimbi and his rebels and hasten
their international isolation. After UNITA’s failure to show for renewed peace talks
March Ist, diplomats said that the U.S., Russia and Portugal were “weighing”
tougher action against UNITA. Even a Washington Post editorial (February 10,
1993) concluded that it was “Time at Last to Recognize Angola".

( Main Sources: Washington Office on Africa; Boabab Notes, Dec./Jan.; The
Guardian, Jan. 21; Christian Science Monitor, Jan. 25, March 2).

What can you do?

’
q
: a ie
JME a iirasubusronteniee

ANGOLANS CAN'T WAIT,
they are dying.

What can you do?

The Washington Office on Africa recently sent eo
a letter asking people to respond to the current J,

crisis in Angola. f .

We urge you to take the on a Keay |
following actions: Sai, te Oe ee

Write: Warren Christopher, Secretary of State,
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street N.W.
Washington, D.C., 20520.

Call the Department of State comment line.
Register your concern and recommendations.
The phone number is (202) 647-6575

Request that the Clinton administration:

"Immediately recognize the recently elected Angolan government and
establish full diplomatic relations.

‘isolate Savimbi and UNITA until there is a definitive renunciation of
violence and a commitment to peaceful political competition.

‘Support funding for a continued and expanded U.N. presence in Angola,
adequate to facilitate full implementation of the peace process and run off
elections.

“Investigate South African and Zairean intervention.

or %
‘Appropriate aid to the Angolan government for economic reconstruction. “ww

|

PSCCR ORS yt ORME P A aa ES AN epee igibiliseitiptien seusinstngmusrietiicriae

Sacer

TIMES UNION FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1993

By PATRICK KuRP

Statt writer

TROY — Malcolm X ~- demon-
ized and beatified, commodity and
martyr, subject of T-shirts and films

remains elusive even to his ad-
miirers.

“T think Spike Lee did the best he
could with bis movie. But for me, in
terms of learning who Malcolm actu-
ally was, the movie was a great
disappointment. It lingered too long
on the hustler routine, and it wasn't
as political as it needs to be,” said
Merton Simpson, co-chairman of the

yital District Coalition Against

*“Aparthied and Racism,

On Saturday, Simpson will lead a
workshop on Malcolm X as part of
the third annual “Realizing the
Dream” conference on race and rac-
iam. Held in Ricketts Hall on Con-
gtess Street, between Firat and See-
and streets, the conference is
sponsored by the Troy Human
Rights Commission, Troy Area

United Ministries, Council for Citi-
zenship Education at Russell Sage
College, and the Sage Colleges.

“There's so much misinformation
and disinformation about Malcolm.
ll like to give a better appreciation
of his basic ideas. Young people need
models today, and nobody's really
filled the vacuum since Martin (Lu-
ther King Jr) and Malcolm were
killed,” Simpson said.

Activist to lead workshop [ 4

He will seek to portray Malcolm as
a complex, always-changing person-
ality, not an inflexible ideologue.

“The conventional picture of Mal-
culm, especially in the media, is a
radical hate-monger. That's not true
to the reality. Only when he belonged
to the Nation of Islam did he believe
that white people were universally
demonic. He changed,” Simpson
said,

Despite his dissatisfaction with
Lee's portrayal, Simpson said he was

pleased that Americana have re-
sumed their study of Malcolin’s life

and ideas,

“The fact ia, the movie's out, and
it's catapaulted Malcolm back into
people's consciousness, ‘The net re-
sult is positive,” he said.

Another workshop, titled “New
Anti-Semitism: Fourth Reich to
Jewish Students Under Seige,” will
be conducted by Harvey Strum,
chairman of the social science divi-
sion at Sage Junior College of Al-
bany.

On one hand, Strum will examine
the emergence of ethnic nationaliam,
especially in Eastern Europe and the
former Soviet Union, since the col-
lapse of communism, and ita rela-
tion to increased anti-Semitism.

On the other, Strum will discuss a
recent atudy published by the Anti-
Defamation League of B'nai B'rith
which reported an overall drop in

on

anti-Semitic incidents in the United
States, but an increase in auch inci-
dents on college campuses. Strum
relates the upsurge to the increased

emphasis on multiculturalism and
cultural diversity,

“Often, it hides a hidden agenda,
Jews are perceived as part of Euro-
centrisin,” Strum said, citing the
pseudo-acholarship of Leonard Jef.
fries,

“It hax become more socially ac-
ceptable to express anti-Semitic
ideas, but to use other words for it.
Sometimes they're hiding behind
anti-Zionism,” he said, citing the
revival of the “Shylock image that all
Jews are rich, Jews contol the banks.
Jews control the media.”

The keynote address of Saturday's
conference, “State-of-the-art Racism
in the U.S.,” will he delivered by
Vivian Gordon, professor with the
Africana studies department at the
State University at Albany.

Malcolm X

bi,

TROY HOUSING AUTHORITY (THA) UPDATE...(last month we ran an
article about racism in the THA by housing advocate Brian O'Shaughnessy ) . on

Although snow still covers much of the ground, it is beginning to look like spring. This is
especially true for tenants who live under the rule of the THA. That is because the Troy paper,
The Record, ran a four-day, front page expose in March of the THA which brings to surface the
nepotism, racism, patronage and favoritism that tightly controls the A uthority. Now is the time to
‘ke advantage of these revelations by calling for a thorough investigation, Picase write to the
UD Inspector General requesting an investigation of the Troy Housing Authority. (Whether you
live in Troy or not this appeal applies to you because the THA is supported by your Federal tax
dollars.)
Write: Mr. Lee Isdell, Office of the Inspector General

Department of HUD, Room 3430

26 Federal Plaza) New York, N.Y. 10278-0068

What has happened around here...

Barry Walston, Tyra Ferrell Jackson, Alice Green, Don Jackson and Vera Michelson

In town...Don Jackson and Tyra Ferrell Jackson on Feb. 19th, to speak on
"Racism. Law Enforcement and Violence” sponsored by the Center for Law and Justice, Inc.
(CD-CAAR and the Graduate School of Criminal Justice of the Rockefeller College co

sponsored) Don's visit to Albany was long awaited and over 100 people turned out to hear
him speak. Getting his wife, Tyra! errell Jackson, to come with him was a bonus for the

Capital District.

Back from out of town...Welcome back to our friends Elombe Brath, Paula
Bower, Cleve Robinson, Nesbitt Crutchfield and all the others who attended the international
Solidarity Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa in February. CD-CAAR was not able to
send a representative but we know there'll be good information coming from the conference.

At Siena College...CD-CAAR members Vera Michelson and Eileen Kawola
presented a slide show "The Effect of Apartheid on the Southern Africa Region” at Siena
College on Wednesday, Mar. 4rd. The program was arranged through Siena Professor, CD
‘CAAR member Nii Nartey who hosted the event. It was sponsored by Siena’s Women and
Minorities Committee, President's Office for Diversity, History Club and Phi Alpha Theta.

At Junior College of Albany and Doane Stuart School... In
January CD-CAAR member Eileen Kawola presented a slide show at both of these schools on
Southern Africa as part of the Mocatini, Mozambique School Material Aid Project. CD-CAAR
as now raised almost $1,000 for the "school without walls” in Mozambique - money which
will be used to buy critically needed materials such as portable blackboards, paper, pencils and ./
woks. Hf you would like to contribute to this project, send a check (CD-CAAR, Mocatini
Project) to CD-CAAR, Box 3002 Pine Hills Station, Albany, New York 12203.

Merton Simpton on Malcolm X...see article in this newsletter.

7 nee
q

What's Happening?

in’ Amsterdam...Sat. April 10 - 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Paradise
Promotions presents Juan Merengue y su Orquesta Giencia Latina
Club, 59 Milton Avenue in Amsterdari, Tickets are $10 in advance
more information, call (518) 842-8142.

American
the door. For

Every other Thursday...Watch for Latin night at Parc Vin A _It runs from 6

p.m. to [1 p.m and there is no charge. 1).J.'s are spinning lots of Salsds gnd Merengues. Calk ;

Parc V for more information. (518) 869-9976,

Wednesday, April 21, 1993...Film showing: "The Meeting” - Discussion

"Malcolm and Martin - the Debate Continues"at SUN YA Campus Center, Conference Room | 7
105 at 7 p.m. No Charge. For information call Office of Minority Services (518) 454-5128. °° |

24 Hour Peace Performance...The tenth annual "Readings Against the End of the °
World" will be held on Saturday, April 24 at The 8th Step (upstairs) at 14 Willett St. in Albany.
This is a community cultural project of the Albany Peace and Energy Council. ‘The performance
begins at midnight Friday (4/23) and continues until midnight Saturday. This year's
"Readings" are an area Earth Day/Week event. For more information, call (518) 438-6314.

Pinksterfest Weekend, May 8-9... The Capital District Gay and Lesbian
Community Council will hold an Open House the weekend of Albany's Pinkesterfest. A
Coffeehouse will be staffed during the weekend and an art show will be held on the thrid floor.
The Center is located at 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany. For information call (518) 462-6138.

Peace Offerings...Peace Offerings, “the store with a social conscience,” is a not-for
profit venture designed to support the activites of the Social Justice Center. Products sold at the
Center are purchased from collectives, cooperatives, local craftspeople and wholesalers
committed to non-exploitation. The store is located at the Center, 33 Central Avenue, Albany.

Oral History on the Civil Rights Movement...The New York State Martin
Luther King, Jr. Commission and Institute for Non Violence has begun a project to create an
oral history of New Yorkers in the Civil Rights Movement. "Hundreds, if not thousands, of
New Yorker contributed significantly to the American civil rights movement, said Virgil H.
Hodges, executive director of the King organization. Many of their experiences have never
been recorded. Tapes of conversations with people who were involved in the movement will
be stored in the Institute's archives where they will be available to researchers, educators,
e*ydents and the general public. If you were active in the Civil Rights, contact the Institute.

National Alliance Against Racist & Political Oppression...April 30 to

May 2, 1993 in Detroit, Michigan, the NAARP will hold a national strategy session on
"Stopping Police Crimes," For more information about the conference, call (212) 406-3330.

Capital District Coalition Nun-Prafit
Against Apartheid and Racism Orgamzation |
A project of the Social Justice Center LS POSTAGE
33 Central Avenue PAID
Albany, New York 12210 PERMEE NO. 509
re Albany, NY

address Correction Requested

a

A very sincere thank you to all who responded to our annual fund raising letter which 4
wae sent in January - and mentioned again in our last newsletter. The response has been
great and will allow us to continue printing and sending this newsletter. CD-CAAR has

no paid staff and all our work depends on donated time and money from our members.

Your generosity helps us to keep going. So one last time (for now!) we ask that

those of you who haven't yet answered our fund raising appeal, take the time to do so.

In case you lost your original request letter, we are reprinting, for your convenience, a
handy fill-in-the-blank membership form. You will receive a great looking membership
card. and continued newsletters, upon receipt of your dues.

Suggested annual dues are $0 Circle amount $§ $10 $25 $

NR ec etivanninrenninneninnnnin rile nia tem

LOSS ess: cence pnts vnie nit wes rn nwa i en
a a cach a ac nt A Rie anien piiomee

Make checks payable to CD-CAAR. Mail to CD-CAAR, P.O. Box 3002
Pine Hills Station, Albany, New York 12203.

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1993 (details of '

Pan memnaainiiliiiia: 4

“aa Capital District Coalition

tay & e ‘
~~ Against Apartheid and Racism
: \ Box 3002 Pine Hills Station
| Albany, New York 12203
A project of the Social Justice Center

\S & August - September 1993
Se Newsletter

‘Important CD-CAAR Fall Business Meeting

a Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1993 at 7:00 p.m.
' Come and hear an update of CD-CAAR activities, plans

for the coming year and
a special educational program

. (dis)

4 "the new _worldgporder"
and its impact on

Africa, the Caribbean .
and the Americas

with Samori Marksman
) Program Director, WBAI Radio, New York City

.

PeiENN) Gf

St. John Church of God in Christ

94 Herkimer Street, Albany, New York
(in the Pastures, 2 blocks below Madison Ave. off S. Pearl)

| Please spread the word about CD-CAAR's

te first fall program

: There is a flyer enclosed - copy it, post it,
get it around town!

pF

IS AFRICA OFF THE AGENDA?

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT
ANYWAY?

Imani Countess, of the Washington Office on Africa (WOA), has told us many
times how important it is that the people in grassroots movements make their
opinions known to the lawmakers in Washington. When WOA goes to lobby
for just policies in Africa, their work is much easier if the legislators have
hear their constituents’ concerns about the issues. In this newsletter we have
printed information on Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Haiti and
Cuba. Washington needs to know what you believe U.S. policy should be
toward these countries. Take the time to write a letter, make a phone
call. We have printed below the addresses you need.

Make your voice heard!

Write: Warren Christopher, Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20520

Call: The Department of State comment line and

register your concern and recommendations. a=
(202) 647-6575 “

Write: House Africa Subcommittee
817 O'Neill House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Senate African Affairs Subcommittee
226 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Malangacana (1984;

Angola Tragedy-where is U.S. government and
media?

Have your heard that war is raging in Angola? Since the fall of
1992, 100,000 Angolans have died in the fighting which resumed when Jonas Savimbi
and his UNITA forces rejected an election defeat and resumed a full scale war. The U.N.
special envoy to Angola, Alouine Beye, said up to 1,000 people were dying daily from
fighting and war-induced famine. Relief workers are predicting that 2 million Angolans,

out of a population of about 10 million, face starvation if no peace settlement is found.
(Associated Press, 8/25/93)

U.S. recognizes Angola. On May 19th of this year, the Clinton
administration announced the long-delayed U.S. decision to grant diplomatic recognition to
the Republic of Angola (which since independence in 1975 has been recognized by every
country in the world except the U.S. and South Africa) This recognition cleared the way
for U.S. involvement in addressing the humanitarian and development needs of Angola
- but no rebuilding can begin until the war ends. Even UN relief planes are fired upon by
UNITA forces. UNITA refused to sign a new cease-fire agreement which was endorsed
by the UN, the US, Portugal, Russia and the Angolan government. Most observors
believe that UNITA will talk only when its military prospects no longer are viable.
UNITA is still receiving supplies through Zaire and South Africa.

What exactly does the U.S. recognize? Secretary of State Warren
Christopher, ina May 1993 meeting with delegates from the Washington Office on Africa
and the NAACP, stated that the administration wants to work with the Angolan
government and to pressure UNITA to stop the war. But, it is now September and what
sign is there that the U.S. has been able to put pressure on the UNITA supply lines in
order to get negotiations resumed? How successful is the U.S. or the U.N. in supplying
relief in the midst of this war?

And how would we know anyway? More people have been
killed in Angola in five months than in the former Yugoslavia in

two years! Not only are we seeing few initiatives on the part of the U.S. government
toward the Angola; the war in Angola with its staggering death toll is almost never even
mentioned by the U.S. media. The press and the electronic media have bombarded us with
news of the horrifying war in the Balkans and almost nightly debates about what the world
should do to try to stop it. We have seen the pictures and heard the stories of children
killed and maimed by that war. Yes, all agree that the break up of Yugoslavia has brought
tragic results. But why the shameful silence and inaction on Angola?

What can you do about it anyway? Again we are asking you to put
pressure on the U.S. government to help stop this war. Request that the Clinton
administration and the Us. Congress: Isolate Jonas Savimbi and UNITA until there is a
ceasefire and a return to negotiations. Investigate South African and Zairean intervention,
supporting effective action to bar the supply of arms, fuel and other critical supplies to
UNITA, including monitoring of flights and sanctions ‘against countries, companies,
individuals or groups violating the ban. Support funding for a continued and expanded
U.N. presence in Angola.

Y 7 * o
Peace stalls in Mozambique “1s / wre. Mozambique is “marking

rime,” snl waiting for the promising steps toward peace to become mo
maper, Or perhaps the better metaphor is “treading aer because ne omcethay a
dangerous. If you stop you may drown because you are in over your head. And although
neope determinedly move ahead trying to reconstruct their lives here, evervbody nee
‘hese are still very dangerous times. The “ceasefire” - which is all we have had since
October 1992 - could be broken and the terror could return.” (Ruth Minter Missionary
Correspondence Program, June 1993) eee

Joseph Handion, who has written several books on Mozambeque. xs mg out a Mozambique
Peace Process Bulletin. It is being published irreguiariy aati] the cs es elections in
Mozambique. The following information on the peace process comes from that beiletia.

Although the cease fire continues to hold and UN troops are finally arriving, in
general the peace process is stalled. “There has been little progress” in moving the two
“Ges forces to assembly points, and in demobilisation, although this is “crucial” to the
peace accord, UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali said in a report to the Security
Council on 3 April. Publicly, officials of ONUMOZ, the UN on in Mozambique,
sa) the delays are not serious. In private, however. ONUMOZ officials talk of

paralysis,” a “boycott,” and “impasse,” and “hitting a brick wall.”

7 There had been general acceptance of Afonso Dhlakama’s (of Renamo) repeated
Sasements that he will not return to war but the Frelimo Party President of Mozambique,
— a ss accused ning of bringing in arms via Malawi and of resuming

ar) ing. Fears are growing that even if the fighti peace

OEMS te drag on for yori. , eS
_..... -™ troops have begun to arrive but both money and staff
OPN UMOTZ. rewalting from both internal UN and interndfonal sore ly Seunenbbane a.
cm poamty compared to Yugoslavia and Somalia, which means it gets pushed to the
pesapane A the list. This delay is seer as the single most important factor in the paralysis of
a ee because UN delays mean the parties to the accord are not under pressure

At the time of the signing of the peace accord, Renamo and its backers
ewe ealonert expua) lo the government and a tight timescale calling for elections ang
wat wow te emphasis is being put on Renamo’s weaknesses and need to develop from
¢ pwer ae force largely involved in destruction into a political party capable of winning an
slettinn sss ubwervors agree that delays tend to benefit Renamo As one government
Siig pat & “Ww sore people an effective transition to democracy only takes place when
ie povertang party loses the election, When those people say they want to learn the
wasn, 8 Arugpha, they mean that they want to ensure the opposition wins. But beating
i eeuits will Vale Une, «9 they are slowing down the process.

«pei. te end of August, Dhlakama and Chissano held an eight hour meeting

« wieth (bey came to agreement on two of three critical points which were in dispute
lene 6 Gale tot elections could be set. The issue still to be resolved concerns Renamo's
Cueet® Chae Ue Preliime government controls much of the information that is carried in the
Ucesinean preys Continued talks were scheduled.

‘1% Southern African activists need to keep reminding Washington to keep up full
wen! fort the peace in Mozambique - support for the UN forces, encouragement for
Uaeooing oe aians, ad for reconstruction and resettlement of refugees, humanitarian

ote arta tor ve vicvins of the war, The tragedy of Angola must not be repeated in
As c1att 3 hye

4, .

Waiting for justice
in the Carribbean

Haiti

On August 27, 1993 the UN Security Council lifted an oil embargo and a freeze on
Haitian assets overseas after the parliament approved a transitional government backed by
ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Under a UN mediated plan approved by the
army, military commander Gen. Raoul Cedras is to step down and Aristide, the country’s
first freely elected leader, is scheduled to return by October 30.

An Inter-American Human Rights Commission reported that 300,000 Haitians
have been driven into hiding and 1,500 killed since the bloody army coup which forced
Arisited out of power in 1991, The Commission reported that the army has created a

climate of terror for the people of Haiti.
Again, we need to make clear to the Clinton administration and Congress that we

expect the U.S. to give full support to the return to democracy in Haiti.

Cuba

(from the desk of Nesbit Crutchfield, Coordinator Bay Area Anti-Apartheid Network)

Dear Colleagues in the Anti-Apartheid Movement,
"Please reflect for a moment on these words of the ANC President Nelson

Mandela, made during his speech to the people of Cuba when he visited their island in

1991:

"We have come here feeling a great debt to the people of Cuba. What other country
can show a history of greater selflessness that Cuba has demonstrated in its relations with
Africa? How many countries in the world benefit from the work of Cuban health workers
and educators? How many are these in Africa? What country has asked for Cuba's held
and been turned down ?"... a

... The U.S. government is attempting to starve the Cuban people into submission
by tightening the criminal blockade at a time when Cuba is already staggered by the
desotaion of the Soviet block, and the”storm of the century” which hit the island in mid-
March leaving more than $1 billion in damage, including major food crops wiped out and
40 thousand homes destroyed.

It is time to challenge Washington's hostile policies toward Cuba and its
inhumane blockade of the island. It's time to challenge the laws that violate our own
constitutional rights as U.S. citizens to know what's going on in the world, to travel in
pursuit of knowledge and meet with Cubans both at home and on the island to learn

about C ity first hand..." oe
I for you to let your Con and the administration know that you

gressmen !
oppose tinuing blockade against the Cuban people. To get involved locally in work
in sup Cuba, contact : Ad hoc Committee on Cuba, c/o Committees of
Correspondence, P.O. Box 6811, Fort Orange Station, Albany, New York 12206.

South Africa

cnn

South Africa's first one-person, one-vote election is
scheduled to be held on April 27, 1994.

What about the violence; what about voter education?
The American Committee on Africa has initiated a campaign to support free and fair
elections in South Africa, "South African Democracy.” Ina letter this past May, ACOA's
project director, Dumisani Kumalo, reminded us that the tragic death by assassination of
Chris Hani, South African Communist Party leader, should be a wake-up call to those who
had doubts about the threat of apartheid's violence to the democratic process. On
apartheid's violence, he writes: “The pre-election control and accountability of
the po is a very touchy subject. There iS ample evidence available,
including from Judge Richard Goldstone and his commission on violence, that the police
y involved in fomenting apartheid's violence. There
is fear throughout the country that this will not change and the same forces that continue to
terrorize people will be standing at the doors of the polling stations on election day.
Africa comes up again and again. In this

newsletter we are reprinting a column on the violence by Schenectady Gazette writer, Car!

of 5,000,000 people living in the apartheid created homelands - no go areas. These are
KwaZulu, led by Gatsha Buthelezi (see Allister Sparks piece); Bophutatswana , led by
Lucas Mangope; and Ciskei, ruled by Oupa Gqozo. These are the people who continue to
be denied their fundamental right to hear the views of the ANC and its allies before voting.
In addition, it is possible that there will before the election.
instead, identity cards will be required at the polls. The ANC estimates that there are at
least 5,000, black people who the government still has to issue with identity
documents,

— Pel The King Center in 1 ee
yeorgia has been asked by a number of South
African organizations to coordinate a national non ONE PERSON /
-partisan voter education project to support the
process of democracy in South Africa. The King
Center is recruiting college and university students nationally
to take part in this history making effort. Sessions will be
four weeks long, participants will be actively involved in
preparing and disseminating voter education materials,
convening community meetings, and briefing South Africans
on. democratization issues. For additional information
contact: Dr. Marcia Turner, South Africa Non-Partisan
Voter Education ago 449 Auburn Avenue,

N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 3031 (404)524-1956 - FAX
(404)526-8969.

a
« “

SpA bare eater att

- South African Spoiler

It is time Chief Magosuthu Buth-
elen'’s admurers and financial support:
ers in the United States wised up to
the spotling role he 1s playing 19 South
Africa's difficult transition from apart-
heid to nonractal democracy.

For years Buthelezi has managed
to project himself in the United
States as the moderate alternative to
the radical African National Con:
gress, the champion of nonviolent
struggle wrapped in the mantle of the
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.. the
committed democrat wedded to
American-style federalism and free-
market capitahsm as against the
ANC’s alliance with Communists

He has also been projected as “the
Zuly leader” —implying that he is the
undisputed leader of South Africa's
largest black tribe, and therefore a
player ranking equally with Nelson

Mandela and President F.W. de
Klerk
None of this is true. The latest

ommion polls give Buthelezrs Inkatha
Freedom Party 3 percent support
nationally and 31 percent in its
stronghold province of Natal. The
ANC. meanwhile, 1s grven more than
60) percent national support and 40
percent in Natal

But the most serious musjudgment
relates to the nature of the man and
the role he 1s playing. As South Africa
enters the ertical last phase of trying
to agree on an interim canstituhien to
supplant the apartheid charter and
enable the country’s first one-person-
one-vote election to be held next
April 27. Butheledi has launched a
furrous campaign to try to block
adoption of the constitulien, stop the
election and recast the negotiations

He has withdrawn ins negotiators
trom the multiparty talks, farmed an
alhance with white extremust parties
demanding a secessionist Ainkaner
state and threatened to launch a
breakaway constitutional convention
with them if he does not get he
way~warning that this could be a
test Step toward civil war,

ile 1s stomping the country in the
company of a phant Zulu king, warn:
ing that the present negotiations are

a conspiracy aimed at “obhterating
the Zulu nation” and that “now more
than ever the Zulu nation must stick
together . . . for mere survival.” it is
a reckless attempt to light an ethnic
fire in a highly combustible country.

Buthelez's behavior has so alarmed
the local media that several major
newspapers have urged de Klerk to
cut the government subsidies that
keep him funded in his tribal “home-
land” of KwaZulu, which was estab-
ished under the apartheid system

An Afnkaans-language newsmag-
azine. Vrye Weekblad, recently de-
scribed Buthelezi as “the Jonas Sav-
imb: of South Africa,” hkening him Co
the Angolan rebel who was supported

———— mal

“It seems clear
Buthelezi’s main
concern is to avoid
an election that
would reveal his
essential weakness.”

by the United States as the supposed
democratic bulwark against commu:
msm in hes country, but who refused
to accept defeat in United Nations:
supervised elections last year, plung:
ing his country instead back mfe 4
cwil owar-while an embarrassed
United States stands helplessly by

It seems clear Buthelezis mam
concern is to avoid an election that
would reveal his essential weakness
He wants South Africa's fartl canst!
tufion to be agreed 1m pre-election
negotiations in which inkatha would
have a veto, rather than man elected
constituent assembly where It will be
reduced to a manor player. ‘

There 16 also the suspicion that,
while he clauns to be a federalist.
Buthelea’s real arm im teannng up
with the Atrtkaner secessionists ty tr
actneve ethnic fragmentalion se that

dale aa A MULL an are

by Allister Sparks

WaSHINGTON Post Mospay, ALGLST 16, 1993

he can head a breakaway Zulu nation
in Natal province. The suspicion ts
strengthened by the fact that the
draft constitution now before the ne-
gotiating council 1s a federal one that
would establish Natal as a U.S.-style
state.

Elections are all-Inkatha affairs,
with most candidates elected unop-
posed. Of the estimated 3 million
people living in KwaZulu, 780,000
are registered voters. Only 12,000
actually voted in the last election in
1988.

He claims to be a federalist, yet
with the help of two conservative
American advisers he has presented
4 constitutional plan for KwaZulu/Na-
tal that appears to set the province
up for secession. Stephen Elimann, a
New York Law School professor, has
likened the plan to America’s pre-
union Articles of Confederation and
warned that it would “debilitate the
central government of a future South
Africa.”

Buthelezs commitment to fon
yolence is hkewise suspect. There ts
mounting evidence that Inkatha “war:
lords” are among the prime instiga-
tors of the political violence that has
racked Natal for the past three years,
although the ANC is clearly culpable
as well in what has become 4 battle
over turt in that divided province

Buthelezi accuses the ANC ot hav-
mg a private army although it has
suspended its guerrilla struggle.
while he himself has an official militia
in the shape of the KwaZulu Paulie
Force, which plays a highly partisan
role um the Natal violence

But itis Buthelezr's hnks with the
far-rightists and suspect elements et
the fualitary sev Urly eatublishmen
that arouse meat comeern fry a apo
aoandal kaewn as dnkathaate th wo
revealed two years ago that Takatha
was secretly subsidized from police
funds: for vears the KwaZulu Pohce
Farce was headed by a wee ante
officer of the National fnteligence
Service, and there have tei Press
diwhsnres Ob lukatha members Fe
cosa waerclhs
tyavner et Deaths eh

tramps Ghar wee '
Aucust 8, 1993
THe Sunpay GAZETTE

By CARL STROCK

No protests

over violence
in S. Africa

I have been disma by the
reports of violence os cm of
South Africa. Zulu workers storm
out of a hostel and massacre
Xhosa people in the streets of
some township in for the
Xhosas having Necked 1 death 4
Zulu peddier the day before. Num-
ber of people killed: 30.

That was last weekend. The pre-

vious weekend, 70 le were
killed in similar east massa-

In this area, the Capital District
Coalition Against Apartheid and
Racism put up a shantytown out-
side the Capitol building in Albany
and regularly mounted demon-
strations,

I wondered, where are they
now, and what do think about
these massacres? So I called Vera
Michelson, co-chairweenan of the
coalition, and asked her.

Keep in mind one profoand
ironic fact: more ach South art.
cans are being killed now, as their
country moves toward democ-
racy, than were killed in the dark-
est days of apartheid. I looked it
up: at Sharpeville, which was a
watershed in South African his-
tory, when the police opened fire
< a Pan-Africanist Congress
ore, 69 people were

At the Crossroads squatter
camp, in 1985, i
sities tA pease police shot and
Pach: Br 1986, at two dif-

, the
and killed Shame a -
During a rent strike in 1986, the
ec Opened fire and killed 20

On the 25th anniversary of

tora wr - 1985, the wilice
a illed 19

funeral

Explaining it

Vera Michelson, who
cinch af ber adult lie ae

government could

doesn't. The wt gg
-titiously supports the Inkatha
Freedom Party and encourages
attacks. ‘This is not tribal vio-
lence,"’ she assured me, “not
black-on-black violence, not rival

In other words, it can be ex-
plained! “You have to look at the
source of the violence,” she insist-
ed, and of course the source lies
outside of the people who are
doing the killing.

She cannot entertain the
thought, and I bet most cam-
paigners for justice cannot enter-
tain the that black South
Africans are killing each other
simply because they are as cruel
and murderous as other humans
beings. Lf they are killing each
other, first, it is best not to pay loo
much attention, and second, it
must be someone else's fault.

VERA MICHELSON OF CD-CAAR
RESPONDS TO STROCK'S
LACK OF ANALYSIS

| LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OAZETTE, August 29, 193

ore tn a mem ra a

 Strock ignores white role in S. African violence

Carl Strock does two things in his
column of Aug. 8. He presents black
‘South Africans as murderous, cruel
‘and self-destructive, and he portrays
anti-apartheid activists as selec-
tively sanctimonious and morally in-
dignant.

He does this by misrepresenting
the South African situation, creating
the impression that black people are
just going around killing each other
because the thought of freedom is
just too much to handle. He would
also reduce the current violence to
the common media descriptions such
as black on black violence, tribal vio-
lence etc., ignoring any deeper
analysis of what is at the root of the
violence.

When it is explained to him he
brushes it off, preferring his own sim-
| plistic description of the probiem.

The system of a declares
black people as less human than
whites, simply because of the color of
their skin. This system has led to the

| destruction and dislocation of entire
/communities, It has justified the

ests of serving the white minority. By
creating a massive majority popula-
tion of dislocated and dispossessed
people, the white benefactors have
also created conditions which have
led to much of the violence in South

Africa.

Carl Strock does not mention that
apartheid also created a small num-
ber of black people who have served
apartheid’s aims and who have defi-
nitely benefited from it. Among those
who have gained is Inkatha Freedom
Party chief, Gatsha Buthelezi. Buthe-
lezi is using all means at his disposal
to protect his ill-gotten gains.

trock fails to mention that the
apartheid government has repeat-
edly been forced to admit its collu-
sion in training soldiers loyal to Buth-
elezi. They have financed Buthelezi's

activities and ipated in acts of
violence adh opm stir up factional
fighting.

The involvement of South African
security forces in township violence
has been documented by several in-

ternational human rights groups.
Mercenaries from other countries

the dawn of freedom is not new. It
happened in Namibia. It happened in
Angola. It happened in Mozambique
and it’s happening in South Africa.
Parts of South Africa are being torn
apart by this violence which intensi-
fies in direct correlation to profess in
negotiations. This is not happening by
chance.

Mr. Strock does not see any of this;
takes no responsibility for any
analysis; and, with paternalistic myo-
pia, spreads disinformation with vi-
cious and unfounded sarcasm.

Like a leech, he feeds on the suffer-
ing and strife of the very painful
South African struggle for democ-
racy. In the process he does all of usa

grave disservice.
VERA MICHELSON

Albany

The writer 1s co-chairperson for
the Capital District Coalition
Against Apartheid and Racism.

Cres.

I si tatoes. In the first five da d timonious b
rulers: fred lam omen cre week, 130 people were billed strikes sing combected in froat of _ stealing of land and all other formsof aye also been observed in Inkatha
black people being sandered ~~ ab average of 26 a day embassies. the y | wealth from black people. It has jus- training camps in South Africa.
the streets and in their homes by ut the 3% years since Nelson morally indignamt, all ts quiet. | tified mass murder, assassinations, 4 tn indie
other black atone andela was released from | subversion of courts of law, ofeduca- — The deliberate use 0 8 :
lnkatha attack 3 prison, some 10,000 people — or- tion, of health care, all in the inter- 0us population to create havoc a
othe bartenie dae er eres taek
dynamic to death th Af- pee :

prong lneutiotéd “a= oO Namibia gets back Walvis Bay...n mid-August, 1993 the South
ren seouaeg ta in this coun- ‘ African government decided to hand back the strategic port of Walvis Bay niger This

violence. SC x rt i ; Afri Angola. UN
emng savas St = SCHENECTADY COLUMNIST, —_ | .'3!te.om seer ate arbres red Wali aya the Sle proper
were concerned for the plight of CARL ST ‘ Sag - oped y
black South Africans were ROCK , WRITES OF of Namibia. But when Namibia (formerly South West Africa) gained independence from
ing government buildings and "BLACK ON BL " South Africa in 1989, the Pretoria government refused to relinquish its claim to Walvis
lege campuses from ove end of the ACK Bay. Now the bay, which belongs to Namibia by nature and constitution, is finally under
“her VIOLENCE... OR "WHATEVER" the legitimate control of the Namibian people. (Report from the City Sun, 8/27/93)

Ul TANT ee aR 6 ny NRHA Halon SH Airaid tn onlin inkl Attia wn fobiMt yeti l BOOTS eA Lapsd a dat iY Laden

This isn't Los Angeles?
Upadate on civil rights cases in Albany

The following two articles which outline the victory of James Lunday in his
civil rights lawsuit against the City of Albany and Albany police detectives
and the long time case of the death of Jesse Davis at the hands of Albany police
are from the Advocate, Summer!993, the newsletter for the Center for Law and

Justice, Inc.
Victim of Police Brutality

Wins in Court

On May 28, Black police victim, James F. Lunday of
Albany was awarded $35,000 by a federal district court jury.
In a civil rights lawsuit, Mr. Lunday accused the City of
Albany, three police detectives, Kenneth Sutton, John
Tanchak, and Thomas Shillinger and police officer, Martha
Sidoti of false arrest, using excessive force during his 1989
arrest, and malicious prosecution. However, the jury found
that only Kenneth Sutton used excessive force and rejected
the other claims.

During the trial, both James Lunday and ex-police
officer Sidoti thestified that Mr. Lunday who was simply
standing on Elizabeth Street, was approached on May 13, 1989
by the four officers in an unmarked car. Detective Sutton
asked Mr. Lunday to identify himself. When Mr. Lunday
refused and used profanity, Sutton and Tanchak threw him
against their car and arrested him. While on the way to the
police station, Sutton and Tanchak beat Mr. Lunday and Sutton
called him a “nigger” and “jungle bunny." Once at the
station, Sutton “rammed” Mr. Lunday's head against metal
lockers. Sidoti also testified that Detective Tanchak kicked
Mr. Lunday.

While it is not illegal to refuse to identify oneself to
the police or use profanity towards them, the jury did not
accept Mr. Lunday's charge that he was illegally arrested.
Also, it did not accept his claim of malicious prosecution
although Sutton charged Mr. Lunday with resisting arrest,
disorderly conduct, and assault, all charges that were thrown
out of court.

Mr. Lunday was represented by attorney Terrence Kindlon
and Martha Sidoti was represented by Mark Mishler.

Jesse Davis Trial
September 16th
Moved to Syracuse

(Note: Since the publication of this article, the Davis trial has
been postponed from Sept. 16 to later in the fall.)

The family of Jesse Davis, who was killed by police in
1984, has made an urgent appeal to the community for help to
bring the civil rights case to court. For the past year,
family members and community residents have worked to raise
over $20,000 needed to pay expert witnesses and other costs
associated with the case. Louise Thornton, Mr. Davis' sister
and plaintiff in the case, said that “Justice demands that we
have our day in court. The police officers involved will
have all their expenses paid by the City, but we have no one
to help us."

Recently released photographs reveal that Jesse Davis
was clutching a toy truck and key case in his hands as he lay
dying. Nowhere is there a knife and fork visible, raising
questions about police contentions that Davis was shot when
he lunged at them with a fork and knife.

Folling the first verdict in the Rodney King beating
case, a local community fund was established to receive and
manage monies for the Davis lawsuit. Donations have been
made to purchase photographs, obtain records, pay fees, and
obtain the services of pathologists. Other fees and expert
witness costs must be paid soon. Because the trial will be
located in Syracuse, it will pose even more hardships on the
Plaintiff, Louise Thornton. Additional monies will be needed
for housing, food, transportation, and other costs. It also
means that many of those in the Albany community who have
followed this case for nearly a decade will not get an
opportunity to be present in the court.

All donations go directly to pay court expenses, none is
used for administrative costs. Those able and willing to
contribute any amount of money are encouraged to send
their donation to: The Jesse Davis Memorial Fund, c/o The
Center for Law and Justice, Inc., Pine West Plaza, Building
#2, Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, New York 12205.

(See next page for details on the Jesse Davis Fund)

Merton Simpson and Alice Green
Fasting in Front of Omni Hotel
for: Jesse Davis Fund

DR KING so?

D INJUSTICE

ANYWHERE

TERi CURRIE

HUNGRY FOR MONEY: Many of the guests who arrived at Albany's Omni Hotel Tuesday came
to attend a fund-raiser for the Martin Luther King Memorial Committee and eat dinner. But to get in,
they had to pass three of the area's leading civil rights activists, Merton Simpson (left), Alice Green
(right) and Gail Byres (not pictured), who were fasting overnight in front of the building, The trio
hoped to persuade the committee to donate part of the money it receives to a federal civil rights
lawsuit filed by the family of Jesse Davis, who was killed by Albany police in 1984. Last week the
case was transferred to Syracuse, greatly raising the expenses of the Davis family.

At the end of the first Rodney King trial in Los
Angeles, a Jesse Davis fund was established to help assist in
the raising of funds for the Davis lawsuit. The Center for Law
and Justice has raised significant funds; the Albany NAACP
has donated and raised over $1500 and has also arranged for
the services of a stenographer to help with the many pretrial
depostions necessary in preparing this case. However, much
more is needed.

Currently a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King is being
erected in Albany's Lincoln Park and community donations are
being solicited by a Memorial Committee. The monument will
be a visible reminder of the contributions of Dr. King and
the civil rights movement.

Alice Green, Executive Director of the Center for Law
and Justice, on the eve of a vigil and fast to call
attention to the need for funds, wrote: “Although we
strongly endorse this (the King Memorial) effort, we have
asked "The Martin Luther King Jr. Mememorial” Committee to
expand its tribute by including a living component that
would address a current and recognized injustice in our
community - something that we believe Martin Luther King
would be involved in if he were here with us. It is our
strong belief that the Jesse Davis lawsuit is such a cause.
Therefore, we have asked the Committee to financially
support the case by contributing a portion of the funds it
raises to the Davis case so that Mr. Davis’ family can gain
full access to the courts and justice."

Both Green and Merton Simpson, Co-chair of CD~-CAAR,
expressed the importance of calling attention to the urgency
for funds in the Davis case. On the fast, Simpson said:
"We feel if Martin Luther King were here today he'd be with
us." Green said: “The Davis family is poor and we believe
this request is in keeping with Martin Luther King's
principles that urge us to seek justice."

King memorial funds
won't go for lawsuit

By JOHN MORAN |
Gazette Reporter ( -}3 -4 3

_ ALBANY ~- The head of the Mar-
tin Luther King Memorial Commit-

| tee said a hunger strike would not
_ move him to expand the memorial
| fund-raising drive to include legal

fees for a civil rights lawsuit.

The Rev. Robert Dixon said the
King committee, which held a fund-
raising dinner at the Omni Hotel
Tuesday, was generating funds for
the memorial being built in Lincoln
Park and the money shouldn't be
diverted to other things.

On Monday, three activists started
a vigil outside the Omani to bring
attention to the pending $40 million
lawsuit against five Albany police of-
ficers for the shooting death of Jessie
Davis. The activists, led by Alice
Green, are trying to raise money for
legal fees and other expenses Davis’
family is incurring in order to bring
their case to trial.

Davis was shot by police after they
responded to a report of a man going
berserk at a Clinton Avenue apart-
ment. Police said Davis attacked
them with a knife and fork. A grand

| jury found it a justifiable shooting

and brought no charges against po-
lice.

“I'm not against the Jessie Davis
fund, but I'm not going to take money
for the King memoriai and dish it out
to some place else,” Dixon said. “We
are raising money for the monument.
Alice Green hasn't put a cent into it,
and none of the people she’s working
with have put a cent into it.”

Dixon said Green’s request was
“way off base.”

When Dixon arrived at the Omni
Tuesday night for the dinner he told
one of the demonstrators handing out
fliers on the Davis case: “You're nat
going to give me one of those things,
are you?”

Dixon added that his church had a
collection for the Davis fund that
raised $150.

Green, director of the Center for
Law and Justice, said she was disap-
pointed with Dixon's reaction.

“It shows they don’t understand
what is inscribed on the monument,
‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to jus-
tice everywhere.’ Are they just hol-
low words?’ she said.

“We are saying Martin Luther
King Jr. would not want a bust of
himself. He would want to help peo-
ple fight injustice.” said Merton
Simpson, another protester and co-
chairman of the Capital District Coa-
lition Against Apartheid and Rac-
ism.

“It raises the question of whether
they are using his name for their own
aggrandizement,” Simpson added.

Green said many people going into
the dinner agreed that the fund-rais-
ing should be broadened to include
the Davis legal fund.
those in the community who follow the example of Frederick Douglass. Douglass was
born into slavery and spent his life working for abolition of slavery and for racial justice.
Victor Brown also was a recipient of the 1993 award.

Merton has dedicated a lifetime to working for global justice. With CD-CAAR and
with the Center for Law and Justice, he has been an outspoken and consistent opponent
against issues of racism in the criminal justice system. Congratulations, Merton! You
truly follow Douglass’ s words: "If there is no struggle, there is not progress.”

progressive changes in the Albany School district. And his continuous recognition that the
struggle for justice for workers is not just a local concern has translated into numerous
concrete actions in the Albany union, the New York State United Teachers union and the
national American Federation of Teachers. Bill has successfully introduced resolutions
backing the democracy movement in South Africa and calling for peace in Mozambique at
national meetings of the American Federation of Teachers. We wish you the best of luck -
Amandla, Brother!

" M bs . "

A play in two-acts, "Holding car: Himself,” written and directed by Katey
Assem was held on Thursday, August 12, 1993 at the Capital District Psychiatric Center
Auditorium. The play, featuring Greg Owens, Leonard Comithier, Barry Walston,
Darryle Martin, Terry Owens and Justin Dinkins, was sponsored by the Macedonia Baptist
Church Men's Group and CD-CAAR.

Proceeds from the play went to CD-CAAR to help sponsor CD-CAAR member
Barry Walston as a member of a US Delegation to the ANC Youth Conference in
Johannesburg, South Africa. Barry has been doing invaluable work with CD-CAAR youth
projects. The conference was originally scheduled for August but has been postponed
until late fall. Thanks to all who gave their support to the play and have made donations for
Barry to represent us at this conference.

$4

Good news continued...
The Community Chronicle

They're back! Former community newspaper, "South End Scene” staffers
Roseanne Campbell, Shirley Freeman, Irv Landa, Paul Stewart, Eleanor Billmeyer and
Clarence Parker have regrouped with Editor, Art Mitchell, and are publishing a new
community newspaper, The Community Chronicle." The paper publishes news of the
community which is generally not covered in the mainstream press.

CD-CAAR urges readers to support this effort by sending news and articles, taking
out ads, donating time and money, and subscribing. Art and his staff can be reached by
writing or calling: Community News of the Albany District, Inc., P.O. Box 503, Albany,
N.Y. 12201 (518) 459-3076.

bian Pathwa store d Cultura! Oru ns
Nathaniel Bracey, Neal Currier and their families have opened a new bookstore at
215 Central Avenue, Albany. Nubian Pathways specializes in books by and about Black
people, Afrocentric greeting cards, audio and video tapes by top scholars, original art and
jewelry and Afrocentric clothing and accessories. The store also carries used books.
Hours are Monday through Saturdays - | 1:00 am to 7:00 pm. Browsers always welcome!

100 BiaacK lvien FF Ss AT) Reape

100 Black Men of Albany, N.Y. Capital Region has been formed under the
leadership of President Richard Harris. Other Officers are 2nd Vice President, Elmer
Green; tary, Woody Fulton; Assistant Secretary, Douglas Williams, Treasurer,
Azzaam Taukeed Hameed; Parliamentarian, J. Marc Hannibal, Esq. and George a.
Yanhthis, Esq.

The group has organized several committees which will help “utilize the talents and
skills of Black Men in the Capital Region as a force for positive change in the Black
—— ” 100 Black Men can be reached by writing to P.O. Box 708, Albany, New
York 12201

ServAlbany is a new event that gathers citizens to celebrate community service and
volunteerism through action. Set for October 23, 1993 at 7:45 am, the event will assemble
thousands of friends and neighbors who will do many service tasks for the community
(restore local parks and school grounds, sort and collect food at emergency distribution
sights, paint walls at neighborhood centers and much more!). ServAlbany is also a fund
raiser. On October 23, participants will work in teams and each of the members will have
solicited sponsors to support their work, in much the same manner as a bowl-a-thon or
walk-a-thon.

All funds raised from ServAlbany will be granted as training and educational
scholarships to future graduates of the Albany Service Corps, a three year old city
"sponsored program that involves youth in service projects throngnowt the city.

CD-CAAR urges your participation in this event. Albany Service Corps is
definitely servi ” SERVE THE CORPS ! Call Paul Winkeller (434-5204) or Jose
Schramm (434-51 38) for applications and more information.
Cuba

States

Somalia United

= \ Angola

Capital District Coalition

Against Apartheid and Racism
Fall Membership Meeting
presents

(dis)

“he new world

and its impact on
Africa, the Caribbean
and the Americas

wih Samori Marksman
Program Director, WBAI Radio, New York City
Founding Member, Patrice Lumumba Coalition
Expert on African and Caribbean Affairs

Wednesday, October 6, 1993 -7:00 p.m.
St. John Church of God in Christ

94 Herkimer Street, Albany, N.Y.
(In Pastures, 2 blocks below Madison Ave. off S. Pearl)

free and open to the public
(for more information call 438-0309)

JV YS

BOLI

ILIV

eH

anbiqmiezoyy

Capital District Coalition Non-Profit
Against Apartheid and Racism Organization
a project of the Social Justice Center U.S. Postage

33 Central Avenue ' PAID

Albany, New York 12210 Permit No.509
Albany, N.Y.

address Correction Requested

Wednesday, October 6, 1993 - 7:00 p.m
"the new world (disjorder" (details inside

Spike Lee Philip Agee Ronald Takaki Urban Bush Women
MYTH, MEDIA AND TEXTS:
Social Interpretation and Implication

Fall Lecture Series at Siena College

i $ s!
September 28, 1993 - Spike Lee, producer, director, writer and actor
Topic: His Books and Movies (Alumni Recreation Center)
October 28, 1993 - Philip Agee, former CIA agent, now its harsh critic
Topic: The CIA and US Foreign Policy (Roger Bacon Hall, Room 202)
November 11, 1993 - Ronald Takaki, Professor of Ethnic Studies, Berkley
Topic: Multicultural American History (Roger Bacon Hall, Room 202)
December 1, 1993 - Urban Bush Women. Using movement, music, a
cappella vocalizations, and drama , UBW creates and produces a mult-disciplinary
work rooted in popular African-American cultural traditions. (Foy Campus Center)
All events are at 8:00 pm., are free and open to the public
(CD-CAAR is proud to be one of the sponsors of this series)

Capital District Coalition
Against Apartheid

and Racism

Box 3002 - Pine Hills Station
Albany, New York 12203
A project of the Social Justice Center
anuary - February 1994

We are asking you to walk the final mile...

Some of you have been members of CD-CAAR since 1981 when the South African
rugby team came to Albany. All of you, in so many ways, have supported the
struggle for justice in South Africa over the years. And now, what seemed like
’ ‘ch a distant possibility back in 1981, is about to . The first election ever in
‘Which all South Africans will vote as equals is scheduled for April 27, 1994. As South
Africa approaches this most important election, once again show your support for
justice and peace by making a contribution toward the South African
election process. Inside this newsletter there is an appeal from Nelson Mandela.

Please read all the information carefully and then make as generous a contribution
as you are able.

Your support is as important now as it ever was over
all the years of protest. Walk this final mile for a
democratic, non-racial South Afric

The Capital District Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism
a project of the Social Justice Center, Albany, New York

8a Vawh.%.'

Shi ee AN ERO HR RE SN ER eI SUN Ae en NEN pe Senne SA ei A AUN SN AIR I A A RR nn NA A s/s WN nim AN GS

TTS rt tT TT a alucsshasendpamenapanennmecnsmuniemnednemaiineseneianans®aimlonabenaedemnainnens tiny anaptramamininens waa aaa need

Make checks out to: Fund for Democratic Elections in South Africa
‘ mail to: 729 Boylston Street, Suite 520, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

(This Fund has been established by a group of long time autl-apartheld workers in the
U.S. as a way to assist in the upcoming elections. CD-CAAR will be informed of all
contributions from our readership.)

Pe

A PERSONAL APPEAL FROM NELSON MANDELA

(reprinted from: the Fund for Democratic Blectione in South Africa appeal)

THIS IS THE MOST URGENT APPEAL I
HAVE EVER MADE FOR SUPPORT InN THE
STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY
IN SOUTH AFRICA. WE ARE AT A
DECISIVE POINT IN THE HISTORY OF
OUR PEOPLE.

After decades of selfless sacrifices, we have
succeeded in creating the climate in which a
democratic general election is imminent,

This will be the first time ever that all South
Africans will vote as equals for a government of
their choice.

Having said that, however, we remain fully
aware of the obstacles that stand in the way of free
and fair elections. Amongst these is the horrific
and senseless violence that continues to plague
our country.

Of equal concern, because it could prevent the achievement of
democracy, is the fact that we go into these elections under an enormous
handicap. The fact that the entire eligible African population like myself has
never voted and possess no experience about the voting process is an obstacle.
Another is the overwhelming disparity of resources that exists between the
Pretoria. government and the democratic movement. The legacy of apartheid
has left our society in complete disarray...

Our first and mest important task, therefore, will be to ensure
that all our people, black and white, vote knowingly and willingly.
This responsibility of providing non-partisan voter education will
fall entirely on the democratic movement = since the government
does not have the credibility to carry it out. Neither is it in their
interest.

The size of the task takes on daunting dimensions when you consider that
of the 20 million eligible voters, 18 million will be voting for the first time and 9
million are illiterate. Many of the regions in which our people live are
inaccessible, without election facilities and any other public service worth
mentioning. We also need to reach out to the approximately 6 or 7 >
people living in makeshift or corrugated squatter camps bordering most
metropolitan areas,

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The Pretoria government has already begun its election campaign. At
this very moment, it is making approaches to the very communities it has until
now refused even to acknowledge.

The Pretoria government is making full use of public and state
facilities worth billions of dollars to support their own interests.
The Pretoria government will continue to finance its campaign with taxpayers’
money as well as with funds that flow freely from many sources including the
private sector, industry, and big business. It will continue to carry its
propaganda efforts to every corner of South Africa and beyond, via the national
electronic media which have remained fully under its control.

We, on the other hand, still have to create a national electoral
infrastructure, put in place essential facilities, train and educate
electoral workers and volunteers, establish offices throughout the

‘country. Additionally, we have to reach out and communicate to
“inaccessible communities and counter the propaganda efforts of the
government in the national media.

Our organization was unbanned a mere three years Only a
Ago. We have never fought an election and will have to
acquire the skills that under normal conditions require
decades to put in place.

democratically

elected government
that reflects the real

The cost of acquiring the necessary infrastructure
and providing the essential training and education to
ensure that the elections will be free and fair will not be can realistically
less than US $100 million. But what is the cost when one
compares that to the price of failure and the result in
human = suffering? peace. jobs, and

pUATICE,

will of the majcrity

answer the ery fer

md wei: @
Another Yugoslavia? Angola or Somalia? Civil war?
Bloodshed? = Famine?

This is not an election merely to be contested between different
organizations; it is a contest between freedom and oppression, and its outcome
will affect over 100 million peoplethroughout Southern Africa. As 1 said, this
is the most urgent appeal | have ever made for support. Let us
ensure that our country's children never know the suffering and
humiliation of previous generations.

¢ Nothing can be allowed to stand in the way of democracy; not
ignorance, not illiteracy, and most certainly not the advantageous
resources of those who wish to preserve their privileged positions.
With your help and support we cannot fail.

Nelson R. Mandela

APRIL 27, 1994 |
THAT IS THE DAY THAT THE

in now 7 | FIRST FREE, TOTALLY OPEN,
elope MULTIRACIAL ELECTION IN |
“for SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY |

, . WILL BE HELD. poster stresses the a
ree or importance of proper }
identity documents. ;
April 27th will shape the future of the people of South Africa for years to
come. But there are still many obstacles to the democratic exercise of
rights by all of South Africa's people. Some of the obstacles that may

hinder full electoral participation are the following:

18 million people have never voted in an election before; they have no knowledge of
voting laws or procedures.

*Voters will not be pre-registered. They will show their identity documents at the polls. It
+s estimated that 5 million Blacks do not have any identity documents whatsoever.

“There will be 7,400 voting stations and one day of voting. Approximately 3,000 people
will vote at each station (3 per minute) - this includes time for clearing identity documents.

«One half of the Black electorate live in rural areas controlled by conservative whites and
Neo Nazis. Campaigning here is very difficult is not impossible. Traditional trespass rule
("no go" laws) allow farmers, mineowners, etc. to control access to their property.

*A poor public transportation system, and the paucity of private transportation, may

severely inhibit voters’ actual access to polling places.

*7 million Blacks live in squatter camps with no electricity and no running water.

+50% of the Black population is illiterate, 50% of the Black population is unemployed.

“The Transitional Executive Council (TEC) has 23 parties. There are 23 parties in the
elections including the ANC and the Nationalist Party. The TEC has set up subcouncils on

disagreement between the government and the TEC over the nature and scope of the TEC's
powers. According to the government, the TEC is an advisory body only and does not

have the power to issue directives. ‘The TEC believes that it has concurrent executive a ‘
powers. e |
“This difference is of serious consequence - the government would maintain that the TEC |

does not have the authority to order the deployment of South African security forces into

s
*., “#

w.

*The right wing Freedom Alliance which includes the Afrikaner Volksfront, the
Bophuthatswana government, the Conservative Party, the Inkatha Freedom Party and the
KwaZulu government are not members of the TEC. Ciskei, a member of the Freedom

Alliance, has joined the TEC.

“The single greatest threat to the conduct of free and fair elections is political violence. Over
10,000 people have died in state sponsored political violence, the great majority bein Black
supporters of the African National Congress, since Mandela's release from jail in 1990,
The South African Human Rights Commission reported that "the violence is being fueled
by elements who perceive their interests, privileges and power to be threated by a negotiated
and democratic settlement. Increased incidences of violence in the country exacerbate fear
of voting among the electorate - especially those who are first-time voters. Unless effective

action is taken to reduce bloodshed, many thousands of Black voters may be too frightened
to participate.

Groups both within and without of South Africa are working to make sure
that the election will be as free and as fair as possible. Some of the actions

being taken are as follows:

*The United Nations has promised to send between 2,000 and 4,000 observers. The
Commonwealth will deploy 70; Japan, 100; the European Union, 312; and NGO's from
Europe, the U.S. and the Far East and pledged substantial obervers.

-Voter education ( the importance of particpation, education and training of new voters,
holding mock elections) and monitoring the violence which is wracking the country are of
critical importance,

“Within the country, Matla Trust is a non-partisan organization set up to provide voter
education for Black South Africans. The Institute for Contextual Theology is another non-
partisan group doing voter education. EMPSA is a joint effort by the South African Council
of Churches, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the World Council of
Church to bring an international presenece to the grassroots level and to monitor the
violence, the negotiations process, and the run-up to elections. This program places teams
of monitors in violence torn-communities where they serve four to six weeks. (Contact for
more inforamtion: Willis Logan, National Council of Churches, Africa Office, 475
Riverside Drive, N.Y.N.Y. 10115 (212)870-2645 or Robert Dumas, U.S. Catholic
Conference, 3211 4th Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20017 (202)541-3382. In the U.S.,
the Africa Fund is enlisting people to be Election Watchers to inform people in the U.S. of
threats to a free and fair election. (Contact for more information: Dumisani Kumalo, The

Africa Fund, 198 Broadway, N.Y.N.Y. 10038 (212)961-1210.

"Passing the Torch to a New Generation: Celebrating our Youth and

Preparing Leaders for the 21st Century." Albany Branch NAACP
Annual Freedom Fund Dinner, Empire State Plaza, March 4, 1994, 7:00 p.m.

 icmmmils,

Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano Visits U.S.
to U.S. Activists: "Don't get tired!"

Eileen Kawola

On September 26, 1994 at a reception at Sylvia's Also on
Malcom X Boulevard in Harlem, and on September 28, 1994 to
about 200 U.S. activists at a breakfast meeting organized by
the American Committee on Africa at the New York Theological
Seminary, President Joaquim Chissano greeted and spoke to
friends of Mozambique. As the conditions in Mozambique
change in this new time of peace, and as development issues
become critical, this meeting provided the opportunity for
President Chissano to discuss new directions for those who
worked with, and for, Mozambique through the years of struggle.

"Our main weapon has always been to be able to ——
people and mobilize public opinion outside @)
Mozambique...Continue to do what you are doing. Continue to
support consolidation of freedom. Continue to share
experiences with new generations so that we can continue the
friendships we have built. Continue to transmit information.
Help us to destroy bad and build good," Chissano told the
audience as he expressed several times how encouraging it is to
experience the commitment of the solidarity movement.

Jennifer Davis, Exec. Director, the Africa Fund,
with Mozambican President, Joachim Chisgsano at
Harlem reception. September 28, 1994.

7©30%4

SOSTeGoTR eze4

Leen Kawola

Photo:

!

The reconstruction of Mozambique is under way...
Pastor Jamiese in front of new Methodist
Church/community center being
built to serve the people of On both occasions, Chissano
Liberdade, Mozambique. outlined the peace progress and
S the work being done, as well as
what needs to be done, 4a&
Mozambique moves toward national
reconstruction. It will be
necessary to rebuild destroyed
infrastructures and destroyed
lives. It is a country of
orphans, displaced and
traumitzed children; a country
where schools and hospitals have
been destroyed. It is a country
where millions of its people
have been living as internal and
external refugees attempting to
escape the war; refugees now
beginning to return to their
homes.

In addition to reconstruction, he addressed the issue of
reconciliation, noting that “reconciliation - the word is
misused. RENAMO broke not from Frelimo but from the whole
family of Mozambique." He pointed out that the Mozambicans who
fought with RENAMO did so first for the Rhodesians and then,
for sixteen years, for the South Africans. That brutal war of
destabilization cost Mozambique horrendous human and economic
costs. Yet, with mixed emotions and despite continuing RENAMO
demands, violations and delays, Chissano expressed hope for a
new Mozambique. He called on U.S. activists to keep working
for Mozambique by continuing to give support in many ways:
people-to people projects, strengthening U.S. government and
Mozambique government ties, calling for clear U.S. policy on
Mozambique. “Mozambique has potential. It is now one of the
poorest countries but can be turned into one of the richest and

become a partner of the United States... Don't get tiredi*

(Note: It is very difficult to find up-to-date and accurate information
on Mozambique. An excellent source of news can be found in the Baobob
Notes, put out by the Mozambique Solidarity office. Boabob Notes is a

Geliable and easy-to-read newsletter aimed at providing alternative and

often inaccessible information to people in the U.S. about events in
Mozambique and Southern Africa. For a yearly subscription (6 bi-monthly
issues) send $20 to MSO, 6 Goodrich Rd. #2, Jamaica Plain, MA. 02130-

2005. Telephone: (617)983-2239.)

——

ry ee

my,
Noting Brutal Hypocrisy: Haiti and Angola
Vera Michelson

CD-CAAR notes here that the hypocrisy of the U.S. government,
with all its noise making over free end air elections for democracy in the
world, continues under the Clinton administration and becomes very clear
when we look at two cases in point - Haiti and Angola.

AIT! - Haiti's President, Jean Bertrand Aristide, was democratically elected by
the overwhelming majority of the Haitian people. In September 1991 he was overthrown
by a gang of thugs who were on guess whose payroll? No surprise - CICADA, This is

An Americas Watch /National Coalition on Haitian Refugees report entitled
"Silencing a People: the Destruction of Civil Society in Haiti" describes the army's actions
as "systematically repressing virtually all forms of independent association." The army's Ney?
aim, according to the report, is to “return Haiti to the atomized and fearful society of the
Duvalier era so that even if international pressure secures the return of Arisitide, he would
have difficulty transforming his personal popularity into the organized support needed to
exert civilian authority over a violent and recalcitrant army.” (from Peace and Democracy
News, Summer 1993).

A Witness for Peace delegation which visited Haiti in the Fall found that there was
widespread suspicion among the Haitian people that even if the U.S, government does
exercise the power to get Arisitide back in office, it would only be as a figurehead, with a
compromised ability to govern, In the Governor's Island accords, Arisitide was forced to
make many concessions but to what avail’? It is now the winter of 1994 and Arisitide has
still not been returned to power, the army has a firm control over the country, and new
gangs are being formed, with army backing, to intimidate the people from showing any
support for Aristide. The years tick away on Aristide’s six year term. .

The Clinton administration will not support real democracy in Haiti unless pressured
to do so. Just consider Clinton's promises before the election and now his continuing
failure to establish a just political refugee policy. The Administration mouthes platitudes
about democracy and shamefully lets the military continue to rule. There is no political will
to resolve the crisis. And the Haitian people continue to suffer.

Please do not let this intolerable U.S, policy toward Haiti stand.

Contact your elected representatives and:
1. stress that the U.S. exert the necessary pressure to return Aristide to power.
2. oppose any plan for making Pres. Aristide “expand” his government to include pro-
military forces.
3. demand an investigation into the role of the CLA and other government agencies in
supporting anti-democratic forces in Haiti, drug trafficking and disinformation. \
4. ask your Representative to co-sponsor Carrie Meek's bill supporting Haitian refugets:

«

ANGOLA - Just as corrupt as U.S. policy in Haiti is the stand the U.S. is taking
toward Angola. The government party in Angola (the MPLA) won internationally declared
fair and free elections in September of 1992, Since then Jonas Savimbi and UNITA (long
backed by the CIA and South Africa) have plunged Angola into a virtual hell. Savimbi
refused to accept the democratic election results and has resumed his brutal war against the
Angolan people. The country barely functions, the infrastructure has been destroyed. A
recent U.N. report cites the Angolan war as resulting in the highest fatality rate of any
conflict in the world. Other experts call it the worst war in the world. One thousand people
a day are dying. How do you bury 1,000 people a day...?

The U.S., which both overtly and covertly armed and aided Savimbi over the years,
is largely responsible for the carnage. And now the U.S. is guilty of a conspiracy of
silence. Indeed, the silence is deafening... There are no loud condemnations of Savimbi.
‘The U.S. is not leading the fight to implement a mandatory U.N. embargo on arms, fuel,
etc,. to UNITA. In fact, the U.S. is doing very little to insure that the winners of the
democratically held election are allowed to rule,

Foreign Minister Venacio de Moura said the U.S. has special responsibility to revive
the 1991 peace accord because of its past history of support for UNITA. It is our special
responsible to let our representatives know that what is happening in Angola is intolerable
and that we expect them to be sy wa Arg possible to see that the U.S. takes the lead
in stopping the war, in denouncing Savimbi for the destructive role he is playing and in
forcing the UNITA leadership to negotiate in good faith,

The Washington Office on Africa proposes a list of specific ways the U.S. could
work to restrain its former client and bring an end to the carnage in Angola:

1. allocate intelligence resources to identify states, companies, individuals who are
involved in arms supplies to UNITA ;

2, put pressure on diamond merchants who are purchasing diamonds being sold by
UNITA to fund the war;

3. insist that South Africa stops flights with supplies, including those originating in
Bophuthatswana,

4. issue strong warning to stop ary attacks on U.S. (or other) on and off shore oil
installations,

»

«WRITE LETTERS ON HAITI AND ANGOLA+- a list of our
representatives and senators is included on the next page. Take the time to write!

«COMBAT MEDIA DISINFORMATION¢+: demand accurate information
from you local news outlets. Write op-eds, letters to the editor and meet with the
editorial boards of your newspapers to set the record straight on Haiti and Angola.

—_

A Aine eae ne ean a ton Ni ane

Pa —_— ae es

Pe aa,
"After the Coup" (Still in the Hands of the Thugs)- a report of

the Special Delegation of the National Labor Committee which is
an excellent book describing conditions as they really are in
Haiti and the true role of USAID. This can be purchased by
contacting: National Labor Committee, 15 Union Square West, New
York, New York 10003-3377 (212)242-0700. Cost $5.00,

we also suggest that interested readers subscribe to "Haiti
Reborn." Project of the Quixote Center, P.O. Box 5206,
Hyattsville, Md. 20782. (301)699-0042. (The Quixote Center has
leng been a source of valuable information on Haiti.)

Another good resource on Haiti: "Teaching About Haiti."
This is an updated and expanded 40 page edition of the teaching
guide prepared for last year's Haiti Solidarity Week. For more
information, contact Network of Educators in the Americas (NECA),
118 22nd Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 (202)429-0137.

And about South Africa... -

tie

~ This pamphiet
answers questions about the coming elections in South Africa ~- the
purpose, who can vote, the problems. It also contains a section
about the Namibia elections of 1989.

the Vote - This pamphlet addresses some of the issues affecting
Black South African women as they prepare to participate in that
country's first national democratic election. It should serve as
a valuable resource to anyone interested in the South African

_ women's movement, voter education, democracy;, and the position of

women in that country's current political transition.

(The above pamphiets are available from: The Africa Fund
198 Broadway, New York, N.Y. (212)962-1210. The cost is 35 cents
each, 20 cents for 20 or more. Minimum order is $1.00)

South African Council of Churches "Code of
Business Conduct" - This valuable report by Donna Katzin

addresses the questions of responsible reinvestment in South
Africa. (Available from: Interfaith Center on Corporate
Responsibility, 475 Riverside Drive, Rm 566, N.Y., N.Y 10115
(212) 870-2295. Cost $2.50 gingle issue; $1.50 ea. for 20.)

OL TOLLE

ph

hae

Congressional Addresses:

Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan
464 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone (202)224-4451

214 Main St.

Oneonta, New York

Phone: (607)433-2310

Rep. Michael R. McNulty
(2lst Congressional District)
217 Cannon House Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515

‘Phone: (202) 225-5076

827 O'Brien Federal Bldg.
Albany, New York 12207
Phone: (518) 465-0700

Rep. Sherwood Boehlert
(23rd Congressional District)

1127 Longworth House Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone; (202225-3655

Sen. Alphonse M.D'Amato
520 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone:..(202)224-6542

420 O'Brien Federal Bldg.
Albany, New York 12207

Phone: (518) 463-2244

Rep. Gerald B. Solomon
(22nd Congressional District)
2265 Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515

Gaslight Square

Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Phone: (518)587-9800

Read about Haiti,
Angola, Cuba. Write
Congress, Tell
them what you
think!

10 Broad Street
Utica, New York 13501
Phone: (315)793-8146

NoOt@: (provided by Susan DuBois) People from the U.S. have
been providing a nonviolent presence in Haiti as international
observers, “Cry for Justice’ has sent observers throughout the Fall in
anticipation of President Aristide’s return. The Washington Office on
Haiti has been coordinating these efforts. WOH can be, reached at 110
Maryland Avenue, NE, Suite 310, Washington, C.C. 20002, (202)543-7095.

Witness for Peace has also been in Haiti throughout the Fall.
At a conference in the U.S. in October, two of the participants from this
delegation reported on their observations. They had. encountered a
grassroots network of Haitian human rights observers working in rural
areas who bring back reports which are then transmitted out of the
country. Some of the Haitians with whom the delegation spoke said that
although they wanted President Aristide to return, even if he did not
return the democratic movement could not be stopped over the long
term.

cl

ee ee ee ee em

ome a
“a4

Work to end
the cold war
against

CUBA CUBA CUBA

(News from the Cuba Information Project
(212)227-3422, 198 Broadway, Suite 800, New York, N.Y.)

= 4

introduced by Rep Charles Rangel (D-NY) on April 29, 1993, this bill would remove
all restrictions on trade and investments, travel, as well as telephone and mail
communications with Cuba. It would life the embargo on trade by foreign subsidiaries of
U.S. owned companies (one of the provisions of the Torricelli Act passed last year) and clear
the way for unrestricted sales and donations of foods and medicines to and from Cuba.
Also, this bill would call upon the President to open negotiations with the Cuban government
to settle outstanding claims by U.S. companies whose properties were nationalized in 1959,
The bill has been referred to four House committees: Foreign Affairs, Energy and
Commerce, and Post Office and Civil Service, and Ways and Means which has agreed to a
hearing on the bill sometime in Feb. 1994. (While there is little chance this bill will pass
as it is written, we are encouraging grassroots support for it. Contact your
Representative now about becoming a co-sponsor of HR 2229. The longer the list of
Sponsors, the more seriously the call for a new U.S. policy will be taken. See fist of
Capital District area representatives and N.Y.S. Senators in this newsletter)

It is important to make sure the State Department knows there is a growing constituency
calling for an end to all travel restrictions to Cuba. The phone number for Secretary of State
Warren Christopher is (202) 647-5298.

Building on the victories of the two Caravans this year, this third Friendshipment will travel
on 13 routes eigen in 130 cities picking up humanitarian aid for the people of Cuba. For
more info: (612) 378-0062.

“DATELINE HAVANA' TRIP You can help balance the view of the NEW WORLD
ORDER. While the U.S. government restricts who can travel to Cuba, peace and justice
activists may visit the island for the purpose of gathering news for a local newsletter, radio
m or organization, Three trips have been planned for the winter of 1994. (Jan 21-30,
‘eb. 18-27, Mar.25-Apr.3) The overall theme will be getting to know the real Cuba by
exploring the many facets of the island's life. There will be visits to ho itals, schools and a
day care center, meeting with women's organizations and neighborhood block associations.
It is an opportunity to lean about Cuba's strategy for survival and how people there are
bearing up under Washington's trade ban. If you are interested or would like more
information, call the CUBA INFORMATION PROJECT (212) 227-3422.

®
Jessie Davis Update..."it's not about money.”

The sister of Jessie Davis, the Albany man shot to death by Albany police in 1984,
turned down an offer of $350,000 made by the City of Albany to settle her civil right cases
against the city and against five police officers involved in the shooting death of her brother.
As a result, Judge Neal P. McCurn ordered a federal trial to be held on June 20th in Utica,
moving the site from Syracuse where it was scheduled originally.

Corporation Counsel, Vincent McArdle, Jr., and the attorneys representing the police
defendants in the case expressed surprise over Ms. Thornton's rejection of the offer. The
have been unable to understand why Jessie Davis’ cy! is compelled to learn the truth

s

in an open letter to the community on December 23, 1993, Louise
Thornton made a request for help on an emergenc basis to help
fund the civil rights litigation in this case. $6, is urgently
needed to pay for two expert pathologists to testify at the trial.
Lewis Oliver, lawyer for the family, has said that this testimony
is very important for success at trial. Louise Thornton:
"This trial is the only way that the truth about what happened to
my brother will ever see the light of day.”
Please send contributions which will brin this important testimony to court to:
Alice Green/Jessie Davis Fund, c/o Center for Law and Justice
p> Pine West Plaza, Building #2, Washington Ave. Extension
Albany, New York 12205

ERM SRR RIORE AS A

Community Conference on Youth and the Law

The Fourth Annual Community Conference on Crime and Criminal Justice will take
place on Saturday April 16, 1994. The all-day gathering will address "Youth and the Law:
Problems and Solutions.” Area youth are involved in the planning and organizing of the
conference. Tentative workshop topics include: legal rights, survival skills, crime
prevention programs that work, and the state of juvenile justice.

The Conference is being presented by The Center for Law and Justice and the New

York State Division for Youth. Over 50 other community groups and agencies are 4 og
to co-sponsor the Conference. For more information, contact the Center at (518) 427-8361.

page oe for Program Director - Youth Crime Prevention and Legal
Rights Education ' a

The Center for Law and Justice is seeking applications for the position of Program
Director for a youth crime prevention and legal rights education program. Applicants should
have superior writing, communicartion, analytical, and organizational skills and be able to
work with youth from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. The Director will assist
i 4 devel.oping workshop programs and materials, teach mouals, do community outreach, and
evaluate programs. Those interested should send resumes to The Center for Law and Justice

(see address above)

or ee

eee te ene A ee A em

‘ ec ats te ~- --

Last January we ran an article by Brian O'Shaugnessy, Troy Housing advocate and CD-

CAAR member, who has been working to reveal t

pattern of racism , the injustice and the

and nepostism that has existed in the Troy Housing Authroity for years. Just one year later
incredible Ee has been made in changing the “business as usual" THA-due to the

persistant work of many in the Troy community.
Update on efforts to reform

Troy Housing Authority:
1993 - A Watershed Year

In August of 1993, a motion was put on the Troy Housing Authority (THA) Board of

Commissioners agenda to “completely reorganize” the
penn ee a 4 to 3 vote.

Housing Authority. The resolution

e resolution and the vote were unthinkable a year earlier, But within.
that time frame, thanks to some well-timed organizing, three of the old-guard THA

Commissioners had been “replaced.”

One of the priorities of those advocating reorganization will be to have THA adopt

and implement a serious affirmative action.
At the same August meeting, a vote was taken

to limit the runaway powers of the

Executive Director. As the newspapers wrote, Bob Hayes can no longer manipulate civil
service: he can no longer turn his back on persons of color when employment opportunities
arise; he can no longer give huge raises to favorite employees while overlooking the needs

of the residents.

Then on October 21, 1993, the U.S. Attorney's office in Albany appeared at the THA
front desk with subpoenas for volumes of Troy Housing Authority records. According to
the Troy "Record," the Federal authorities will be using the information to investigate
manipulation of civil service, nepotism in hiring and promotion, a lack of minority hiring -
and harassment of authority commissioners who voted to strip the executive of his powers.

Also in Octover, the abuses at THA became a campaign issue for the Republican City
Council challengers. ...the THA was a "vote-able issue.” On election day, the Democrats
were swept out of City Hall and the City Manager resigned.

Predictably, THA has tried, in 1993, to retaliate against its most vocal critic, Brian
O'Shaughnessy. All attempts failed, but the last was very notable: they used the Troy
Police (26 of whom are also — by THA as security guards!) to investigate Maureen

Casey (Brian's wife and co-wor

er) on politically-motivated charges of aggrevated

harassment. ‘The attempt failed when Maureen went public with an illegal subpeona (issued
by an Assistant DA who works closely with the police) for Maureen's employee personnel

file. As the deeds came to light, an apology was immediately given by the D.A. and it

appears the incident is over,

All of this suggests that 1994 will bear much fruit for the residents of the Housing \../
Authority from the seeds that began to be sowed in 1992. Cautious optimism, a watchful
eye, and thanks to all who helped along the way, will be the hallmarks of the New Year.