Affirmative action
in Albany Co. limbo
Blacks request new official unit
By Carol DeMare “//3/S4 mm
Statt Writer ,
A representative of Albany County
Executive James J. Coyne met Thursday
with representatives of the local minority
community to begin discussions on an
affirmative action plan for Albany Coun-
ty. ;
Currently,
the county
does not have
such a pro-
gram. County
Legislator
Sandra Rose
Temple, who
represents the
Arbor Hill dis-
trict, said “the
initiative hs ———
to come from TEMPLE
the county executive.”
Temple and Michael Hurt, president of
the Capital District Minority Business
Association, met with Patricia Sager, who
is Coyne’s acting affirmative action
representative.
Sager has other duties in the execu-
tive's office, including working with the
budget officer, Coyne said.
“One of my recommendations (to
Sager) was that a full-time affirmative
action officer with staff, responsible for
affirmative action hiring and minority
business utilization” be hired by Coyne,
Temple said.
A consultant should be hired to draft a
plan, train the affirmative action officer
and staff, and train the supervisors of the
county work force, she said.
However, Coyne said he would not
“eteate another office, (which would
amount to) more of a bureaucracy
,Government has grown enough.”
Coyne said he believes it is the
responsibility of the county legislature to
adopt an affirmative action plan for the
county
At such a time as it is neccesary —~
after a plan has been drafted ~ Temple
said she would introduce the enabling
resolution before the 39-member legisia-
ture. She said she wants an affirmative
action office established before any
measure goes to the legislature.
Coyne said he would continue the
efforts he “initiated during the past eight
years ... to help minorities in county
government.”
Also Thursday, an official of the Albany
branch of the NAACP said an affirmative
action plan would adjust the “inequita-
ble” structure of the current county work
force.
Minorities “almost exclusively hold
low-paying, low-level jobs” among the
county's approximately 3,000 employees,
according to Irv Landa, chairman of the
chapter's Affirmative Action Committee.
“Not one minority person is in a
Supervisory position in any unit of the
county (government),” he said.
The NAACP should be taking its
complaints to the county legislature,
Coyne said. adding, “I think he's (Landa)
berkiig up ihe wrong tree, quite frankly.”
In fact, Coyne added, “I have two full.
time blacks on my own executive staff ~
in house — so I think we're setting the
example of what should be done count
wide. If people are qualified to work a
various administrative offices and they
happen to be black, they should be
In a related action, Coyne appointed
Garry G. Horne last Dec. 30 as a liaison to
the county's minority business communi-
ty, fulfilling a campaign pledge he made
to a coalition of minority groups.
Before he was re-elected last Novem-
ber to his third consecutive term as
Albany County executive, Coyne met with
NAACP officials and expressed an inter-
est in working on an affirmative action
program, Landa said.
Although Landa said he could not
provide specific numbers, the conclusion
regarding minorities holding low-leve}
jobs was drawn from figures provided to
the NAACP by the county.
Many of the minorities are employed in
menial jobs at the county's nursing home
facilities, he indicated.
higher percentage of blacks working for
the county than there are black residents
Landa hailed the county's efforts, but
said Albany County is late in prepa
Such a plan under federal and state
rights laws. An affirmative action plan in
Erie County has been in place since 1979,
he said.
Of the 57 counties outside of New York
State which fall under the jurisdiction of
the state Civil Service Department, 32
have affirmative acticn plans, according
to Anthony Costanzo, department spokes-
man,
assistance from the department in Seitin
up the program, he said, emphasizing that
the department is hot a regulatory
; counties
May have set UP programs on their own.
Landa said that as a “concrete di
of good faith,” Coyne should: —
@ “Appoint a full-time minorit
y direc.
of affirmative i
sate action with Support
® “Direct the formation of an affirma-
tive-action advisory council, composed of
ra a and members of the commani-
he t
area f Toh day 4 et hd ance. wha said)
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Pension tund in
py ERIC FREEDMAN KAO «| 4\ RY
Knickerbocker News Capitol Bureau
A legislative committee today was to tackle the
politically sensitive issue of whether public employe
pension funds’ should be prohibited from investing in
hanks that make loans to the government of the
Republic of South Africa.
in a related development Thursday, two Democratic
lawmakers said they will introduce broader legislation
to bar public pension fund investments in companies
“supporting and maintaining apartheid in South
Africa,” including those that sell strategic materials
there.
Apartheid is the official government racial poliey
which denies equal legal rights to non-whites.
Critics contend such mandates would improperly
thrust the state into matters of foreign relations
However, advocates counter that New York has a
vestments in 9. Africa pt
actively engaged in!
eobed.
moral obligation to prevent the use of public funds to
halster the economy of a government that follows 4 Farrell and Len tir: Aoctattaa Democrat
policy of racial discrimination and human rights said the seven puts Lo 1 . fords an New
a > ’ peed atate sot
violations York now have mete han $i ballics ad Ubeat $40 billion
Comptroiier Edward Regan, who is sole trustee of
ihe $216 billion State Employees’ Retirement System
covering 790,000 state and local government workers
plus assets invested in
oe Te tdbapeade
st Holdings °
Their bill would require the fund» to dive ;
, of South
wale
wil pensione;rs, has directed his staff to study the in: firms that are subsidiaries of aff .
potential impact of such restrictions African companies, finuncial institutions that lend
The Assembly Banks Committee was to hold the money to the South Altman government oF its
si fale ge materials such as
subdivisions, suppliers uf
trucks to the government
business in Namibia, which is cecuple
in defiance of the United Nations
Richard Schwarz, tax counsel to the Business |
Council of New York State, said his organization
opposes such restrictions because they would involye ,
the state in matters that belong within federa)
jurisdiction
first of two public hearings on the issue of South
African bank investments today in New York City. A
hearing in Albany is planned Tuesday.
Assemblyman Herman Farrell who heads the Banks
Committee, and Sen. Franz Leichter, called it
moral’ and “unconscionable” for public employee
pension funds for New York state and municipal
cinployers to invest in companies that lend money to
the South African government or are “otherwise
a
and companies doing
d by South Africa
By SUSAN SCHULMAN
Knickerbocker News Reporter -
4 aci idings in Arbor
A plan to renovate 100 vacant bui ‘
Hill is being questioned by the Albany branch of the
NAACP.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and -
Urban Development (HUD), NAACP sapere
action chairman Irv Landa said Monday he wrote 0
three concerns the association has with the project.
The concerns, which are similar to those previous-
ly expressed by Albany's Third District county
legislator, Sandra Rose Temple, are
@ The developer has not guaranteed he will make
“reasonable efforts to include minority business
enterprises in the project.”
@ The project was prematurely approved by te
Albany County Legislature without oan Mr
community “reasonable notice” the plan was £
considered |
@ There is “reasonable question” the rents for the
? e * 6 ; i - 9
Developer terms criticism ‘premature
resultant units will be affordable by the community
residents.” er,
Until those concerns are addressed, Landa’s Jan
18 letter asks the regional director of HUD's Fair
Housing and Equal Opportunity branch in New York
City to reject a $3 million grant application to help
finance the project.
HUD Regional Director Earl W. Fischer was not
available for comment.
j 5 bel an Proper-
The project is being proposed by Vuican :
ties of Aiea, whose president, Mark Simmons.
called Landa’s criticism of his project “premature
id an 4 ati federal grant to
Simmons said an application for a
help finance the project isn't expected to be filed
until March. sore
Also, Simmons said he’s already ener
affirmative action plans for his project with Ms.
Temple.
“We are working toward affirmative action,”
Simmons said. “We are certainly going to look to
hiring contractors and minorities who live in the
area.”
Simmons’ $12 million plan to renovate 100 county-
owned buildings along Clinton Avenue in Arbor Hill
Was Criticized by Ms. Temple earlier this month
when the county approved the first stage of the
housing renovation plan
Ms. Temple has said she supports renovation of
Arbor Hill.
Simmons’ plan calls for renovating 100 vacant
buildings and converting them into about 400
apartments. Some 15% to 20% of the buildings will
be set aside for low-to-moderate-income families,
according to plans sumbitted to the county
To fund the project, Vulean Properties hopes to
receive $6 million through the state Housing Finance
<s
oe:
Agency's Loan to Lenders’s program and a $3
million Urban Development Action Grant from
HUD, Another $3 million would be raised from a
syndicate of private investors
Simmons’ plan is the latest Albany project
cricitized by a group of civil-rights activists headed
by Landa
Most recently, Landa and the Capital Djstrict
Minority Businessmen's Association unsuccessfully
asked the city to require developers who receive
financial backing from the city’s Industrial Develop-
ment Agency to guarantee they will attempt to hire
minority businessmen
In September, Landa and the minority business-
men's group met with twe HUD officials to ask the
federal government to investigate the city's minori-
ty hiring practices
UBla UeneAOUaL [IT
At the time, the federal] representatives said a
formal, written request must be submitted
As of Monday, Landa said the letter had not been
written to HUD
IOG.1W sasuaTeyo dOVYN
‘ =
A feeling of pride
To the editor:
Two recent columns concerned the recent
release of Lt. Robert Goodman Jr. by Syria
due to the intervention of the Rev. Jesse
Jackson (KN 1/6/83),
Ralph Martin based his column on the
personality of Rev. Jesse Jackson and his
dislike for him, rather than on the accom-
plishments the man made in bringing Lt.
Goodman home. He talked about who held
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his arms the
day he was shot; he talked about the
supposed investigation going on with PUSH,
the comparison of Rev. Jackson with other
black mayors, and Rev. Jackson not going
through the system.
If Mr. Jackson had waited to go through
the system, Lt. Goodman would still be over
there. Mr. Martin showed his true colors of
what he thinks about the release.
Andy Rooney showed why he is a great
columnist. The headline said “Jackson coup
something to cheer.” He talked about the
good it was against the bad we normally see.
He taiked about the problems facing black
people and how this incident restored pride
in being black. He even said that “if | were
black, I'd feel a whole lot better today about
being an American than I felt a week ago.”
What a difference two men can write about
the same incident.
To me, the bringing home of Lt. Goodman
by the Rev. Jesse Jackson made us all as
blacks and many whites feel proud. Even the
president remarked that “you can't quarrel!
with success.” This is one time when a black
preacher and a black naval officer took over
the front pages and prime spots of every
newspaper and television channel in the
world. Rev. Jackson provided us with
something to be proud of: Proud that he is a
Baptist. proud that he is a minister, and
proud that he is black. If ever young blacks
needed to see this example, it was needed
and appreciated by all of us. Anyone can quit
but not all will try a million to one shot to
Succeed and nothing Mr. Martin or anybody
else can say will make black people feel
ashamed over what Rev. Jackson did.
To me it is opening a line of communica-
tions between the two countries.
Rev. ROBERT W. DIXON
Pastor
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
Albany
aad
28
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U.S. hits Albany on minority
Minister urges resignation of affirmative action director
By SUSAN SCHULMAN
Knickerbocker News Reporter
Albany's minority hiring practices are coming
under fire from the US. Housing and Urban
Development Department and an Arbor Hill minis-
fer.
Mayor Thomas M. Whalen Hl confirmed Tuesday
the fegeral agency had notified the city last month it
was not meeting its minority hiring goals.
‘The feds told us our statistics on minority
employment are below goal,” Whalen said.
While no threats are being made, Whalen said, the
agency has the authority to cut off federal urban
development action grants to city’s that do not
atfempt to meet affirmative action goals.
They said they can discontinue (grant) financing,
hut they didn't threaten,” Whalen said
The city obtains grants on behalf of developers
who have used the money to help finance programs
such as the Pastures Preservation Project.
Meanwhile, the Rev. Robert Dixon of the Mt
Calvary Baptist Churct Tuesday called for resigna-
tion of the city’s affirmative action director at a
press conference Tuescay called to announce a civil
rights convention in Albany,next month
Asked to comment m Albany's affirmative action
practices, Dixon charged the director, Harriet
Gibbons, was responsible for Albany's poor minority
hiring record.
“As far as 'm concerned, Harriet Gibbons hasn't
done anything as affirmative action officer and I
think she should resign” Dixon said
“There's a lack of minorities as city employees
and no upgrading of jobs for blacks,” Dixon said
“The Police Departrmnt and Fire Department are
Status quo,” he added.
Ms. Gibbons reponced she was surprised and had
no plans to resign, adding “I think I have done as
good a job that can be done. Of course, all of us
would like to see mors minorities get jobs.”
Whalen reaffirme?¢ his support for Ms. Gibbone,
whom he called a “capable department head ”
isis). nmr
Harriet Gibbons
.» defends job
Whalen and Ms Gibbons said they planned to
improve minority hiring practices
Whalen said he had established a committee — to
include Ms. Gibbons, Employee Relations Director
Jane McNally and Urban Renewal Agency Director
David Riker - to consider minority hiring.
Currently, 9.5% of the estimated 1,900 city
employees are minorities, Ms. Gibbons said.
Included in the figures are federally funded
positions in the city’s Urban Renewal Agency and
Albany Housing Authority
Excluding those jobs, Ms. Gibbons said the city's
minority work force was 6.6% in 1983, 7.6% in 1982
and 9.5% in 1981.
Whalen said the housing agency would like the city
to increase its minority work force to equal Albany's
minority population, or 17.8% of 101,727 residents,
according to the 1980 census.
While Ms. Gibbons said it was unlikely the city
would be able to reach 17.8%, she and Whalen said
steps were being taken to improve minority hiring
practices
Robert Dixen --
+ Faps city record
Ms. Gibbons said she and Ms, McNally were
developing a minority recruitment program and Ms.
Gibbons said she planned to meet Albany's Civil
Service Commission.
The affirmative action director said a program
was needed to encourage minorities to seek better
jobs once they were in the city work force
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0 Ritesh etl ith lat, idl de senate lth ne nit ie tte anny ite Abbi
ibor Hill’s vy,
o. | proble
nemployment
The cure still eludes Albany
@ Second of two parts.
By ROBERT WARD
Knickerbocker Mews Reporter
Almost every weekday morning, they
come to North Swan and First streets in
Albany’s Arbor Hill.
A dozen to 20 young men, they wait
with little hope for the occasional
contractor who will come by offering
work.
“Somebody might come by once a week
and pick up a couple of guys,” Robert
Jones, a self-employed mason, plumber
and electrician, said one recent morning
while taking a break from his work on a
nearby building.
For the majority of the men, most days
bring no work. So some go home, while
some stay, talking a while more or
sharing a bottle
“Who wants to sit in the house and
watch TV all day?” asked Hank, a man in
his mid-30s who said he was looking for
work. He said he did not want his full
name in the paper.
Even when work is available, “They'll
hire you for $3.35 an hour for six months,
never intending to give you a raise,” said
Hank, who has three sons and a daughter.
“I'm not saying make me vice presi-
dent,” added Hank, who said he is a
veteran and attended college for three
years, “but you got to give me some
money.”
: O
“THE GREATEST PROBLEM in Ar-
bor Hill now is unemployment,” Alder-
man Nebraska Brace said in a comment
echoed by other community leaders.
A 1982 study of the community by the
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Center
for Urban-Environmental Studies in Troy
found jobs the No. 1 concern of residents
in the neighborhood generally bounded by
Clinton and Livingston avenues, North
Pear! Street and Northern Boulevard.
Why is unemployment so high in Arbor
Hill?
Reasons cited by numerous political
leaders, outside experts and residents
include:
@ Lack of education and/or training
47% of Arbor Hill residents over 25 have
finished high school, while citywide about
66% have, census figures show,
“It all depends on education,” says
Karim Adeen-Hassan, employment coun-
selor for the Urban League of the Albany
Area Inc.
“There're a lot of young men around
here willing to work, but they can't get
the training,” said Jones, the self-em-
ployed contractor interviewed on North
Swan Street
Brace and others said Arbor Hill needs
vocational training programs
“Government hasn't placed enough
emphasis” on such training, Brace said.
He said he intends to propose such a
training center to local and state officials,
but acknowledged he has not acted on
those plans he originally outlined in
October
@ Lack of awareness or inability to
take advantage of existing programs to
help the unemployed.
“Sometimes the people in the area
don't avail themselves as much as others
might of services available in the com-
Continued on Page 8-A
“Avy anette
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JOBLESS — Unemployed men wait on North Swan Street in hopes of
getting some of the day work parceled out to Arbor Hill residents by
construction contractors. The neighborhood's unemployment rate is
the highest in the city of Albany.
No data beyond 1980 {@ aVaijab
figures are not broken down by»
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Ax¢bor Hill’s No. 1 problem remains
CONTINUED
‘nunity,” said Robert Elie, Albany district
-uperintendent for the state Labor De-
partment's Job Service.
In cooperation with RPI, the Job
Service last year sponsored a special
neighborhood outreach program in Arbor
iH focusing on job-finding techniques,
i lie said. .
Thirty-four people registered for the
»dgram, and nine found jobs through it,
t lie said, Because the program was in the
tvcighborhood, it reac residents who
(uid not travel or would not have heard
t/t elsewhere, he said.
A permanent neighborhood program,
i.dugh desirable, has been impossible
t eause the department does not have
« ough staff, he said.
Dr. Paul Zuber of RPI, who oversaw
‘ut 1982 study and last year's job-finding
.ogram, isn't satisfied with that answer.
“Any time government wants to make
something go, they can find the money. It
aids up to basically the availability of a
stuall amount of space and the retention
ot two people,” he said, referring to the
twh counselors that staffed the 1983
program.
@ Absence of many large, successful
businesses in the neighborhood.
Most employers in the neighborhood
- are relatively small, service-type busi-
nesses. Lack of jobs in the neighborhood
means workers must travel, and that
creates problems for those who do not
have cars, the Labor Department's Elie
and RPI's Zuber said.
For example, Elie said, the retail job
market is growing in Albany County with
the construction of the Crossgates Mall in
Guilderland. However, Arbor Hill resi-
dents taking a bus to work there would
have to take a bus downtown and then
another out Western or Washington
avenues.
Some Arbor Hill residents say the city
Urban Renewal Agency has done more to
stimulate commercial development in the
South End than in their neighborhood.
They point to the $3.4 million Pastures
Business Center being built by the Albany
Local Development Corp. a nonprofit
organization the city hired to help guide
economic development.
Two tenants already lined up for the
project — under construction near Green
_ and South Ferry streets — are expected
to create 40 or so new jobs, with hiring
preference being given to South End
residents.
David F. Riker, executive director of
the Albany Urban Renewal Agency,
acknowledged the city’s commercial as-
sistance in Arbor Hill has been “limited.”
The Urban Renewal Agency has been
trying to spur development of a neighbor-
hood shopping center off North Pearl
Street near the Whitney Young Jr. Health
Center.
The 30,000-square-foot retail center
would generate 25 to 50 jobs. The agency
has allocated $125,000 for site work if the
project goes through, Riker said.
Zuber called the location of the pro-
posed Arbor Hill retail center “stupid,”
saying it should be closer to the North
Swan Street commercial area.
“You're moving it out of the center of
the flow of traffic in the community,” he
said. “How do they propose the people get
there? It's not within walking distance.”
But Riker said his agency can do more
to establish the center on the planned site,
where it owns the land, than it could
elsewhere.
@ Alleged lack of affirmative action
hiring by local governments and contrac-
tors hired by those governments.
Minorities make up about 7% of Albany
city workers, but more than 15% of the
total labor force in the city, according to
city and state figures.
By contrast, about 10.3% of the 3,098
rank-and-file county employees are black
~ much higher than the 5.75% of the
labor force they represent in the county.
NO MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS for
employment in Arbor Hill are on the
horizon, observers say.
Just as there are many causes, commu-
nity leaders say there will have to be
many cures if the men who gather on
Swan Street and other neighborhood
residents are to have good jobs.
Even the jobs that may come with the
neighborhood ing center would put
a relatively small dent in-the neighbor-
hood’s jobless problem, officials admit.
Stronger affirmative action plans by
the county and city may result in some
more jobs for blacks, although govern-
mental hiring in general has decreased
with more taxpayer concern over public
spending.
One issue which may hurt Arbor Hill
Significantly is the prospect of reduced
staffing at the Albany County Nursing
Home in Colonie, which has traditionally
been a major employer from inner-city
Albany. The state Health Departhnent has
informed the county its staffing levels are
too high, and state aid may drop in
a « ~
unemployment ...
coming years unless employment is
reduced.
Lloyd Oxford. executive director of the
Albany Urban League said employers
everywhere should be “sensitive” to high
unemployment among blacks Arbor
Hill and elsewhere when they are hiring.
He urged them to work with groups such
as his which put unemployed persons in
touch with jobs.
And Zuber said an important step is for
parents, school officials and community
leaders to make sure youngsters stay in
school as long as possible and get a»
much as possible out of their education
“Today, the person who has the aspira-
tions can no longer translate that into
saying, ‘I want a job,’” he said. “You have
to have certain basic credentials to meet
the needs” of the employment market.
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SOUTH: |=
The harsh reality
of apartheid is
softened by black
workers ‘spirit
Civil Rights Coordinator Velma Hill of South
Africa. “Yet there’s a spirit among black
workers there that’s stronger than anything I have
ever seen.”
She's seen it first hand. From the hole-in-the-wall
otfices of the black unions, where the lack of even
trmewriters and mimeograph : machines Selics their
rapid growth and influence ‘ =) ew SsMmogsy,
crowded ° ‘townships ike Soweto, to which Seuth
Africa's great, black, working<lass majomtv re
turns each night, after the Joaxthels laws) turn
them out of the “white” cities,
Hill, a ¢eteran of the civil rights movement of
the ‘60s, was one of four U.S. trade untonists who
made a pathfinding trip to South Africa late last
year. Sponsored by the labor movement’s A. Phillip
Rando!ph Institute, they went at the invitation of
the black trade unions now emerging in South
Africa.
Lt (el worse than I had imagined,” says SEIU
They visited Johannesburg, Pretoria, Capetown,
Durban—and the sprawling black townships that
gird these South African cities. They met with the
leadership of major black labor federations—and
of the smaller independent unions that are spring-
ing up everywhere now that the white minority
government has grudgingly recognized the rights
of blacks to organize.
BARRACKS
In Durban, Hill met with black hospital workers
fighting for union recognition. Among other things,
they complained they are being ordered to carry
out diseased bodies with their bare hands.
In Johannesburg, she attended meetings of the
insurance workers union, on strike against Liberty
Life. The Canadian-owned company pays black
clericals with ten years’ experience less than just-
hired whites.
Ngoaka “Joseph” Kganakga, president of the city
workers’ union in Johannesburg showed her the
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“Suppo rt Black, Trudi tink
te
“hostels’—barracks-like quarters where “fore:gn”
workers from the shonv “homelands” must live
while working in the city. The general secretary
of his union has been in prison for a vear.
Kyanakza himself tells of being Ged naked in a
sack and dangled from a helicopter after being
arrested three or four years ago.
EDUCATION
At a modest dinner held for them in Soweto, she
learned how important South Africa’s small, strug-
gling middle class believes the black trade union
movement will be in changing the political situa-
tion,
he black trade unionists had not invited them to
gawk, but to see how they could help. Everywhere
the request was the same: education, training.
Education in the ABC's of unionism for the
throngs of new members, many of them from
rural areas, who the South African education sys-
tem has kept ignorant of democracy in all forms,
including unions.
Training in organizing, bargaining, grievance
handling for the stewards, most of them inexperi-
enced only because of past repression by employers
and the government alike. Training in administra-
tion for the leaders themselves, suddenly oversee-
ing rapidly growing unions that, for the time at
least, are legal.
“We've made a lot of promises,” says Hill. “We've
got a lot to give them. I only hope we get the
chance to do so,” —,
+2 ee en tebledened - | EN Te Met RN An wg enemy 4
-Pasto calisfornew
minority hiring officer
Says director ‘does nothing’
‘Ye have an affirmative
action officer who does
nothing but sit at a desk
... To me, you have to
replace the affirmative
action officer.’
By Nancy Conneil
Stat? Writer
The director of Albany's minority
hiring program stands in the way of gains
for the city’s black population, the pastor
of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
charged Tuesday.
Rev. Robert Dixon discussed the posi-
tion of blacks in Albany at a press
conference held to promote a program
next month on civil rights.
“We have an affirmative action officer
who does nothing but sit at a desk,” Dixon
said. “ .. To me, you have to replace the
affirmative action officer. It's not the
person for the job.”
Dixon did not mention the affirmative
action officer by name, but it was clear
he meant Harriet Gibbons when he said
the person also was a member of the
Albany Board of Education. Gibbons, 57,
former principal of the Albany Street
—* was elected to the school boara:
1 1979.
\
“All her votes are with the establish- |
ize the Poughkee
Commission and organi
for the purpose of getting V
the polls.
plan to get
sie, Dixon helped organ-
eae psie Human Rights
zed vote leagues
oters out to
uoted as saying, “I
gig ‘averved politically (in
Albany). I —. live where I'm not
involved politically.”
. Of his ms years in Albany, Dixon a.
“Tye never seen such a backward city be
where black people just seemed to ns :
hide somewhere .. where the biac
church did not take its responsibility ;
Concerning the Corning tenure, ay
said, “...when you've been mayor ~t :
years, youre a dictator, youre no i
mayor, Blacks and all of us are waking Up
to the fact that there must be changes.
a in, first vice president
Lillie beg ern of the National
for the Advancement of
of the Albany ¢
Association
|
— Rev. Robert Dixon
tion,” she said. “We are working against
hiring freezes, budget cuts, Civil Service
procedures.”
The latest figures show the city work
force of 1,535, excluding employees of the
Albany Housing Authority, consists of 69
blacks, two Hispanics, one Asian and one
Pacific Islander, or a 6.6 percent minority
composition, Gibbons said. The percent-
ige has shown a steady drop, from 9.5
yercent in 1981 and 7.6 percent in 1982,
Gibbons said.
When the Housing Authority employees
are included, however, the minority
percentage increases to 9.5 percent,
Gibbons said, because the authority work
force has a minority composition of about
45 percent. The city was allowed to
include the Housing Authority employees
in the county this year for the first time,
Gibbons said.
The city’s blacks make up about 17
percent of the population, Gibbons said.
on . a
je, declined comment The city’s target for minority hiring is
about 12 percent, because that is consid-
ered the percentage of blacks who are of
ment,” Dixon said, saying Gibbons nor- |
id Peo
mally votes with the board members Colored Feop
a)
al
considered loyal to the Albany Democrat- | _
ic organization. “Black kids are not taken
into account.”
“I’m surprised the way the statements
were made,” Gibbons said when told of
Dixon’s comments. “I think I've done as
good a job as could be done in the type of
job I do.”
Mayor Thomas M. Whalen 11) said," .
have confidence in the capabilities of
Harriet Gibbons, and I think the city is
Corning 2nd, and is considered a repre-
sentative of the political establishment.
“I don't understand the thought process
of those that say because you're a
Democrat you don’t have the capabilities
to perform a job function,” Whalen said,
Dixon's remarks.
Albany County Legisiator Sandra Rose
Temple and 3rd Ward Alderman Nebras-
ka Brace could not be -reached for
comment.
McLaughlin did say that the organiza-
tion has met with Whalen about affirma-
tive action.
$ j concert
yf pice . a area naid “The mayor is talking to us about it,”
n Whalen also was asked if Gibbons’ McLaughlin said, “We're getting a cordial
credibility suffered because she was "ScePtion” = Rd ay
™ appointed by the late Mayor Erastus Since taking office, Whalen has nam
George Mallory as the city coordinator
for minority business enterprise and
Lawrence Burwell as a part-time consul-
tant to the city Human Rights Commis-
sion.
In what was considered an unusual
“ ; move, Burwell appeared at a state
Bvt ope ak ieee of epee hearing Monday to argue on behalf of
tenants at Ten Broeck leer Apartments
Whalen said he had no intention of
replacing Gibbons, and Gibbons said she
did not plan to resign.
Dixon became pastor of Mt. Calvary
Baptist Church, one of Albany's larger
black congregations, in 1977. He moved to
Albany from P ie after retiring
from IBM at age 55. He worked for the
computer firm for 28 years and also was
part-time pastor of Central Baptist
Church in Sait Point, near Poughkeepsie.
in their fight against a rent increase.
Gibbons said she was beginning her
third year as the city’s affirmative action
officer.
“Yes, we have goals and timetables
which have not been met to our satisfac-
work force age. Gisbons said.
ATENEO NNCAN RAN ELLIMAN
REV. ROBERT DIXON
wants office “adiaced
Civil Rights Programming:
“Freedom Has Never Been Free”
A One-Day Conference on the Past and future of the Civil Rights Movement
Saturday, February 4, 1984
New York State Museum Albany, N.Y.
Seven Workshops on the Black Church, electoral politics, education, concepts of Black leadership in the Movement.
Keynote Speech by Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, the noted civil rights leader
Address by Dr. Frank Pogue, Vice President of SUNY-Albany
Participation in the conference is free and open to the public.
9:30 a.m.~1) a.m. Registration
10 a.m.~—11 acm. Opening Address: “The Meaning and Value of the Black History Month” -- Dr. Frank Porue, Vice
President, SUNY-Albany
Hl a.m, ~ 12:30 pom. Concurrent Workshops:
_
The Role of the Black Church in the Community, led by Rev, Timothy Mitchell, Chairperson of the
National Conference of Black Christians
Blacks in Electoral Polities — Dr. Herman George, Professor at SUNY-New Paltz
i)
3. Polities, Economics and Future of the Civil Rights Movement: Marches and Marching Through Time,
led by Michael Stevens, director of HEOP. Siena College
t. Concepts of Black Leadership: Towards a Framework for Constructive Black Leadership
5. Women in the Movement, led by Lilly McLoughlin and Connie Durant, sociology instructor at Junior
College of Albany
6. Education and the Blick Community's Progress, led by Dr. Julius Thompson, professor of Afro-
American Studies at SUNY-Albany
Role of Black Youth, led by Rev. William Callahan, pastor of the Riverview Baptist Church, Coeymans
~i
12:30 p.m.~1:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own) couraged,
R servation em fr
ganirine gio!
1:30 p.m.=2 pom, Performance by The Burundi Dancers I 445- 1764-Admss
ca us
2 pm-4 pm. Keynote Address; Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, poted civil rights leader
4 pm - Reception
For more information, call (Vijay Macwan at) 445-1764 or (The New York State Museum) 474-5842.
“Freedom Has Never Been Free” quotation by Medgar Evers, 1963
Sponsored by
Capital District Humanities Program
New York State Museum Junior College of Albany The State Education Department
Albany NAACP
New York State Museum
Photo by James H. Karales
“FREEDOM HAS NEVER BEEN FREE”
FEBRUARY 4, 1984
NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
ALBANY, NEW YORK
~ JUNIOR
COLLEGE & iE
of ALBANY
A Division of Russell Sage College
|
minis
aieatlathes tian tal eeeninmanttiiaess Lene ee ae Te a Re ETE IES
9:30 AM Registration
10:00 AM Opening Address: ‘“The Meaning and
Value of the Black History Month”,
Dr. Frank Pogue, Vice President,
Student Affairs, SUNYA. Auditorium
11:15 AM-12:30PM Concurrent Workshops
1) “The Role of the Black Church in
the Community”’, Rev. Timothy
Mitchell, Chairman, Conference of
Black Christians Room A
2) “Blacks in Electoral Politics”,
Prof. Herman George, SUNY at
~~. New Paltz Room B
“Politics, Economic and the Future
af the Civil Rights Movement:
Marches and Marching Through Time”,
Mr. Michael Stevens, Director,
HBOP, Siena College Room C
|
“Concept of Black Leadership:
Towards A Framework For Construc-
_ tive Black Leadership”, Dr. Zala
~~ Chandler; Dr. André McLaughlin,
M. Evers College Room D
5) “Women in the Movement”, Ms.
Constance Durant, Junior College of
Albany; Ms. Lillie McLaughlin,
Center For Women Room E
6) “Education and the Black Community's
Progress”, Dr. Julius Thompson,
SUNYA Student Center™
Annex
7) “Role of Black Youth’, Rey. William
Callahan, Riverside Baptist Church ee
Auditorium
12:30 PM- 1:30PM Lunch Student Center
1:20 PM- 2:00PM The Burundi Dancers Auditorium
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM —General Remarks
~Proclamation
~Negro National Anthem,
Judy Murphy-Jack
Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing
Till Earth And Heaven Ring
Ring With The Harmonies Of Liberty.
Let Our Rejoicing Rise
i> High As The Listening Skies,
Let it Resound, Loud As The Rolling Sea.
CHORUS
Sing A Song,
Full Of The Faith That The Dark Past Has Taught Us.
Sing A Song
Full Of The Hope That The Present Has Brought Us.
Facing The Rising Sun
Of Our New Day Begun.
Let Us March On ’Till Victory Is Won.
Lest Our Feet
Stray From The Places Our God Where We Met Thee,
Lest Our Heart
Drunk With The Wine Of The World We Forget Thee
Shadowed Beneath Thy Hand
May We Forever Stand,
True To Our God, True To Our Native Land,
2:15 PM Key Note Address
Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, Pastor,
Canaan Baptist Church of Christ
in Harlem jo
Auditorium
~Closing Remarks
~Reception
~Opening of the Schomburg,
“Collector's Choice’ Exhibition,
grestominammamiamenmer tga
CONFERENCE STEERING COMMITTEE ;
Vijay Macwan, Lillie McLaughlin, Emily McPherson,
Michael Stevens, Cora Watkins, Odell Winfield, Japhet Zwana.
**e e+ ke eh &
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
Junior College of Albany, Capital District Humanities Program,
Albany NAACP, New York State Museum, Cable Vision
* oe ok ok oe ee fai
THANKS TO
Gregg Bobbitt, Capital Cable Vision: Tony Bussey, Rev. Dixon,
Rev. Roland and the Mt, Pleasant Baptist Church, The Minority
Student Alliance at the Junior College of Albany, The Capital
District Coalition Against Racism and Apartheid, Andrew
Williams, Anne Pope, E. J. Josey.
Special thanks to our speakers and workshop leaders,
eskeke e kK hk
The First and Only Television Network
Devoted to Quality Black Entertainment
and Sports Programs
on
CAPITOL CABLEVISION ‘eal!
CABLE CHANNEL 25 8PM -2AM
CALL TODAY Seven Days-A-Week
489.2951 Television Worth Watching™
* o@ Oe 0B O®@ oS Ot OMS ®
es
4
)
Ss
’
*o
o
>
¥
ANGOLA,NAMIE.-A and the
Freedom Struggle
in Southern Africa
The white minority regime in South Africa carried
out @ massive invasion of Angola in December and January .
Hundreds of Angolan citizens and Namibian refugees were
killed and much property was destroyed. South African
troops continue to occupy southern Angola.
Why won't South Africa allow Namibia independence
and majority rule? Why does it maintain the racist syse-
tem of apartheid? Why does Reagan back South Africa?
Come join our discussion of these and other questions.
] w
Masani Davis member, Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism
4 South African exile and member, American-
Boj Jordan South African People's frienship Assoc.
Jim Callahan Socialist Workers Party and member, ACTWUF976T*
Friday, March 23, 8 PM
MILITANT LABOR FORUM _ ists
23 CENTRAL AVE., ALBANY Sree
434-3247 DONATION : $2, ($1, H.S./Unemployed) Lb italy ene aice
ay CRRA 2G 43
South African tanks invading Angola.
To Educate on Apartheid
On Sunday, April 8, 1984, several
Albany churches and the Capital District
Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism
joined together in a project designed to
help educate the public about the
Bpartheid system of strict racial
‘segregation and discrimination in South
“Africa, A speech of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., on the need for an international
Mboycott of apartheid South Africa was
made available in pamphlet form to
several churches for distribution to their
congregations. The Albany churches
which took part in this project were
Metropolitan Baptist, Wilborn Temple,
St. Joseph's, Mt. Pleasant Baptist, First
Church of Albany Reformed. Elijah
"pia sad Baptist, A.M.E. Zion and
Mt. Calvary Baptist, whose pastor, the
Rev. Robert Dixon is on the steering
committee of the Coalition.
The speech by Dr. King which was
given at Hunter College in New York
City on Human Rights Day, December
10, 1965, makes the connection between
America and Africa and stresses the need
for all people to work against the
apartheid system which defiles human
dignity. “The powerful unity of Negro
with Negro and white with Negro is
stronger than the most potent and
entrenched racism. The whole human
race will benefit when it ends the abomin-
‘vation that has diminished the stature of
©
man for too long. This is the task to which
we are called by the suffering in South
Africa, and our response should be swift
and unstinting. Out of this struggle will
come the glorious reality of the family of
man.”
This project was part of a national
SAseenemie
were, we re,
“two weeks of action against apartheid
and U.S. racism” initiated by the
American Committee on Africa. The two
weeks were highlighted by the commem-
oration of the ‘Sharpeville Massacre in
South Africa which occurred when a
peaceful protest against the pass laws
ended in bloodshed on March 20, 1960,
and the assassination of Dr. Martin
Luther King on April 4, 1968.
The Coalition Against Apartheid and
Racism was formed in the Capital
District to protest the appearance of the
South African rugby team in Albany in
1981. The Coalition has continued, since
that time, to Struggle against the
apartheid system and against racism. One
of the major objectives of the Coalition is
to make American people aware of the
racist system which exists in South
Africa. Vera Michelson, chair of the
Coalition, sees the involvement of
churches in this effort as logical and very
Positive. “People must be aware of evil
before they will mobilize to work against
it. The churches’ willingness to work in
this educational effort is an important
part of the movement to raise public
consciousness.”
- Eileen Kawole
anil
f -
* * * * *- * *& * * * * x ° *
AFRICAN NATLONAL CONGRESS OFFICIAL To SPEAK IN ALBANY
- ON WepNespay, May 23RD Dayip N'DABA, A HEPRESENTATIVE OF THE A.N.C.
PP RMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED ATIONS, WILL SPEAK aT 7:30PM at WILBORN
_ MPLE, 121 Jay Ste, ALBANY. MR.o N'DaBaA, AN EXILE FROM RaCIST SouTH-
AFRICA, WAS FORCED TO FLEE HIS COUNTRY IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE Soweto JY
UPRISING IN 1976,
MrRe N'DABA WILL BE TALKING ABOUT SEVERAL ASPECTS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN
S'TUATION INCLUDING THE MILITARY BUILDUP IN SouTH AFRIGA, THE STRONG
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REAGAN GOVERNMENT AND THE RACIST GOVERNMENT OF
SOUTH AFRIOQA, THE RECENT NON~AGRESSION PAOT WITH MOZAMBIQUE, ETO. MR.
N'DaBA HAS SAID THAT THE BEST WAY FOR AN AMERICAN TO SUPPORT THE ANTI «
APARTHEID IS TO HELP OTHER AMERICANS UNDERSTAND THE TRUE SITUATION IN
SOUTH AFRIM@ . WE COMPLETELY AGREE wiTH Mr. N'Dapa, AND URGE OUR MEMBERS
AND SUPPORTERS TO ATTEND THE FREE PUBLIC MEETING SPONSORED BY THE COALITIAN
AGAINST APARTHEID anpd Racism. CALL 489.1767 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
* % * * + * * * * * * * *
x « + * *
RE POR T FROM T@E& OF Fob & bs
THE OFFICE 18 STILL IN NEED OF ADDITIONAI VOLUNTEERS TO STAFF THE
OFFICE AND TO EXTEND ITS HOURS. WE NOW ARE OPEN 9am TO NOON, MONDay
FHROUGH FRIDAY. THIS OFFICE Is ouUR MAIN WINDO® ON THE COMMUNITY. THIS
‘S WHERE WE MAKE OUR CONTACTS, WHERE PEOPLE COME WHEN THEY NEED HELP,
DO YOU HAVE A COUPL OF HOURS ONE DAY A WEEK?? WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP
CaLL 462-1823 serween 9AM AND NOON ANY DAY, LiONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
~ * * + * ra * % *
* * + + * © £© #
MEMBERSHIP S5§
DID YOU RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE OFFICE SAYING THAT yYouR
MEMBFSRSHIP HAD EXPIRED??? Have you ANSWERED YET?? NoT EVERYONE HAS,
PLEASE RENEW TODAYL! MEMBERSHIPS ARE WHAT SUPPORTS THE ORGANIZATIONEE
SEND YOUR OHEOK oR MONEYORDER TO:
NihsAclaP x
O3LIVINGSTON AVE.
ALBANY, NY 12207
PLEASE RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP?
Box 3002 — Pine Hills Station
Albany, NY 12203
EDITORS FOR MORE INFORMATION Bg. :
VERA MICHELSON Al 4 : 1767 OR
ANITA THAYER AT 462-675
— PRESS CONFERENCE, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984 3 p.m,
AT L.O.B, Press Room, LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING RM#129
DAVID NDABA, ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY OF THE AFRICAN
NATIONAL CONGRESS (A.N.C.) OBSERVER MISSION To
THE UNITED NaTIons
"CURRENT EVENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA & PROSPECTS FOR
MAJORITY RULE”
MR» NDABA WILL MAKE A BRIEF STATEMENT AND ANSWER
QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS
MR.» DAVID NDABA WAS A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NATAL
IN DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA IN 1976 WHEN HE LEARNED THAT THE POLICE WERE
SEARCHING FRO HIM FOR HIS ROLE IN THE STUDENT-INITIATED SOWETO
UPRISING. HE FLED THE COUNTRY TO AVOID TORTURE, IMPRISONMENT AND/
OR DEATH AT THE. HANDS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BRUTUAL POLICE,
NDABA. NOW 29 HAS SPENT THE LAST 8 YEARS WORKING WITH
THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CoNGREss (A.N.C.) FOR THE LIBERATION OF HIS
COUNTRY,
HE IS PRESENTLY THE LEADING MEMBER OF THE A.N.C. MISSION
“MORE-
i .4
TO THE UNITED NATIONS,
NDABA IS IN THE ALBANY AREA AS THE GUEST OF THE
CAPITAL DISTRICT COALITION AGAINST APARTHEID AND RACISM, HE
WILL GIVE A PUBLIC LECTURE ON WEDNESDAY. MAY 23, 1984 at 7:30
P.M. IN THE WILBORN TEMPLE, 121 JAY STREET, ALBANY,
THIS IS THE FIRST VISIT OF AN A.N.C, REPRESENTATIVE
TO ALBANY SINCE THE SOUTH AFRICAN SPRINGBOK RUGBY PROTEST IN
SEPTEMBER 1981,
+ 5th.
Capital District Coalition
Against Apartheid
and Racism |
Boz 3002 — Pine Hills Station
Albany, NY 122023
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY
CONTACT: VERA MICHELSON
489.1767
PRESS RELEASE
THE COALITION AGAINST APARTHEID AND RACISM IS SPONSORING
AN EVENING CALLED FOCUS ON SOUTH AFRICA _, WEDNESDAY,
arene tate AL
MAY 23 AT 7:30 P.M. AT THE WILBORN TEMPLE CHURCH..2I JAY
ST. IN ALBANY.
GUEST SPEAKER WILL BE MR. DAVID NDABA, ADMINISTRATIVE
SECRETARY OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS OBSERVER MISSION
TO THE UNITED NATIONS.
MR NDABA'S ADDRESS WILL INCLUDE SUCH TOPICS AS THE SOUTH
AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS IN THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE.
A QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD WILL FOLLOW. THE PUBLIC IS
INVITED.
: “et
Capital District Coalition
Against Apartheid and Racism
inviles you to attend
Focus on South Africa
Wednesday, May 23, 1984, 7'30 p.m, Featuring
Wilborn Temple, 121 Jay St, Albany, :y Davi d N daba
: | on
David Ndaba
“the Douth African mililary
° the sidn ficance of South
Africa’s non aggression pact
with Mozambigie
- the Washinatén / Pretoria
daonection” a/
* the role of the A.N.C.
(African National Congiess)
Learn more about
| the sty le oe
apartnet
Mr Ndaba is currently serving as
Everyone welcome Ni: ae coreneny: eae
Free of charge ot : alions, In 1916 he was 2
> Iinited fh
scence student at the University of Natal
in Durban, South Africa, After the Soweto
For more information Laprisiing of that year, he learned that the
call 489-1767 ‘oie searching for him and left the
Gu. Safs7
Despite objection, olonie okays concerts
By Bennett Roth
Statt Writer
COLONIE — A black refugee from
South Africa made an impassioned
pitch to the town board Thursday not
to allow two singers to\perform in
Heritage Park this summer,
Bonjana Jordan, president of the
American South African Peeples’
Friendship Association of Albany, said:
that entertainers Neil Sedaka and the
Temptations should be “culturally
ostracized” because they had per-
eso in South Africa.
a . (ta: ica sii
aproved. og a
agreement oh Capital E ital E See iaeen
Inc. to foe. ta bald ts cenasria at the bg lipark.
_ Board members cited the sa&ictity of
to free speech a
the right to sing.
The Albany County Legislature ap
proved @ similar resolution last week
since the park is jointly owneg by the
town and county.
Jordan said that by perfo#ming in
— Africa, Sedaka and the Tempta-
had “aided and abetted in the
perma oe
of 600. performers listed by the United
Nations who have performed in the
country where there is legal separa-
tions of blacks, whites, and those of
mixed ancestry.
“Do not let those who have identified
themselves with this satanic policy
denigrate this holy ground,” he said.
Jordan tried to wave aside the free
speech argument saying, “The First
Amendment is a piece of paper, this is
a moral question,”
“Where was the First Amendment
when Americans decided not to send
eo pari” Tey mba akc ee
Pld, while saying he had never
< approved of aparthe}d, said the “First
Amendment is more than a piece af
paper.”
’ Pe deny ene peruon tee right of tree
speech would be to deny it to every
one,” he said. -
Board member Dean Rueckert said
“I feel the government is wrong to
make the decisions of individuals.”
When asked what his group would do
after the tewn board a ko agra the
resolution Jordan said, “We just. have
no alternative but to be ny agp be a 4
CAPITAL DISTRICT COALITION AGAINST APARTHEID AND RACISM
A PROJECT OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER
BOX 3002 - Pine Hills Station
Albany, New York 12203
MEETINGS ARE HELD THE
NEXT
% “TING:
April 11, 1983
Wed., 7:30 PeMe
NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER
340 First Street, Albany, N.Y.
DIVESTMENT WORK IN NEW YORK STATE
On March 20, 1981, Boji Jordan of
ASAPFA, Irv Landa of the NAACP, Rev.’
Joyce Giles, Executive Director of the
Albany Area Council of Churches, Lars
Isaacson, Vice President of the Student
Association of the State University and
Anita Thayer of the Capital District =
Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism 3
met with Kenneth Shapiro, counsel to =z
Assembly Majority Leader Fink to discuss ¥
the issue of divestment of public pension
funds from businesses investing in South
“rica, Mr, Shapiro indicated his support
~or the principle of divestment and prom-
ised to work closely with Assemblymen
Herman Farrell and Arthur Eve on this
issue. .
The Civil Service Employees Associa-
tion announced its support of divestment.
If you are a member of a public employees
union and want: to work through your union
¥
gS
on this igsue,*dgll Coalition member Gary a
Pavlic at 62-I609, b
UK FEELINGS RE
All Coalition members should write
to Senator Warren Anderson,. Senate Ma jor-
itv Leader, and to’ your own state senator «
to express support for the divestment of las
public fund funds from South Africa. fr
There is significant Support for divest-
ment in the Assembly, however, we must
develop support in the Senate. For more ©
information on divestment, call Anita ww
Thayer at 462-6753, aS
YOUR VOICE 1S NEEDED -> make A CALL, Ww
SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER
On March 17, 198, the Coalition
held a very successful fundraiser at
Otis' in Albany. Everyone enjoyed the
music and fashion show and the chance
to talk with friends. Special tha k
to Otis, Cindy Robinson kaa Milton. r
ELECTION HELD
At the March meeting of the
Coalition, a chair and a steering
committee were elected, The
chair is Vera Michelson and the
steering committee members are
Anita Thayer, Tony Scott, Rev,
Robert Dixon, Eileen Kawola,
Jim Wright, Shirley Lumpkin and
Bill Ritchie. Barbara Henderer
Will continue to serve as Treas
urer,.
COALITION AND CHURCHES
JOIN IN JOINT EFFORT
As part of the "Two Weeks
of National Anti-Apartheid Actior
the Coalition made available to
several local churches copies of
& speech made by Dr. Martin Luthe
King in 1965 calling for an
international boycott of aparthei
South Africa. Churches which
worked with us in this education-
al effort are Mt, Calvary Baptist
Metropolitan Baptist, Wilborn
Temple, St. Joseph's, Mt. Pleasar
Baptist, Westminster Presbyteriar
and First Church in Albany.
Euucation of the public
about the ape eid system is
an important first s ep in the
Struggle to end this racist evil.
We are gratefu o the churches
for their cooperation.
EDUCATION
ny Scott presented an
interesting and very informative
talk on Angola at our March meet -
ing. He will follow it up with
a talk on other front line states
at the April meeting.
Marshall. Yongratulations to Shirley Lumpkin
er ee eee
+
hast
aa
Whats the story behind Namibig 7 Slory - Pot 2 of 2
Today, Namibia's population, settlement patterns and economic develop-
ment reflect the decades of colontal exploitation and the later, more brutal
enforcement of the South African aparthetd System. A recent study for the
United Nations Institute for Namibia Places the population at about 1,250,000
comprised of at least 1,035,000 Africans, 115,000 Coloured (people of mixed
descent) and 100,000 whites of European descent. In addition, there are
approximately 70,000 personnel of South Africa's Lllegally occupying armed
forces. The whites make up less than 10 percent of the population but occupy
the most productive 3 percent of Namibia's land for agriculture and grazing.
The African majority has been confined to "homeland" or "bantustans" on the
most impoverished 0 percent of the land. On the remaining 17 percent of
the land are the vast mineral reserves, copper, uranium and diamunds. The
uranium and diamonds are under the control of the South African government.
Many black Namibians who cannot eke out a living in the homelands are forced
to micrate to @ so-called w 6 areas ‘in order to seek gainful employment.
a situation e that which exists in South Africa, The white and foreign
Owned economic enterprises are thereby provided with a plentiful and cheap
labor supply.
On April 19, 1960, SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization) was
formed. SWAPO's constitution, adopted in 1976, defines SWAPO, "SWAPO Ls .
a national liberat ton movement rallying together, on the basis of free and
voluntary association, all freedom-insptred sons and daughters of the ;
Namibian people. It is the organized political vanguard of the oppressed
and exploited people of Namibla. In fulfilling its vanguard role, SWAPO
organizes, unites, inspires, orients and leads the broad masses of the work-
ing Namibian people in the Struggle for national and social liberation. It
is thus the expression and embodiment of national unity, of a whole people
united and organized in the Struggle for total independence and social
liberation."
Throughout the 1960's, SWAPO Struggled to liberate Namibia from South
frica's illegal occupation of their country, its fragmentation of their
land tnto "bantustans,"” and its depletion of their natural resources and
exploitation of their labor. South Africa responded with ruthless measures
of repression beginning with the {llegal arrest, deportation and trial Ek <q
Pretoria of 37 South West Africans in 1967 and the imprisonment in 1968 of
Herman Tolvo, the founder of SWAPO. In addition, South Africa extented its
apartheid legislation to Namibia, proclaimed three "homelands" as security
districts, which, in effect, placed 50 percent of Namibia's population under
martial law. South Africa also built up its military presence in the area.
Through these, and other repressive measures, South Africa has been able to
maintain its illegal hold over Namibia.
In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations recognized the
national liberation movement of Namibia, SWAPO, as the authentic representa-
tive of the Namibian people, and su~ported the efforts of the movement to
strengthen national unity. SWAPO ts also recognized as the legitimate repre-
sentative of the Namibian people by the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
In the face of the South African repression, a military wing of SWAPO
was formed - the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN). Because of
South Africa's tightening of the grip on economic and politioal internal
activities of SWAPO, armed liberation struggle has become a major form of
SWAPO's campaign to bring about total and genuine independence to the people
of Namibia, E. Kawola
Adapted from the following sources: Plunder of Namibian Uranium, U.N.
~ablication, 1982, Constitution of the South West Africa Peo le's Organization
ablication of the SWAPO Department for Publicity and Information, Namibia:
A Unique U.N, Responsibility, U.N. Publication, April, 1983.
Special Note: The Social Action Center, of which the Capital District
Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism is a member, 1s sponsoring a Walk-a-
thon on April 28, 198. Several members of the Coalition have signed up.
If you can join this worthwhile benefit, call SAC 43h-037 for firther details.
i} ined %
ee
+ Be
sank!
‘
CAPITAL DISTRICT COALITION &GAINST APARTHEID AND RACISM
A PROJECT OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER
BOX 3002 = Pine Hills Station
NEXT MEETING: Albany, New York 12203
May 9, 198).
Wed., 7:30 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER’ MEETINGS ARE HELD Ty
340 First Street, Albany, N.Y. S&OND S<SDAY OF
ALL INTERESTED WORKING AGAINST APARTHEID AND M - WELCO
On Wednesday, May 23, 198 at 7:30 P.M., Mr. David Ndaba will
"Focus on South Africa." He is currently serving as the Administra-
tive Secretary of the African National Congress (A.N.C.) Observor
ssion to e 'inite ations, S educational evening fs planned
to help make the people of our area more aware of what is harpening
in South Africa now.
Mr. Ndaba (pronounced Endaba) will focus on several topics: K
“~~ The military buildup going on in South Africa.
~» The significance of the non aggression pact hetween South
Africa and Mozambiaue,
3» Other developments with the front line states,
~» The connection between the governments of the United States
‘and South Africa,
> The:role of the African National Coneress (A.N.C.)
This evening, sponsored by the Coalition Against Apartheid and
Racism,.will be held at Wilborn Temple, 121 Jay Street, Albany, N.Y.
and is free of charge.
We urge everyone interested in the st uggile against apartheid in
Sout frica to come out and hear about what is happening. Mr. Ndaba
believes that one of the ways people in the Unite ates can support
the anti apartheid movement is to "help people here understand the
true situation that exists in South Africa, especially the level of
U.S. political, military, and economic cage
FLYER - PLEASE POST
SEE ATTACHE
United. Nations Conference Scheduled
The U.N. Special Committee agains the
Apartheid has organized a North America t le
egional Conference for Action against > rugg
Apartheid to take place at United Natidns
Headquarters in New York on June 18, 19
and 20 - 198. The conferenc a
to all engaged in Aged carart ies. work, It
S intende Oo review the situation in South
Africa and in southern Africa as a whole...
with a view to promoting greater action in
accordance with the United Nations resolutions.
The Coalition is planning to send several
members to this important conference, If you
would like to attend for all three days or one
day, if you need or can provide transportation,
if you have any questions - call Bill Ritchie
bh62-2542 (h) for further information. '
continwes
Suerer- Mey
Capital District Coalition
Against Apartheid and Racism
sl to attend
"Focus on South Africa’
Wednesday, May 23, 1984, 7:30 p.m. Featuring
Wilborn Temple, 121 Jay St, Albany, iy. Davi d N daba
David Ndaba : on
. ae Douth African military
uildup.
- the Sidnificance of South
Africa‘s non aqqress Lon pact
with Mozambigue . |
- the Washington /Fretoria
connection:
- the role of the A.N.C.
(African National Congress)
Learn more about
| the str le against
apartheid
Mr. Ndaba is currently serving 35
Countru.
Everyone welcome Rdsninlshve auclacy of the African.
P 3 O the ted. Nations, In 1976 he was a
| '@e of charge science student at the University of Natal
in Dusk Sout Africa, Aer te Soweto
| ust al uéar, rn e
Pare eee pic, Were searching for him and eft the
CAPITAL DISTRICT COALITION AGAINST APARTHEID AND RACISM May, 198k
A PROJECT OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER
began when WAS Announced tha 22 OU Airican Springbok rugby team
would wine in Albany and a massive protest was organized, This protes
was coordinated by the Capital District Coalition Against Apartneid and
Racism and participated in by a broad spectrum of peorle from local and
i ai
On. the morning -of September 22, 1901, at 3:30 a.m., tne day of the
planned protest, police burst into 2.apartment of an activist orga izing
against South Africa's brutal apartheld rec me. The police entered with
Snotguns drawn and pistols pointed’ and forced the organizers staying in
6 apartment to the floor at gunpoint, fingerprinted, photographed, im-
prisoned and denied access to lawyers and bail. The police confiscated
personal telephone books, organizational files, mailing lists and other
political material, ;
Arrested were Vera Michelson (current chair of the Coalition),
Aaron Estes and Mike Young. John Spearman, another anti-apartheid actiy-
ist, was arrested earlier that evenine, All were organizers of the
planned peaceful protest,
The violations charged arainst Michelson and Estes were drorped,.
Youne and Spearman were found innocent Qf felony weapons charres, Roth
outcomes are victories against police and government repression,
‘ - bs ~4 ] 4 J he . Pf | Lt * * Oe e229
wi PA Sm_and Aaron Estes havi. filed lawsuits totalling
nine mitten dollars. The suits were filed in federal] court on December
lh, 1982 and cite damages against the District Attorney, two Assistant
D.A.'s, the Chief of Police, the Assistant Chief of Police, several detect-
ives, and two P.B.I. officials. The Claims range from false arrest and
acres denial of bail, malicious prosecution to civil rights vio-
d be
It is clear from the actions of the police and from information
learned druing the trials of Young and Spearman that the arrests were
part of an attempt to disrupt the protest. The message went out just the
same: _ .
Through the ana the CTVEREED on other community activists will
obtain vital information on the level and scope of political surveilance
and disruption tn Albany during the months preceding the demonstration.
This information will provide a factual basis for challenges to abuses of
police power. e suit &_ clear message to would be vio ators of polit-
ical and constitutional ly uaranteed rights,
. In recent weeks, Aaron Estes and Vera Michelson were questioned
by government attornies in two separate five hour Sessions regarding their
claims in the lawsuit, Former Coalition Chair,
you. Would like to help on the Rugoy Lawsuct
Committee, please call Mike Kozak -482- 7348 (h)
Denallions needed - if you can contribute to the Defense Fund, send
be A the Goifal Districf Galition Against Apartheid
| ae lg ‘ Pine Hills a ny, i 12203
Capital UVistrict Coalition
Against Apartheid
and Racism
Box 3002 — Pine Hills Station
Albany, NY 12203
PLEASE AIR IMMEDIATELY
CONTACT: VERA MICHELSON
436-0562
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
eee we NY UNC EME
THE COALITION AGAINST APARTHEID AND RACISM WILL BE HOLDING A
SPECTAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 13 TO DISCUSS SUMMER STRATEGY
AND it mpady. |
FOR PROTESTING ENTERTAINERS HO HAVE BEEN TO SOUTH AFRICA.
MANY OF THESE ENTERTAINERS, LIKE THE TEMPTATIONS, WILL BE
_ APPEARING LOCALLY AND THE COALITON URGES ALL WHO WANT TO JOIN IN THE
STRUGGLE AGAINST APARTHEID TO COME TO THIS SPECIAL CULTURAL
BOYCOTT MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, AT 7:30, THE THE NEIGHBORHOOD
RESOURCE CENTER, 340 FIRST ST.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 346-0562...THE NUMBER AGAIN IS 346-0562.
The Friends Meeting ed Albany
The American South African Teople's Friendship Association
The Capital District Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism
invile you to attend an evening
with:
at: Mount Pleasant Baptist
Artis. Lee
Church, 441
(Human Rights Project Director
Washinglan Ave.,
Abany, N.Y.
American friends Service Committee )
OU?
‘Ln January and February,
1994, Artis lee visited Zombia Wednesday, June 27, 1984
Swazilend, Mozambique anel 1:30 pam,
Zimbabwe. He met with Joshua
Nkompand representatives of
Robert Mugabe's admjnisivation in,
Zimbabwe , visited refugee silts
in Mozambique and. attended
the Southem African Development
Coordinating Conference, He ake mel
with representatives of the ANC. and
the PAC. in Zambia and Zimbabwe,
During the 1960's and. 1970's, Artis lee
Was involved in the civil rights movement
in the U.S.
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Albany, NY 12203
SiF- YN -6542
information on ¢
York State,
Will be able actively involved
in this important part of an
: eee
ti-apartheia work,
and facm - Loeteeme /
~ Pine Hills Station
During the past four weeks, we have made price comparison on 50 ordinary
items at Price Chopper Stores. We have found significant price differences
between Price Chopper Stores.
Listed below is a sample of some of the price differences on these items
actually purchased at the Latham Store and the Delaware Ave. Store on
June 7, 1984.
Items Latham DELAWARE AVE.
1 Ib. Land-O-Lakes Butter ............. $1.73 $1.98
32 oz. Enfamil Baby Formula ........... 1.54 1.65
BN ee ee eee 1.09 1.59
12 oz. Minute Maid Orange Juice ........ 1.28 1.39
60 Count Pampers..................... 7.98 8.99
18 os. Quaker Oate. 2... 6. ccc cccccs 84 1.09
3 lbs. Crisco Shortening................. 2.28 2.79
48 oz. Crisco Oil. 2... ee eee 2.29 3.09
1 lb. Maxwell House Coffee.............. 2.19 2.58
100 Count Lipton Tea Bags.............. 1.59 2.28
28 oz. Peter Pan Peanut Butter........... 2.00 2.68
6.5 oz. Chicken of the Sea Tuna.......... aa 92
8 oz. Instant Sanka.................... 4.49 4.59
12 oz. 6 Pack Bottles, Miller Beer ......... 2.69 3.12
I Roll Scottowels .. 66. oc ccs ceeccee 90 .79
hg bee sh. PEN Pee ee ee a 2.88 3.47
Wl OE URN os 5 xi ok ov ba dae cide ca, 2.99 3.73
1 Can Delmonte Corn .................. 49 .63
Totals $39.95 $47.36
The cost difference on just these few items was $7.41! WHY Does Price
Chopper charge more for the same items it sells at Delaware Ave. Store than
Latham? No doubt Price Chopper will change its prices once it has seen this
leaflet, but we wanted to bring to your attention Price Choppers apparent
disregard for its customers at its Delaware Ave. Store.
SOLIDARY COMMITTEE OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT
CAPITAL DISTRICT COALITION AGAINST APARTHEID & RACISM
lon in Namibia -
, the brutal. oppression. b
iain . b Mrcaand the reictace
1°00 p.m, that oppression,
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Asheeke is the
a nie Ay live of the SWA.Ro,
Al N ' (Soudh West Africa Reeple's
pany «HY Organization) to
4 of ™ United Nalions,
ae ty Question mf Answer
Period will tollow
Sponsored. by
the Capital District Coalit tion Against Apa
the Mivority Student Alliance be Junior fy Kacism., Albany, NY.
heid a
lege of of Albany, N.Y
AFRICA
SOME BASIC FACTS ABOUT NAMIBIA AND S.W.A.P.0,
‘talon
Namibia and South Africa are the last two Black African
countries still under white minority rule, The government
of South Africa, known for ita system of racial discrimin-
MV ation (apartheid), occupies its neighbor Namibia as a
Namib
colony.
South Africa has brought eparthesd to Namibia, All of
South Africa the best iana, jobs, education and health care are reserved
for the white minority. The Black majority are confined to
"homeland” areas on the most impoverished O percent of the land. The
whites, who make up less than 10 percent of the population, occupy the beat
agricultural and grazing land,
The South African government directly controls the land on which Namibia's
vast reserves of uranium and diamonds are located. Many Black Namibians who
cannot eke out a living in the “homelands” are forced to become migrant work-
ers in the so-called white arsas at starvation wages ~- a situation like that
which exists for the South African Blacks,
Namibia, once called South West Africa, was colonized by Germany in 188),
The people of Namibia have been fighting for their independence for over one
hundred years, After World War I, South West Africa became a League of
Nations Mandate under South African administration. Since 1920, South
Africa has brutally exploited Namibiats people and resources,
In 1966, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared that South
Africa had failed to fulfill its obligations to South West Africa and had,
in fact, worked against the moral and material well-being of the people,
The Assembly declared that henceforth South West Africa was under the di-
rect responsibility of the United Nations.
WHAT IS SWAPO? In 1960, the people of Namibia formed the South Weat
African People's Organisation (SWAPO). SWAPO's Constitution states:
"S.W.A.P.0. ia a national liberation movement rallying together, on the
basis of free and voluntary association, all freedom-inspired sona and
daughters of the Namibian people. It is the organized political vanguard
of the oppressed and exploited people of Namibia. In fulfilling its van-
guard role, S,W.A.P.0, organizes, unites, inapires, orients and leads the
broad masses of the working Namibian people in the Struggle for national
and social liberation,
The United Nations recognizes SWAPO as the representative of the Namibian
people and has demanded that South Africa withdraw its troops and allow free
elections. South Africa refuses to get out of Namibia and follows the same
policies of repression there as in South Africa,
The United States has supported South Africa's white supremacist govern-
ment by adding extra demands to negotiations for Namibia's freedom and by
voting in support of the South Afriean government at the United Nations,
‘4
Reducing the Risk:4Questions and
Answers for the Nuclear Age
Saturday, October 13, 1984 Albany High School
Kicks off the National Week of Education on the Arms Race,
October 15 - 21, 1984
ahamenaiiemmeemeneen a Aone cor anew mas <a tm we om
This conference is free and open to the public. However,
pre-registration is necessary. Entrance to non-registrants
will be limited.
Speakers
Governor Mario Cuomo, Honorary Chair
Albany Mayor Thomas Whalen, Honorary Chair
Albany County Legislator Sandra Rose Temple, Honorary Chair
jerome Grossman, National President, Council for A Livable World
i
Schedule
8:00 - 9:00 AM. Kegistration
9:00 - 9:15 Introductory Remarks
9:15 - 9:45 Sandra Rose Temple
Mayor Thomas Whalen
9:45 - 10:30 Jerome Grossman
10:30 - 10:45 ~~ Break
10:45 - 12:00 Workshop Session A
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch (Cafeteria Style)
1:30 - 2:00 Governor Mario Cuomo
2:00 - 3:30 Film: Testament or Game: Firebreaks
3:30 - 3:45 Break
3:45 - 5:00 Workshop Session B B
é vide 5:00 - 7:30 Dinner/Fun Festival
of — 7:30 - 8:45 Play: Alice in Blunderland
i é Fyieh
Songs by Ruth Pelham throughout the day.
etetd ae
revere Se Sere
Play: Alice in Blunderland
This provocative musical production
turns the familiar Alice in Wonderland
into. a modern morality play. What
results is a whimsical experience about a |
not so whimsical possibility we all face in|
today’s world . . . nuclear extinction.
The thrust is to inspire audiences to learn |
about and to involve themselves in the
nuclear issue. It leaves the audience with
ee. va
en me a ie ~~ acorns oan }
hope, and a sense of inspiration that they
can be effective for change.
“A wonderful play for children. ’’
“I! want to thank you so much! | watch T.V., | read. . .
everything | hear about nuclear war from my teachers and on th
news... it all has me so scared! | just want to thank you . . you'r
the first people who have given me hope!”’
Admission; $1 for individuals, $2 for families
Sponsors:
Coordinating Organization: Capital District Peace Power Network
American South African People’s Friendship Association, Inc.
Bethlehem Coalition for Peace & Survival
Bread for the World — NYS 23rd Congressional District
Capital Area American Baptists Association — Peacemaking Ministry
Capital District Coalition Against Apartheid and Racism
Capital District Conference Vietnam Veterans of America
Central American Solidarity Alliance
Clergy and Laity Concerned — Mohawk Valley
Dem@@ratic Socialists of America — Albany Chapter
Educators for Social Responsibility — Capital District
Educators for Social Responsibility — Saratoga Springs
Hudson Mohawk Group — Sierra Club
Hudson Valley Area Joint Board of the Amalgamated Clothing and
Textile Workers Union
interfaith Center for Peace with Justice
Knolls Action Project
Lawyers Alliance for Nuclear Arms Control — Upper Hudson Valley
Chapter
League of Women Voters of Albany County
Non-Violence Project
Pax Christi — Albany Diocese
Peace and Justice Commission — Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Peace and Justice Committee of the Capital Area Council of Churches
Physicians for Social Responsibility — Capital District Chapter
Saratoga Peace Alliance
Schenectady Inner City Ministry
service Employees International Union — Local 200
Social Workers for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament — N.A.S.W.,
. Division
Up udson Valley Labor Council — AFL/CIO
Upper Hudson Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign
i
Session A
1. The Arms Race and the Cold War
Examines the interrelationships between the nuclear arms race and
| east-west relations. It will concentrate on alternatives proposed by
western European peace groups and on the political impact of new
weapons technology in the 1980's.
| Donald Birn, SUNYA History Professor, Democratic Socialists of
| America
H
|
2. The Medical and Ecological Consequences of Nuclear War
The immediate and long-term consequences of nuclear war for
humanity and for the biosphere will be discussed.
Katherine P. Henrickson, Ph.D., Physicians for Social Responsibility
3. Illusion of National Security — Reality of Community Needs —
| A Readers Theater
| This Readers Theater will present a comparison of the billions of
| dollars being spent on the military at the expense of the poor; primari-
ly women and children.
| Social Workers for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament — NASW,
NE Division
4. International Violence: Are There Alternatives?
A look at the use of non-violent tactics between nations th®@igh
history and non-violent civilian based defense as a tool for the
present/future.
| _ Facilitator of Non-Violence Study Group of the Non-Violence Project
5. Ferment in Central America
Is revolution the inevitable result of a century of U.S. exploitation?
Michael Foster, Malcolm Willison, Clergy and Laity Concerned Study
Group
6. Veterans for Social Responsibility
Veterans who have experienced combat believe there is an alter-
native to war. A brief panel discussion will serve as the basis for a
dialogue with workshop participants concerning conventional and
nuclear disarmament.
7. Minorities and the Peace Movement
The general problem in reform movements, including the peace
movement, is the inability to deal successfully with the matter of
racism. This workshop will address that problem and the relation of
the program for change offered by Black and other third world
peoples in our country for meeting their needs.
Rev. Ernest Drake, Vera Michaelson
8. The Economics of the Arms Race
This will attempt to answer such questions as: What does the arms
race cost us? Where does the money go? What would happen if the
defense budget were cut? Could a large change be implemented
without major disruptions? How does the Pentagon buy things? What
is the budget process in practice and on paper? Where is the process
| corrupted?
Alan Kay, National Advisory Board, Business Executives for National
Security, Former Defense Contractor é
scr - neeamaaies :
tee a ety maw — oes ey om mane
See eneneee
Important Information
Film: Testament stars jane Alexander. Recently released major motion picture about
life and death in a family after a nuclear attack.
Game: Firebreaks: A War — Peace Game is a unique nationwide learning event that
allows citizens to play the role of advisors to world leaders, as an international crisis
escalates to the brink of nuclear war.
Food: Lunch and dinner will be available. Lunch will be cafeteria style at a reasonable
price or you may bring a bag lunch. Choice of chicken ($6) or cafeteria style dinner will
be offered before the play. Vegetarian options available, Please note on registration
form,
Fun Festival: During the dinner time there will be a variety of activities for adults and
children including live entertainment, and video.
Childcare: Ali day children’s programming provided; to include Music Mobile with
Ruth Pelham. Please be sure to pre-register.
Location: Albany High School, Washington Ave. between Partridge & Main
From 1-87 (Northway): 87 south to 1-90 east, go to Washington Ave./SUNY-Albany
exit, at end of ramp make left, go approx. 3 miles; Albany High is on left.
From 1-90 (East): Fuller Road exit; left at end of ramp, left at first light (Washington
Ave.), go approx. 3 miles; Albany High is on left.
From Thruway (South): Exit 24 to 1-90 east to Washington Ave./SUNY-Alba
then continue as from Northway
From 787 North or South: Go to 1-90 west (Buffalo) exit: take 1-90 to Fuller Rd. exit:
then continue as from 1-90.
For more information call (518) 463-2356
Workshops
e
mee A, A ELS LN YG ay AES ONS OR EONS (AN ANS MY SEER NE ANNI NIN RY RRS IE TN EE OE NS
i
Session B
9. Make the Freeze the Issue —- From Here to November 7
What people can do to make the freeze part of the November elec-
tions. The nuts and bolts of phone banking, leafletting, getting out the
vote.
lim Murphy, Upper Hudson Freeze Coordinator
10. A Lawyers Perspective on the Arms Race and Arms Control
Organization
This will discuss professionals’ activities on a local level and how they
can be expressed through their national chapters and what LANAC
hopes to be doing to influence policy. Also discussed will be how pro-
fessionals can organize.
John Downs, Lawyers Alliance (LANAC); Delegate to Association of
Soviet Lawyers Conference.
11. Women and the Arms Race: Our Issues and Responsibilities
This workshop will explore the primary issues women face in dealing
with a world of weapons. We will look at the unique talents and gifts
women possess for the healing of the world.
Kathryn Shea
12. proving U.S.-Soviet Relations
U.S8ireign policy in relation to the Soviet Union is viewed as a com-
plex subject. The consequences of a collapse in US-USSR relations
are so great that we must accept individual responsibility to influence
the formation of US-USSR policies, This workshop will explore ways
citizens can be more informed, and take active part in influencing US-
USSR relations. Participants are encouraged to contribute ideas and
suggestions to this effort.
Erastus Corning III, M.A. Russian Studies
13. South Africa: A Global or Local War?
A panel of three ASAPFA members will discuss the possibilities of war
and peace in South Africa through the process of poetry reading,
statistics and discussion. Time will be allowed for questions and com- |]
ments from the audience.
Bojana Vuyisile Jordon, Mary Anna Muntz, Gordon Molyneux, |
American South African Peoples Friendship Association
14, Pax Christi — What Is It? How Do I Get Involved?
A presentation on the history, philosophy and current activities of Pax
Christi, the International Catholic Peace Movement.
15. How to Get Good Media Coverage
Each panel member will discuss his/her own type of media, give
pointers on getting media coverage including press releases, follow-
up calls, etc. and then answer specific questions from the audience.
Brian Whittemore, News Director WGY/WGFM; Sal Paolantonio,
Reporter Times Union
16. What the Children Can Teach Us: A Program for Empowering
Parents and Teachers
Presentation of an experiential model that Saratoga Educators for
Social Responsibility has used with local Parent/Teacher Association
wh.
Sdemtoga Educators for Social Responsibility
17. The Role of Civil Disobedience in the Disarmament Movement
This will look at the role that breaking the law has to play in bringing
about changes necessary in stopping nuclear weapons. Considered
will be various examples of civil disobedience including Ploughshares
actions and tax resistance.
Frank Zollo, Knolls Action Project
Registration Form
Name i
Address
Phone aoe
Siiistalel . | will buy cafeteria-style lunch *
cee ¥ Workshop Choices
mene | Will Duy dinner: Secsinn A
Fo ea EEE {" hic ken $6 art "Ta choice dad chore “hed choice
Siahinec .. Cafeteria Style nee
nung Special Dietary Needs SOON ee SS eee
-_—
\OnnaneH eo teeammeprnnnannensuetaiennin ni terymn beatae linens pusitinsanmhenihimemnu pene stdin sninanen suite enya mi Yotnn nt
_ | need childcare
.. | will attend the play
; - penclosea contribution of $...
Mail form and make checks payable to oe
Capital District Peace Power Network, 196 Morton Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12206
way”
War for freedom con tinues
Namibian criticizes U.S. links to S. Africa
pnp 3f 8 y
By PeterTarr |
[th
Stat! writer
The Reagan administration policies
regarding southern Africa are helping
to strengthen the aparthied govern-
ment of South Africa, a Namibian
ambassador to the United Nations told
an Albany audience Sunday
About 75 people gathered at Mount
Pleasant Baptist Church to hear the
speech by Hinyangerwa Asheeke, dep-
uty U.N. representative for SWAPO,
the Namibian independence move-
ment
Asheeke said the Reagan adminis-
tration’s decision to trade openly with
South Africa made that nation strong-
er, while jeopardizing Namibia's quest
for mndependence
Namibia, with a population of about
two million (more than 90 percent are
HINYANGERWA ASHEEKE
gives SWAPOQ's story
black) is situated on Atrica’s southwest
coast between Angola and South Afri
ca. It was formerly called South West
Africa
SWAPO, the South West African
People’s Organization, has been recog-
nized by the U.N. as the legitimate
representative of the Namibian people
SWAPO and South African forces
have been fighting a guerrilla war for
the last 18 years.
Although many representatives of
the international diplomatic communt-
ty have sharply denounced South
Africa’s armed presence in Namibia,
the troops remain in place. According
to Asheeke, they number more than
100,000
Asheeke stated SWAPO’s side of the
story Sunday
“They (South Africa) have never
been concerned about the security of
our people. In fact, the reality is that
they are killing uur people,” he said
Asheeke denounced the Reagan ad-
ministration’s policy of “constructive
engagement,’ under which trade and
other links with South Africa are
maintained in order to maintain US
leverage in the region's political af
fairs
“The U.S. is becoming more and
nore involved in the conflict with its
ever growing collaboration with South
Africa in the political, military, and
economic spheres,” Asheeke said. “Tt
helps strengihen Sovth Africa, precise:
ly the opposite effect ‘constructive
engagement is supposed to have.”
Asheeke said Americans should
“denouce the fascistic government” af
South Africa and spetk out for an
economic boycott aimed at isolating
that nauien
methine eee
Exiled Afric
By TOM PIERSON
Staff Reporter
ALBANY ~~ The leader of an
independence movement in
Namibia, a country with a
population of about two million
which berders South Africa,
said Sunday night that the
racist system of Apartheid
must be destroyed. The
30-year-old exiled Namibian
rebel also blasted the Reagan
administration for being an
ally of the regime.
Hinyangerwa Asheeke, depu-
ty United Nations repre-
Sentative for the South West
Africa People's Organization,
spoke before about 100 persons
Sunday night at Mount Pleas-
ant Baptist Church, 441
Washington Ave. His visit Was
sponsored by the Capital Dis-
trict Coalition Against
Apartheid and Racism, and the
nee ott enna
Minority Student Alliance of
the Albany Junior College.
Nambia and South Africa are
the last two black African
countries still under white
minority rule. Asheeke said all
the best land, jobs, education
and health care are reserved
for whites who represent 10
percent of the population. The
South African regime. has con-
tinued to occupy Namibia,
exploiting the labor and re-
sources, and suppressing the
Namibian people's struggle for
liberation with a ruthless mili-
tary garrison of 100,000 troops,
he said,
“The people are victims of
murder, torture and all kinds
of crimes, including rape and
imprisonment -—~ for resisting
foreign domination and ex-
ploitation,’’ Asheeke said,
Diplomacy and reasoning
with the violent reyirme hasn't
worked, Asheeke said, so he
Troy Keer
an rebe
said S.W.A.P.0. has been
forced to attack military bases,
troops and aircraft. Asheeke
said military weapons and
support have come from com-
munist countries, but that is
because other nations, includ-
ing the U.S., have chosen to
back the oppressive regime for
economic reasons.
Two-thirds of Namibia is
under martial rule and Narni-
bians have been forced to fight
“brother versus brother, father
versus son,"’ because of compul-
sory military service imposed
by the regime, Ashecke said.
The American government
has been outspoken in its
condemnation of dictatorships
and oppresive regimes in other
parts of the world, Ashecke
said, but when it comes to
South Africa it has remained
Silent. That's because 530 Amer-
ican companies take advantage
of sluve labor and net a 142
billion dollar profit, he said,
I criticizes U.S?””
“America disregards the
oppression and continues to
reap the riches of the country
~~ the diamonds and other
resources, with the use of
cheap labor provided by the
political system,” Asheeke
Said,
John Funiello, chairperson of
the solidarity labor committee
of the Capital District, said an
effort should be made to
educate the American people
about the 539 American compa-
nies invested in South Africa
which exploit the workers
there. "Until the hurnanity of
millions and millions of black
Africans are restored our work
is never done,”’ Funiello said.
O'Dell Winfield, repre-
sentative of the Albany coali-
tion against police abuse, said
the struggle against apartheid
in Africa is similar to the
Struggle against racism in
America.
a, . 4
Nth
Exile hits R eagan
S. Africa
Lay ch.
By LAURIE ANDERSON
Knickerbocker Mews Reporter
The Reagan administration supports
business profits before human rights in
South Africa and the South African
colony of Namibia, says a leader in the
Namibian independence movement.
At a meeting Sunday night in
Albany’s Mont Pleasant Baptist
Church, Hinyangerwa Asheeke, a Unit-
ed Nations representative for the West
African People's Organization of Na-
mibia, urged Americans to fight
against the “hypocritical” attitude
taken by the American government
toward South African racism.
About 90 people attended the lec-
ture, which was sponsored by the
Capital District Coalition Against
Apartheid and Racism and the Minori-
ty Student Alliance of the Junior
College of Albany.
“President Reagan is calling the
South African government a friend and
an ally” while turning a blind eye to
the torture, imprisonment and repres-
sive acts being committed against the
black population of these areas, Ash-
ecke said
The American government has nev-
er done enough to help fight against
the racist actions of the South African
government, but unlike the Carter
administration, President Ronald Rea-
gan has not even taken a verbal stance
against the discriminatory South Afri-
can government, he said.
“Reagan maintains that South Afri-
policy
ca has always sided with the United
States,” Asheeke said. “He forgets that
in World War II South Africa was on
the side of the Nazis.”
Asheeke, 32, has been in political
exile from his homeland since 1977. His
organization has been waging an
underground fight against the South
African government for the last 24
years. South Africa has occupied his
country for about 100 years, he said.
The United Nations backs the Nami-
bian freedom movement and in 1978
ordered South Africa to begin pulling
out of the colony. South Africa has
ignored this order and the U.S. govern-
ment fails to acknowlege it was ever
given, he said,
The Reagan administration is con-
cerned about protecting the 539 Ameri-
can businesses that exist in South
Africa and Namibia, he said. Nami-
bia’s resources — such as diamonds
and gheap “slave” labor ~ are impor-
tant to these businesses, Asheeke said.
He said Reagan politically recog-
nized the South African occupation.
The U.S. government is trying to
make the Namibia freedom movement
look like “a communist plot run by
terrorists,” Asheeke said.
The American people must condemn
their government's support of South
Africa, he said.
“People in this country have a
specific responsibility,” he said.
