<html><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">Hello Konbit,<div><br></div><div>Please see the forwarded message. If anyone would like to meet to discuss potential actions on this please let me know.</div><div><br></div><div>Best wishes,</div><div><br></div><div>John<br><div><br><div>Begin forwarded message:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote type="cite"><div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Helvetica" size="4" color="#000000" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #000000"><b>From: </b></font><font face="Helvetica" size="4" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica">Global Women's Strike <<a href="mailto:gws@globalwomenstrike.net">gws@globalwomenstrike.net</a>></font></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Helvetica" size="4" color="#000000" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #000000"><b>Date: </b></font><font face="Helvetica" size="4" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica">1 October 2010 04:50:18 PDT (CA)</font></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Helvetica" size="4" color="#000000" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #000000"><b>To: </b></font><font face="Helvetica" size="4" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica"><a href="mailto:jcussans@gmail.com">jcussans@gmail.com</a></font></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Helvetica" size="4" color="#000000" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #000000"><b>Subject: </b></font><font face="Helvetica" size="4" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica"><b>CLR James Library/London - Open Letter against proposed name change</b></font></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Helvetica" size="4" color="#000000" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #000000"><b>Reply-To: </b></font><font face="Helvetica" size="4" style="font: 14.0px Helvetica"><a href="mailto:gws@globalwomenstrike.net">gws@globalwomenstrike.net</a></font></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><br></div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: medium; "><div><table border="0" width="63%" id="table3" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6"><tbody><tr><td><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; ">Please support the Open letter,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveclrjameslibrary/" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700; ">sign the petition</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i><font face="Arial">and circulate widely.</font></i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "> </p><hr><p align="center"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><img width="554" height="120" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://img2.ymlp60.com/londonstrike_BEMA_1.jpg" border="0" u2:shapes="_x0000_i1025"></span></font></p><p class="MsoHeader" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6pt; text-align: center; "><span style="color: lime; ">The Arts in Harmony Network</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center; ">Honorary Patron: Diane Abbott, MP</div><u1:p></u1:p><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">HCVS, Unit 84 Springfield House, 5 Tyssen Street, London, E8 2LY</span></div><u1:p></u1:p><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 9pt; ">Tel:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>020 7923 8360 / 1962</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- Fax:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>020 7275 8577</b><u1:p></u1:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 9pt; ">Website:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.bemanetwork.org.uk">http://www.bemanetwork.org.uk</a><b> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>- Email:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:bemaadmin@hcvs.org.uk">bemaadmin@hcvs.org.uk</a></span></div><p class="MsoHeader" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center; "> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700; ">Open letter to the Council of the London Borough of Hackney<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-family: Arial; ">The decision to lose the name CLR James library when the proposed new facility is built as part of the Dalston Square Development is nothing short of scandalous. It is a scandal that no individual seems prepared to take responsibility for, but one for which someone needs to be held accountable.<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-family: Arial; ">The Council says that the name of the library should reflect its geographical location. Why? Dalston Station is less than a hundred metres from the proposed location of the new library and Dalston Kingsland Station almost as close, so it is inconceivable that many users (most of whom will be local) will wander into the library not knowing where in the world they are. It is also perhaps worth noting that those in other parts of the borough, throughout London, nationally and internationally are more likely to be aware of the facility because it is called CLR James Library than because it is in Dalston. What will follow, changing the name Ridley Road Market to Dalston Market? Another reason put forward is that as the library will house the borough archives, the name should perhaps also reflect this. Then why not call the new building, ‘The C.L.R. James Library & Archives - Dalston’? This is not an overly long name and would satisfy the stated requirements of the Council as well as the demands of the campaigners; both parties would be seen to be acting in the interest of the community and of common sense.<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-family: Arial; ">The African Caribbean community in Hackney make very few demands (or even requests) of its Council and it would understandably be perceived as a huge insult if this modest and reasonable request was denied. It would be an insult not just to its African Caribbean residents and staff, not only to the family and memory of this great intellectual, literary figure and humanitarian. It would also be an insult to all those in the borough and beyond who are aware and proud of Hackney’s long history of taking a principled stand with regards to matters of public interest and its positive approach to community members from all cultural backgrounds.<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-family: Arial; ">The library was so named after members of Hackney’s staff and community made a sound case for honouring a legendary figure, acknowledged by forward thinking academics, writers and even cricket lovers. As has been pointed out by the campaign organisers and by many on line petitioners; the decision to name the facility ‘the CLR James Library’ was seen as Hackney making a public statement and commitment regarding the literary contribution of African Caribbean people to world literature. This was appropriate in a borough with such a high percentage of African Caribbean people. It would be just as profound a statement if this recognition was now rescinded. <u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-family: Arial; ">This is an issue that rather than become a much bigger problem than it currently is, can be made to go away just by the taking of a rational and correct decision. It should not require a petition, deputation to the Council, judicial review or demonstrations. <u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; ">Signed by:<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Selma James</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(widow of CLR James)<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Professor Gus John</b>, Founder Trustee of the George Padmore Institute and former Director of Education and Leisure Services in Hackney<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Judith Jacob</b>, Actress (Eastenders, No Problem & the Real McCoy (Yabba Yabba)<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Cllr Patrick Vernon,</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Queensbridge Ward (London Borough of Hackney)<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Professor Richard Drayton</b>, Department of History Kings College London<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Cllr Carole Williams</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- Hoxton (London Borough of Hackney)<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin</b>, Vicar of Westminster, Chaplain to the House of Commons & Hackney resident<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Linton Kwesi Johnson</b>, poet<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Ngoma Bishop</b>, Chair of the Black & Ethnic Minority Arts Network (BEMA), House of Arts & Music Promotion Services (H-AMPS) and Save the CLR James Library Campaign Coordinator<u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><b>Andrea Enisuoh</b>, Hackney Unites & CLR James Library Campaign Administrator</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "> <br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; "><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveclrjameslibrary/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveclrjameslibrary/</a></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center" style="padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><hr noshade="" color="#000000" width="50%" size="1"><a href="http://ymlp60.com/u.php?id=guebujsgsguysbegbbyq" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Change email address / Leave mailing list</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br><a href="http://ymlp60.com/m/" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Powered by YMLP</a></div></div></span></blockquote></div><br></div></body></html>