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The Morning Star 2026 Conference
From Windrush to Sharpeville: anti-racist activism in 2023
ZITA HOLBOURNE introduces some of the practical, political and legal challenges to racism that black and brown-led movements are making in Britain and globally
Thousands marched in London on Saturday against racism and in solidarity with refugees

THE UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is marked every year on March 21 to remember the Sharpeville Massacre, when police opened fire on peaceful protesters against the apartheid regime of “pass books” for black people, killing 69.

As a student, I campaigned against apartheid by organising boycotts — and that power of solidarity and unity in action has stayed with me.

Today I am a trustee of the Action for Southern Africa (Actsa) charity, which is the successor organisation of the anti-apartheid movement, and fortunate to have met and worked with people who fought the brutal apartheid regime.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
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