don't know who it went to or anything as it was forwarded a few times before reaching me but it is an (ahem) interesting read...
The return of Segregation?
My name is Richard Waterhouse. I am a writer, poet, artist,
photographer, musician and DJ.
And when I feel something, I have to tell it. And I don't hold back!
As a black Brixtonian who has experienced racism in all forms here in the U.K. and overseas in the U.S.A., (where I grew up). I find it incredible to believe that there are establishments in the heart of Brixton (a predominantly black population) that are practising racism. I particularly make direct reference to the LIVING Bar, located in Coldharbour Lane.
From my personal experience I was a DJ there, playing R&B alongside my friend Crispin J. Glover, who is white. We established a weekly clubnight, our inspirations were promotions such as Simply Boogie, a hugely successful Sunday night party held at the Bug Bar in Brixton. A venue where it is
obvious the management is a lot more sensible and realistic in their understanding of the community.
Over the past year we endeavoured to achieve the same atmosphere. An inter-racial mix of people from the local community and beyond, and we had our successes. We attempted to set an example of racial unity, myself
being black and Crispin being white, DJing together. The result of our efforts lead to an eclectic mix of music and people from all nationalities. It was all about the music, and never was there any trouble or violence related to race.
However, it appears the management at LIVING (Mr. Laurence Merritt) does not hold the same view. Our success was his success, and should have been noted as such. It seems our success may have been a catalyst. The night was moved
from Tuesdays to Wednesdays at short notice. Actually no notice.
A direct interpretation of his fear, which is obviously of black people. On occasion I had been asked about certain black people, friends, lawyers even relatives who had entered the bar. Regular followers of the night, customers, patrons of his establishment!
Slowly but surely we began again to re-build. After awhile people began to return, black and white alike. Uninformed and unaware. After establishing ourselves again, overcoming the demoralisation by management, following comments relayed to me from Laurence, I had to withdraw from associating myself with the venue. e.g. 'Not the right sort of people'. 'The music attracts the wrong crowd'. Stevie Wonder? Michael Jackson? R&B? o.k.
To top it off, he did not even have the courage to say these things to my face! (another example of fear and ignorance.) I had also noticed a depletion of black people at the venue, directly due to the door policy to not let black people in, or to discourage entry to the bar. Obviously this is working for him, but not acceptable by any standard for Brixton. Not positive.
Unity with all races was the success of the night.
It appears they have a whites only preference, where black men are scrutinised on entry and generally made to feel unwelcome. Noticeably blacks and other ethnicity's employed by this establishment are ashtray cleaners, glass collectors and generally employed for menial work.
I have personally witnessed the 'imperialist' attitude of this management with disgust. My question to the black community is, why is this blatant affront and disrespect allowed to propagate itself within our community? We are becoming displaced within our own community. Young black people wishing to just
enjoy themselves, not looking for trouble or involving themselves with drugs are being subjected to this subtle racism. Eventually this situation will come to a head. Someone will challenge this behaviour and it won't be in writing as I am attempting.
My question to Lambeth Borough Council is, why are other known
establishments in the community not licensed on an even par with theses places? Is this the return of segregation? Or is this a colonisation of our community, where this attitude is allowed to breed on the strength of the pound?
No amount of money can justify these policies. Black money spends just the same as white money.
We all know there is no room for racism anywhere, especially in Brixton which is so racially intermixed. Establishments such as LIVING need to address their fears and insecurities with regard to black people and get with the Brixton program, which is living together without stereotyping and bigotry. I am not alone with these views. Black, White, Hispanic, all races of people live here. Why create a divide? If places run by black businessmen
and women cannot progress, what is going to happen? The situation is outrageous.
Brixton has enough problems to address, but its not only street crime, drugs, or homelessness. This is a definite problem, which will eventually erupt, and when it does I don't want to be in the vicinity. My attempt is to inform, impart and make people aware of the danger associated with this sneaky, underhanded racism.
For it to be rearing it's ugly head in this community under our noses is unthinkable, raising public awareness is necessary as we all pay taxes and have the right to vote.
This is our community and that is the highest consideration that should be acknowledged by these establishments. If the community functions in general harmony, why create discord? Why create a division in an area where you are the minority? Apartheid, segregation and all other attempts to separate
race have all failed miserably. History has already proven this. Imperialist and colonial attitudes always end in war. In Brixton there is no 'right sort of person', just Brixtonians. If you don't want black people in your clubs, don't have clubs in Brixton. Brixton is black before anything else and tolerance levels are running low.
My message to Lambeth is pay attention. The black voters whom you represent are the same people being affected by this outrage, and we are not muggers, murderers or drug-dealers. We are professionals, who live in this community and endeavour to give service to the community. There is a proportionate deficit in provision for the black community and we want to know what is going to be done to balance this situation.
Finally my message to all Brixtonians is BOYCOTT. Don't give them your money. Don't support them. Be aware, step back and take a look around you because you're missing something. Don't be fooled by fake smiles. You will see the truth for yourselves.
Richard Waterhouse.
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