Black Sections letter on immigration control

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This 1987 letter from the Labour Party Black Sections outlines their firm opposition to immigration control policies affecting Black communities. It highlights their commitment to campaigning on immigration issues and working alongside Black MPs and other activists. The letter also requests collaboration and information-sharing to strengthen joint efforts against racism.

Key points:
– The Labour Party Black Sections adopted a comprehensive policy against immigration control in April 1987.
– They expressed a desire to be actively involved in campaigning and specific immigration cases.
– At the time, there were four Black Members of Parliament with whom they intended to collaborate.
– The letter requests to be added to mailing lists and informed about demonstrations, campaigns, and lobbying activities related to immigration.
– They emphasize limited resources but strong commitment to fighting racist and oppressive immigration laws.

This letter reflects the Black Sections' proactive political organizing within the Labour Party during the late 1980s, a period when Black British political activism was increasingly institutionalized. Bernie Grant and other Black MPs emerged from this context, pushing for anti-racist policies and greater representation. The document illustrates grassroots connections between local activism and parliamentary advocacy, rooted in a broader struggle against racial discrimination in immigration enforcement and public policy.

Source note: The OCR transcript is generally clear but includes minor typographical errors (e.g., 'yoursleves' instead of 'yourselves'). The text appears authentic and consistent with the original document's tone and content.