October 2007

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. “

Nelson Mandela 11th President of South Africa

In office 27/04/1994—14/06/1999

On 29th August 2007, a statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled at Parliament Square in London by Richard Attenborough, Ken Livingstone and Gordon Brown. Mandela stated that it represented not just him, but all African people and all campaigners, leaders and followers against apartheid.

November 2007

I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.

Malcolm X born Malcolm Little 19 May 1925 – 21 February 1965

also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz

December 2007

We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.

Kofi Annan born April 8, 1938

Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1 January 1997 to 1 January 2007, serving two five-year terms. Annan was the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.

January 2008

Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.

Maya Angelou born Marguerite Ann Johnson, 4 April 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, an American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. In 2001 she was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal.  Maya Angelou is known for her series of six autobiographies, starting with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), which was nominated for a National Book Award and called her magnum opus. Her volume of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die (1971) was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

February 2008

You don't fight racism with racism, the best way to fight racism is with solidarity.

Bobby Seale born 22 October 1936 in Dallas, Texas, is an American civil rights activist, who along with Dr. Huey P. Newton co-founded the Black Panther Party For Self Defense in 1966.

March 2008

I have faced prejudice and discrimination because of racism and sexism. I know that other women face prejudice because of other factors such as their sexuality, their age or their disabilities. Such ignorance and ill informed judgements attempt to stereotype us and limit us, and lead to inequalities and injustice.

Ann Wilkinson, Co-Director of the PDREC, speaking at the International Women's Day in Plymouth this month.

'Proud Parents' of Plymouths Annual Respect Festival - 2007 10th Anniversary

www.plymouthrespectfestival.co.uk