It has to be a silent protest and distant enough as to not interfere with the progress of the police in achieving a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

The black dress code is in respect and support of the families of Charlene Ellis, 18, and Letisha Shakespear, 17 (the two young girls shot in Birmingham).

Politicians trying to score brownie points are NOT welcome.


However, wherever there is a TV camera or a journalist, I want one of us to be facing them with one of OUR messages "Guns are the weapons, Music is the trigger" , "Music is killing us" or "No More Talk" (anyone who has access to a computer printer can help by printing these on A4/A3 sheets with either of the suggested words for distribution).

We need to tell the media that it's not just about so called "yardies" and drug wars.

I'm going to try my best to get on air and talk on the Geoff Schumann debate show Choice Fm 96.9 (11am Saturday 4 January 2003).

If anyone knows of a way to communicate our plans with the African British community in Birmingham so they can co-ordinate a simultaneous protest at the site of the shootings, that would be great.

We have a unique opportunity to talk to the country and be heard on all the regional TV and radio stations. With Bush and Blair talking on our behalf and dragging us down a path that could ultimately (one day) end up with us attacking our own people we need to come together as a community NOW. It's a new year, lets not start it like the last one ended.

Please, please, please help. Even if only one person turns up in support we can make a difference.

Peace.

Toyin
www.ligali.org