Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
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
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
TUC Congress 2024 / 10 September 2024
10 September 2024
Artists are frequently first in line when it comes to cuts, but society as a whole is left all the poorer – it’s time they were properly valued, says ZITA HOLBOURNE of Artists Union England
TUC Congress 2023 / 11 September 2023
11 September 2023
Joint national chair of the Artists Union England ZITA HOLBOURNE argues that artists are systematically neglected when it comes to paying them for their labour
Features / 21 June 2023
21 June 2023
As well as paying tribute to those who arrived in Britain from the Caribbean, African and Asian regions to work and to build a better future for themselves, we must recall the ongoing injustices they and their families still face, says ZITA HOLBOURNE
Features / 17 October 2022
17 October 2022
Ahead of a motion to Congress on self-employment, ZITA HOLBOURNE explains why workers in the arts are so often overlooked, the problems this causes — and why we as movement must change this for good
Similar stories
MEMORY SERVES US RIGHT: (L to R) Activists at The Liberation
Features / 11 April 2025
11 April 2025
MARC WADSWORTH reports from the meeting to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre 65 years ago
Features / 11 October 2024
11 October 2024
Comrades from a British solidarity network highlight how an automotive factory occupation in Italy shows how worker-led militancy can challenge both job losses and environmental destruction
Features / 12 September 2024
12 September 2024
The Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group's HELEN YUILL tells the story of solidarity between two small nations, that despite geographical distances, that have united in their struggle against imperialism and colonialism
Features / 5 August 2024
5 August 2024
From creative industry concerns to Welsh language promotion in unions, this year's festival showcases the intersection of culture and labour, offering insights into Wales’ past and future struggles, writes TUC Cymru president SIAN GALE