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New Jersey, March Against Apartheid

By NY/NJ VVAW

Over 9,000 New Jerseyans participated in a mass protest rally and march in Newark, NJ on November 9, 1985 to proclaim their opposition to the racist system of apartheid in South Africa.

The rally, which was initiated by District 65 of the United Auto Workers, drew people from all over the state and included labor, religious, community and student groups, and a contingent of NY/NJ VVAW members.

Clarence Fitch, NY/NJ coordinator for VVAW was a local organizer for the rally and member of the statewide coalition steering committee. He commented, "We realized that after this demonstration, South Africa would not be free the same night, we were trying to make people aware of the demands to end all economic diplomatic, cultural and political support of South Africa and I think we accomplished that end."

VVAW has a history of participating in the anti-apartheid struggle and will continue to do so as long as the racist regime in South Africa remains in power.

This rally was just the beginning of future efforts to raise consciousness of people who are not aware of the deplorable conditions that exist half a world away.

The situation in South Africa has gotten progressively worse in the last year. Thousands of people have died to protest the unjust system the country has become ungovernable; it will likely remain that way until South Africa is free.

The struggle must continue in this country as well. Supporters of Reagan's sham "constructive engagement" must be made aware that this policy does not work and is unacceptable.

AFRICA MUST AND WILL BE FREE!

NY/NJ VVAW