It has been an interesting 72 hours, since commencing the campaign to change to the name of Birmingham Library in tribute to Nelson Mandela.
We have had several comments, unfortunately some of a racist nature telling me to go home and calling me immigrant and more. These however are irrelevant, owing to the fact that this has opened a debate where the people of this city have been expressing their opinion and using their voices.
Some people are supportive and some are against for various constructive reasons, but we do live in a democracy and people do have freedom of speech. I believe it’s great that this has given an opportunity for the person of Birmingham to express their views freely which is what Nelson Mandela fought for with the help of a lot of people in South Africa.
I need to clarify where this idea came from whilst brainstorming on our connecting communities show, ’Ranting Mark’, that runs the Knightstone Neighbourhood watch, said as the City has no money, why not rename the Library which is a new building and its in the centre of Birmingham and the phone lines jammed with support.
I would point out that Mark is not black. This speaks volumes about embracing the rich super diversity which is Birmingham.
I think it needs to be pointed out that the fact that Birmingham City Council are seeking to honour the contribution of Nelson Mandela in creating a better society is a great thing to do.
The issue is the need to have a substantive tribute that will not be affected by funding cuts in the future and end up like the Mohammed Ali Centre.
Brian Gambles from The Library has withdrawn the offer of a meeting to discuss it, as he is of the view that the City has made it decision, however, a final response has not been received from Deputy Leader Ian Ward.
We have also had several other suggestions which some of which have been forwarded to Councillor Ward and we hope to forward all suggestions which are of course repeatable forwarded for wider discussions in January, therefore, the door is not closed.
Please continue support this initiative as it is about the people voices their opinions.
Do remember together we can make it happen.
Desmond Jaddoo
www.desjaddoo.org.uk
www.b-e-f.org.uk
We have had several comments, unfortunately some of a racist nature telling me to go home and calling me immigrant and more. These however are irrelevant, owing to the fact that this has opened a debate where the people of this city have been expressing their opinion and using their voices.
Some people are supportive and some are against for various constructive reasons, but we do live in a democracy and people do have freedom of speech. I believe it’s great that this has given an opportunity for the person of Birmingham to express their views freely which is what Nelson Mandela fought for with the help of a lot of people in South Africa.
I need to clarify where this idea came from whilst brainstorming on our connecting communities show, ’Ranting Mark’, that runs the Knightstone Neighbourhood watch, said as the City has no money, why not rename the Library which is a new building and its in the centre of Birmingham and the phone lines jammed with support.
I would point out that Mark is not black. This speaks volumes about embracing the rich super diversity which is Birmingham.
I think it needs to be pointed out that the fact that Birmingham City Council are seeking to honour the contribution of Nelson Mandela in creating a better society is a great thing to do.
The issue is the need to have a substantive tribute that will not be affected by funding cuts in the future and end up like the Mohammed Ali Centre.
Brian Gambles from The Library has withdrawn the offer of a meeting to discuss it, as he is of the view that the City has made it decision, however, a final response has not been received from Deputy Leader Ian Ward.
We have also had several other suggestions which some of which have been forwarded to Councillor Ward and we hope to forward all suggestions which are of course repeatable forwarded for wider discussions in January, therefore, the door is not closed.
Please continue support this initiative as it is about the people voices their opinions.
Do remember together we can make it happen.
Desmond Jaddoo
www.desjaddoo.org.uk
www.b-e-f.org.uk