Re: Mervyn Martin Memorial
You are an ungrateful woman. Mervyn Martin fought and campaigned on the streets of London and went to prison for that so that the younger generation who come after him may benefit.
You are a financial beneficiary of the struggles and battles fought on the streets of London by Mervyn Martin and the heroic generation of Black youths who came to manhood and womanhood in the 1980s. Now, from your elevated position as Editor of the VOICE, you show them nothing but contempt, disrespect, dishonour and disdain.
You may not be aware but you should be aware that the struggles of the 1980s, particularly the new Cross Massacre Campaign, won enormous benefits for the Black community, economic, financial and social. The VOICE was a direct and still is a direct financial beneficiary in terms of grants and job advertisements essential to the survival and flourishing of the VOICE.
Perhaps you think that you got where you are by your own efforts. No Madam. It was Mervyn Martin, the 1980s youth generation and others who brought about the reforms and created conditions for you and others to derive financial benefit.
So why are you such an ungrateful person? Why do you dis the very people to who you owe your elevated position? Why don't you want your readers to know of the outstanding contribution which Mervyn Martin made?
I have enclosed for you, photocopies of the pictures of three women of substance, warrior queens, women of courage, who, when the struggle was intense on the streets of London, were not afraid to step forward boldly so that people like you who come after could benefit.
Are you prepared to profile these women, honour them and give them the praise and adulation they deserve?
The world hates an ungrateful person. Beware.
Yours sincerely.
Lester Lewis. 16th March 1998
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