Well actually he hasn't been...... yet, but there is always a possibility he could be. So join our campaign If you havent already and email or write to Birmingham Civic Society asking them how they could even consider such a nomination for a prestigious honour. See www.birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk for contact details. Karen Chouhan (1990 Trust) said "I am incredulous and  incandescent that such a known racist can be up for an award".

MPAC has sent an open letter to Birmingham Civic Society signed by various organisations and individuals to protest against them considering a nomination to honour the racist former MP Enoch Powell by erecting a plaque in his memory. We would like to thank all the organisations/individuals, who have supported the campaign, which includes: Councillor Salma Yaqoob; Maxi  Hayles, Chairman of Birmingham Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit; Dr Naseem Chairman of Birmingham Central Mosque; Blink 1990s Trust and Black Londoners' Forum.

We look forward to working with them in the future as only through 'building bridges' and working collectively, can we overcome the difficulties facing ethnic minorities and therfore help create greater community harmony.

OPEN LETTER SENT TO BIRMINGHAM CIVIC SOCIETY

Dear Mr Gick

We the undersigned are very disturbed to see that Enoch Powell is amongst the 53 nominees the Birmingham Civic Society is considering for a memorial plaque in Birmingham. This plaque, we understand, is to honour sons and  daughters of the richly diverse city of Birmingham.

We believe Enoch Powell is a totally inappropriate candidate for such a prestigious award, given he became internationally infamous for his racial
intolerance and extreme views, following his 'Rivers of Blood' speech and was then sacked in disgrace by the Conservative party. He is not someone
who is remembered by many in Birmingham, from all races with honour.

Given the deep upset he caused and continues to evoke for people from an ethnic minority background, we feel it would be damaging to good community relations to continue to entertain Enoch Powell for a honorary plaque and request for this reason that you drop Enoch Powell's name from the nomination list.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Muslim Public Affairs Committee
Councillor Salma Yaqoob
Maxi Hayles Chairman of Birmingham Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit
Dr Naseem Chairman Of Birmingham Central Mosque
Blink 1990s Trust
Black Londoners' Forum

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