| We, the elected Unity Council of the African Community Centers for Unity and Self Determination/Atlanta support the action of the Land and Housing Action Group. We view this initiative as positive and timely for the community and our peoples because of the following reasons: - 1. That housing is a fundamental human right under international law and our communities deserve no less. - 2. That the individuals and families caught up in this crisis, should not be penalized for the dynamics of a market, fraught with hidden dangers beyond their control. - 3. That the consequences of foreclosure/loss of homes has lasting and negative impact on those directly involved and the society at large. - 4. That even as the US understandably seeks to hold other nations accountable for the treatment of their citizens, it should be expected to live up to its own international obligations. We the elected Unity Council of the African Community Centers for Unity and Self-Determination/Atlanta recommend and strongly encourage that you as an individual or organization do the following in support of The Land and Housing Action Group by: - 1. Endorsing the "Take Back the Land" campaign call. - 2. Recruiting other organizations, alliances, and coalitions you and your organization belongs to endorse the call. - 3. Support existing and ongoing local struggles against foreclosures and evictions. - 4. Organize a "Take Back the Land" action and support committee in your city and/or region. We, the elected Unity Council of the African Community Centers for Unity and Self-Determination/Atlanta thank you in advance for your cooperation and support of this voicing. Together we will always win. Note: (The Action Group is an outgrowth of the Racial Justice and Human Rights Working Group (formed in June 2009 local implementation division of the CERD Task Force). The Action Group is inspired by the direct action initiatives of Network members Coalition to Defend Public Housing in Chicago, Take Back the Land in Miami, Survivors Village in New Orleans, and Picture the Homeless in New York City.) CERD is the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination For more information contact housingrights@ushrn.org or the U.S. Human Rights Network at: http://www.ushrnetwork.org. Unity, Self-Determination and love for our people, *Unity Council Members; Asiah Alghanee Aziz Stephen Biko Akilah Chiku Mama Joan Abena Davis Baba Ptah-Hotep (In Spirit) Ras Kofi Kwayana Rudwaan Amen_Ra Lumumba Jahfari Nyahbinghi Pilar J. Penn Yem Toure Lyndon Wilburg Obadele Williams |
| Voice and Recommendation (Take Back the Land Initiative) |