Drumming up support to oppose the far right
PCS Rep and samba band member Tracy explains why she is joining her fellow band mates, members and thousands of marchers on the anti-fascist Together Alliance march in London tomorrow
As an ex-history teacher who taught about the rise of fascism it has been truly horrifying to see these patterns being repeated today with the resurgence of the far right. For too long the far right have been allowed to push their narrative with a media that looks for clicks and does not challenge the lies being spun. By marching on Saturday we can make our voices heard and start to reclaim our streets and public forums for a more progressive way forward. And the PCS Samba Band will there every step of the way providing great beats and solidarity.
Why join the band
Being a member of the band allows me to support a whole range of people and causes from workers taking part in industrial action to celebrating Pride. I had no musical experience nor training when I joined but our band leader taught me the beats and made it easy.
My first march was in support of bus drivers who were taking part in industrial action in Manchester. They had been on strike for months and I could see how much the band boosted their morale that day. Since then I have been on every demonstration we have been asked to support.
We march with Pride, we provide beats for demonstrations and we stand on picket lines to literally ‘drum up support.’ There is a real sense of solidarity and we help keep the spirits up of those marching. The band also captures the attention of the public. Shoppers like the beats and stop to have a look at what is happening and in so doing they really see the banners and the marchers, making sometimes smaller demonstrations more visible. And we make a joyful sound.
Opposing the far right
We were in London last September, part of the counter demonstrations against the far-right’s rally. It was depressing to see so many people marching with the likes of Tommy Robinson but it was not entirely a surprise. For too long the far right have been allowed to push their narrative with a media that looks for clicks and does not challenge the lies being spun.
As the saying goes: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” so by marching on Saturday we can make our voices heard and start to reclaim our streets and public forums for a more progressive way forward. And the PCS Samba Band will there every step of the way providing great beats and solidarity.
If you’re interested in joining the band email its founder Dave Vincent on [email protected] for more information.
Find out more about the march and join thousands of others in Central London tomorrow (28 March) from 12pm to 6pm.