Front-line artists join the Me emme vaikene protest against racism on September 3, Helsinki
The program of the "We don't keep silent" mass demonstration is being completed. At the event, a large line-up of leading artists will show their anti-racist values - Hassan Maikal, Juno, KUUMAA, Loituma, Rosa Coste, Vesta and many others will be participating.
The peaceful demonstration organized on September 3 starts from Senatintor and ends at the Töölö event park. It shows the parliament returning from the summer break that racism that violates human rights, undermines democracy and undermines the sense of security of people belonging to minorities does not belong in Finland or the Finnish government.
We will not be silent - the large demonstration has received the support of a significant group of Finnish artists and cultural influencers. "This shows that the values and demands of the demonstration are widely shared and socially pervasive. The amount of support has been wonderful to see, opposing racism is clearly a common issue," says Elsi Sloan, from the working group that compiled the program of the demonstration.
The program of the Töölö event park is an indication of a vibrant, anti-racist, multicultural and international Finland. The line-up of performers is handsome, and there will be some surprises. A group song sends the march off, and at the destination in the event park, e.g. Hassan Maikal, Juno, KUUMAA, Loituma, Rosa Coste and Vesta , as well as an additional group of other performers.
The speakers at the demonstration also represent the diversity and vitality of civil society as well as human rights expertise. Among others, Ahmed Hassan from Somaliliito, anti-racism expert Paco Diop , poet and activist Laura Eklund Nhaga , and researcher Anette Åkerlund will participate. Activist and journalist Zahra Karimy hosts the event at the end of the Senate square, and in the Töölö event park, equality trainer Javiera Marchant Aedo holds the strings . The host pairs of both are still a secret. The organizers of the demonstration demanded anti-racist actions instead of statements
The protesters remind us that § 6 of the constitution prohibits discrimination, so racism is never a matter of opinion or freedom of speech, as it is sometimes presented. Inviolable human dignity, indivisible human rights and non-discrimination are the hard core of the Finnish rule of law, and they cannot be undermined without losing the citizens' trust.
The organizers of the large demonstration are concerned about the continuous racist outings of high-level politicians, which normalize racism. "Open racism surfaces all the time both at national level and in municipal politics, despite the government's statements. Eradicating it requires actions that cannot be discussed, but the social discussion strays into questions of definition and irrelevancies," says educational consultant Ilona Taimela, one of the organizers of the large demonstration.
The double communication related to racism and the pressure or manipulation by some ministers on the free media, journalism and even research also cause concern, says researcher Sanna Valtonen, one of the organizers of the protest.
"The government's promised 'zero tolerance for racism' has not been realized, at least until now. Speeches are actions, and racist speech builds a racist Finland, continues doctoral researcher Elina Sagne-Ollikainen , one of the organizers of the demonstration herself. "Now would finally be the time for anti-racist actions."
We will not remain silent - the large demonstration calls for a government that respects the constitution, which not only renounces racism, but also implements anti-racist policies that promote the well-being and equal opportunities of everyone living in Finland. The organizers of the demonstration appeal to all parties that respect equality, peace, non-violence and human rights and welcome everyone to demonstrate together for anti-racism and a just Finland.
At the moment, we know at least that a simultaneous demonstration will be organized in Joensuu, and there will be marches in several cities in the coming days. At least there is a shared transportation to the demonstration from Turku, and participants have signed up as far as Oulu and Seinäjoki.
More detailed information about the event:
The demonstration will be held on Sunday, September 3. at 1 p.m. at Senate Square . At 2 p.m., we will leave in a procession towards the Töölö event park . A short procession for people with reduced mobility will set off from Elielinaukio at 2 p.m. Information about accessibility and accessibility can be found on the event's website and social media accounts.
Speeches and music performances are already available at Senatintor, and the program part of the demonstration continues in the Töölö event park until approximately 19:00. In Töölönlahti, there will be music, performances and speeches from supporters of the demonstration. The line-up of performers is of a high standard, and anti-racism speeches will be heard not only from representatives of entertainment, art, science and culture, but also from leaders in various professional fields, human rights activists and anti-racism experts. In addition to the artists already mentioned in the story, the program, which is still partially complete, also contains surprises.
It is desirable to bring your own signs and banners to the demonstration. The demonstration is non-partisan. You can participate in the demonstration virtually with the tag #MeEmmeVaikene .
The organizers urge active citizens all over Finland to organize similar demonstrations in their own localities at the same time. The organizers can, upon request, distribute materials from the demonstration for use by local parallel events.
Program information, operating instructions and other information as well as images to be shared will be updated on the event's own website and social media.
The organizers of the event welcome everyone to the anti-racism demonstration. Together we can create a better and fairer Finland!
The event is organized by a group of more than a hundred concerned citizens who make up the Me emme vaikene working group.
More information and interview requests from the organizers:
E-mail: meemmevaikene@gmail.com
Twitter: @meemmevaikene
Instagram:@emmevaikene
Facebook: fb.com/meemmevaikene
