The press release announces a press conference on October 5 on the Senate triangle at the East Front of the Capitol Building by prominent entertainers who will issue an urgent call for tough economic sanctions against South Africa in the wake of continuing repression. Representatives of the Hollywood-based Coalition of Concerned Artists Against Apartheid (CCAAA), led by actress Alfre Woodard, will call on the Senate to pass S. 2756, a tough sanctions bill introduced by Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA). The bill would impose a near total trade embargo against South Africa and require all U.S. corporations to disinvest. The press conference will be co-sponsored by the Washington Office on Africa...
The press release announces a press conference on October 5 on the Senate triangle at the East Front of the Capitol Building by prominent entertainers who will issue an urgent call for tough economic sanctions against South Africa in the wake of continuing repression. Representatives of the Hollywood-based Coalition of Concerned Artists Against Apartheid (CCAAA), led by actress Alfre Woodard, will call on the Senate to pass S. 2756, a tough sanctions bill introduced by Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA). The bill would impose a near total trade embargo against South Africa and require all U.S. corporations to disinvest. The press conference will be co-sponsored by the Washington Office on Africa (WOA). WOA Executive Director Damu Smith joined CCAAA at a press conference in Los Angeles on September 28, and he urged the CCAAA to bring their message to Washington. Other artists who endorse the call and are expected at the Capitol Hill press conference are: Carl Anderson, Ed Asner, Akosua Busia, Darrell Carson, Ruby Dee, Jonathan Demme, Morgan Fairchild, Curt Flood, Tan Fontana, Sheila Frazier, Max Gail, Danny Glover, Dick Griffey, Robert Guillaume, Charlie Haid, Kevin Hooks, Robert Hooks, Christine Lahti, Elizabeth McGovern, Judy Pace-Flood, Mary Steenburgen, Robert Townsend, Glynn Turman, and Michael Warren. CCAAA is urging other artists and athletes to join the call for sanctions and attend the press conference. Senator Paul Simon (D-IL) and other Senators will also be present. As a part of the artist's day-long activities, they will lobby targeted Senators and meet with Senate sanctions supporters. Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd (D-WVA) and the majority of Republicans oppose the legislation. The CCAAA and the WOA hope to focus public attention on the continued round-up, detention and banning of anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, the silencing of all non-violent voices against apartheid, the lack of adequate press coverage of events inside South Africa and Namibia, and the plight of the Sharpeville Six and other South African and Namibian political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela.
