SANGAM.ORG
Ilankai Tamil Sangam, USA, Inc.
Association of Tamils of Sri Lanka in the USA

Live With Death

A Black July commemoration

by the Consortium of Tamil Associations in New Zealand

Since the blood of many thousands of Tamils was spilt on Black July, Tamils in New Zealand will give blood in an organized blood drive to do their part in saving many lives in New Zealand. The drive will be on the 25th of July at the Epsom Blood Bank and the Manukau Blood Bank.

The Tamil Diaspora in New Zealand are organising a Live with Death – Black July commemoration on 25th July 2006.

In July 1983, a state sponsored racial riots against Tamils was the landmark of the beginning of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Tamils all over the world commemorate this landmark - the beginning of the civil war in Sri Lanka. The Tamils living in New Zealand are no exception. To commemorate this scar in Sri Lanka’s history, Tamils in New Zealand are organizing a range of activities.

On the same day a black patch demonstration is organized all over Auckland. The Tamil Diaspora will wear a black patch and go to work, school and everywhere. A pamphlet related to Tamil issues will be distributed in the Auckland city.

There is a Pooja and Prayers also organized in the Sri Murugan Temple in Ellerslie on the evening of the 25th to bring a permanent peace for Tamils. Many non-Tamils will participate in the Pooja.

The following further events are also being organized to commemorate Black July:

Tamil in New Zealand will continue with the postcard campaign to the leaders of the global organizations in an effort to emphasis the need for peace in Sri Lanka and to end the on-going genocide after 23 years.
There will a peace march from Poronui Street to Mt Eden Road/Balmoral Junction and then to Auckland Normal Intermediate School with placards.
The March will be followed by a remembrance event at Auckland Normal Intermediate to officially commemorate all the lives lost in Black July and to remember that it did not end there. This event will be staged in a lively form of a cultural show of dances and music connected to the aspect of the conflict. Politicians and Human Rights Activists will speak at this meeting.

Questions? Call TP # (09) 620 6200, 021 577 351

View a printer-friendly version of this article