Anti-golliwog protest this Friday in Sutton Hot

Black Net readers are encouraged to attend a protest against the sale of golliwog dolls in Sutton this Friday, 7th October.

Memory Lane gift shop has publicly denied that these dolls cause offence and refused to remove them for a month after local councillor Lester Holloway complained.

The owner actually increased the number of golliwogs displayed in the shop window after the police visited her store, in the Times Square mall off the pedestrianised High Street.

The shop took the golliwogs off the shelves after this protest was announced - despite previously making public statements that they were not going to remove the dolls - however they intend to continue selling them.

People are asked to assemble outside Sutton main train station at 12 noon, making our way to Times Square mall for a peaceful protest and photocall.

Times Square may be closed for the occasion; if so, we will gather outside the entrance or as near as we can get.

Cllr Lester Holloway said: "Golliwogs are extremely offensive and belong to a bygone era. They were a common insult used against black people and symbolise a time of overt racism.

"While the shop eventually removed the dolls from public display at the eleventh hour - and I welcome that - it is clear the shop wants to continue to sell them, and that is just unacceptable."

Lee Jasper said: "Displaying golliwogs in London in the 21st Century is a grievous insult to the black community of London. Golliwogs are reprehensible and a gross racial stereotype of enslaved Africans.

"Slavery was the greatest crimes in history and any depiction of it as soft cuddly toys is demeaning and insulting."

Organisers are keen for protestors to bring cameras and camcorders. African drums are welcome too.

A Sutton Guardian online poll showed 80 percent of readers supported golliwogs. It is hoped the protest will be a clear response to that.

For interviews contact Lester Holloway on 07912 612 724