The ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition held a benefit dinner Saturday, April 17, at the historic Women’s Building in San Francisco to honor five individuals who have dedicated themselves to the struggle against war and racism. More than a hundred people from various backgrounds came to honor Ramsey Clark, Marion Greene, Bean Finneran, Dr. Henry Clark and Tamara Khoury. All five awards were presented with awards signed by Eric Marr on behalf of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors recognizing their contributions.
 Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Dr.Henry Clark, Tamara Khoury and Bean Finneran were honored on Sat. April 17. |
The benefit was kicked off by the musical entertainment of Ibrahim Safi on the oud. The music was a delightful addition to the tasty dinner provided by Ali Baba’s Cave, which made Ramsey Clark’s favorite lamb dish for the occasion.
After dinner, ANSWER youth and student organizer Christopher Banks emceed the program. Gloria La Riva, coordinator for the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five, introduced Dr. Henry Clark, a former member of the Black Panther Party andexecutive director of the West County Toxics Coalition for 25years. He has been an anti-war activist for 50 years, which included refusing the Vietnam draft, and was a founding member of the Bay Area Anti-Apartheid Movement. Dr. Henry Clark accepted the award and spoke of how he began his activism in the Bay Area, where he first met the ANSWER Coalition. He spoke about the ongoing struggle against environmental racism, specifically that perpetuated by Chevron in Richmond. He ended saying that the battle will not be over until the workers take over control of the plants. “All power to the people!”
Banks then introduced Palestinian youth activist Tamara Khoury, highlighting Tamara’s dedication to the fight for Palestinian liberation, which represents the heart of her activism. Tamara accepted the honor and stated her gratitude to be on the front lines with the activists being honored, those among the guests and those among the resistance; and expressed her optimism and excitement about the many gains to come.
West Coast Regional Director of the ANSWER Coalition Richard Becker introduced Marion Greene and Bean Finneran of the LEF Foundation, which reflects a belief that art can be transformative, and that social justice is the basis for everything. Bean Finneran accepted the award for both herself and Marion Greene. She shared delightful stories of first meeting activists who are now leaders in the ANSWER Coalition when she was searching for a way to join the anti-war movement against the 1991 invasion of Iraq.
Finally, Gloria La Riva introduced Ramsey Clark’s remarkable career promoting civil rights and liberties and opposing U.S. wars and interventions from Vietnam to Central America to Afghanistan. Ramsey Clark accepted the award with an inspiring speech outlining the justice in the fight for Palestinian, Iraqi and Haitian liberation, which the U.S. ruling class is undeniably an obstacle to achieving. Ramsey Clark closed by motivating people to act against the massive criminality and abuse taking place. The crowd applauded Ramsey with a standing ovation.
