the ara was formed by marc wadsworth, previously active in labour party black sections. it was the first black-led, broad-based coalition campaigning to stem the rising tide of racism, antisemitism and support for the extreme right. the ara was supported by more than 800 organisations including many national black and jewish organisations. it also had the support of more than 90 mps and meps from across the political spectrum, as well as thousands of individuals. the ara organised campaigns locally and nationally against racist murders, attacks and harassment and rented offices in lloyd baker street at clerkenwell, london, from islington council. it won the support of powerful trade unions such as the transport and general workers union. its formation was endorsed by the jewish socialist group, the indian workers association and the black liaison group.