On 10th April 1981 Brixton exploded in anger, an anger that swept across UK inner cities in what Malcom X would have described as ‘a long hot summer’ of uprisings which culminated in Liverpool.
The causes have been well documented; racist and brutal policing compounded by the failure of the police to protect black people from racist violence, and the effects of Thatcherite policies which brought high unemployment and increased poverty to communities already in decline. In this 40th anniversary year we remember the uprisings and consider their legacies and lessons for a new generation of the Black Lives Matter Movement and anti-racist activists today. Join us for an afternoon of discussion, performance, film and photography where we ask how much progress has there been in the last 40 years and where do we go from here?
Guests include:
- Kim Johnson MP for Riverside, Union Activist and life-long anti-racist campaigner.
- Leila Hassan Deputy editor of Race Today and co-organiser, alongside her husband Darcus Howe, of the Black Peoples Day of Action March in 1981 which responded to the New Cross massacre.
- Lawrence Hoo Bristol-based poet and educator whose work throws light upon the life experiences of Britain’s marginalised communities.
- Leroy Cooper Acclaimed photographer whose arrest back in ‘81 was the final spark igniting the Toxteth uprising.
- Ngunan Adamu BBC Radio Merseyside presenter and CEO of i-Woman.
- Erinma Bello Founder and CEO of CARISMA – Community Alliance for Renewal Inner South Manchester Area.
- Ifem “Iffy” Onuora Scottish former professional footballer, manager, and coach. Iffy is now the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Lead for the Premier League.
- Jimi Jagne Community activist and entrepreneur who, as a young man, was arrested during the events in Liverpool 8.
- Natalie Denny Writer, founder member of the Goddess Project and director of writing development programme Skywriters Ltd.
Prepare for an artist ‘takeover’ of the museum, opening with the Afro-Latin beats of Katumba and performance throughout the afternoon. With children’s art activities and light refreshments served, it’s a family day out. Produced in partnership with Writing on the Wall, National Museums Liverpool and The Institute for Creative Enterprise at Edgehill University.
Date & Time: 24 October, 12pm – 5pm
Ticket information: Free; but booking is required here
Event Date: Sunday 24th October 2021
Location: Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG
