National Museums Liverpool have commissioned Writing on the Wall to deliver a Creative Heritage Programme working with the archive of lifelong Black British activist Dorothy Kuya (1933-2013).
During the project, Wow have collaborated with community participants, carrying out educational workshops focused on Dorothy’s life and curating the archive. They have produced blogs revealing stories from the archive along with social media campaigns to amplify Dorothy’s legacy. An International Women’s Day event, ‘Celebrating Dorothy’, was organised, along with a walking tour and archive handling session at Granby Winter Garden. In addition, WoW commissioned visual artist Sumuyya Khader to lead workshops with participants and come up with creative responses to the archive and have produced a podcast series.
Dorothy Kuya was born in 1933 into Liverpool’s Black community, one of the oldest in Europe. She grew up during a time of monumental upheaval and global change. She began her life of activism after joining the Young Communist League at age 13 and was an early member of the Movement for Colonial Freedom (now Liberation). The Dorothy Kuya walking tour will take you on a journey through three stages of Dorothy’s life and activism:
Early Years
During this part of the tour, you will explore the effect of Pan-Africanism, Communism and trade-unionism on the post-war political activities of Liverpool’s Black Community.
Community Relations
In 1970 Dorothy became the first Community Relations Officer (CRO) for the newly established Liverpool Community Relations Council. As CRO, during this period she also began her research into racism in education and children’s books.
Granby Resident
In 1993 Dorothy was a founding member of the Granby Residents Association, set up in response to plans to demolish many houses in the area. She was also integral in advising National Museums Liverpool on what would eventually become the International Slavery Museum.
Come along for this unique opportunity to learn more about this radical Black British figure.
Event Date: Saturday 28th October 2023
Categories: Arts | Black History Month | Community Event | Heritage | Liverpool | Liverpool Against Racism | Walking
