Racism Past and Present: an exploration with The National Archives

FEB 26 Wed, 19:00 - 21:00

This workshop is intended to explore and reflect on three major periods of history and how they relate to race and racism in Britain today.

About this Event

Stillpoint Spaces London is excited to be collaborating with The National Archives to present this series of workshops, where we will explore stories, photographs and documents from the archives relating to race and racism in Britain’s history. The National Archives is the official archive of the UK Government and holds documents spanning over the last 1000 years.

Join us for an exploratory workshop, where we will explore items from the archives, presented by specialist archive staff. In the second half of each session we will reflect and share, and Counsellor and Poetry therapist will facilitate therapeutic creative writing exercises.
This workshop is intended for anyone interested in exploring and reflecting on these periods of history and how they relate to race and racism in Britain today. You do not need to be a writer to attend.

Workshops:

1919 Race Riots – 26th February
The 1919 Race Riots were the first time many in Britain became aware of the presence of a black population living in the UK, including those who had lived and worked in the UK for many years. The National Archives collection reflects both the national and international fall-out from these riots.

Windrush – 4th March
The arrival of the Empire Windrush ship was hugely symbolic of post-war migration from Britain’s former colonies. The National Archives has passenger lists from the Empire Windrush and other documents relating to the post 1945 period.

Mangrove Nine – 18th March
The trial of the Mangrove Nine highlighted the rise of black activism and institutionalised police prejudice. The National Archives has a collection of Police records and surprising community ephemera relating to this key episode in Black British History.

Facilitators

Iqbal Singh – Regional Community Partnerships Manager, The National Archives
Vicky Iglikowski-Broad – Principal Records Specialist – Diverse Histories, The National Archives
Kevin Searle – Records Specialist – Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic British History, The National Archives
Charmaine Pollard – Counsellor and Poetry Therapist

About the space:

Accessibility: At Stillpoint Spaces our aim is to make our events as accessible as possible. However, the building we currently occupy is accessible only by stairwells. Do let us know in advance any issues affecting your accessibility & we will do our very best to accommodate you. If you aren’t able to attend the venue because of this, please do contact us at london@stillpointspaces.com and we will ensure you can experience the workshop at another location.

*Please note that the views, opinions, and values expressed by presenters, participants, or any other individual in relation to this lecture/workshop are not necessarily those of Stillpoint Spaces London or The National Archives. Our aim is to provide a respectful space for open dialogue between our presenters, facilitators, or workshop leaders and those who attend.

If you would like to ask specific questions or provide feedback for any presenters please contact us at london@stillpointspaces.com.