Lewisham '77
imcista | 04.09.2007 21:42 | Anti-racism | History | Migration | London
A series of events to mark the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Lewisham
Where were you on Saturday 13th August 1977?
Where were you on Saturday 13th August 1977?
On Saturday 13th August 1977 the right-wing racist National Front mobilised 600 activists and prepared to march from Fordham Park to Lewisham Town Centre in an intimidating gesture towards local migrant families. But instead of the intended show of 'white upremacy',
10,000 local residents and militant anti-fascists crowded the streets and refused to let the NF pass. Huge numbers of police were drafted in to protect the march, which was able to proceed, but scale of the disturbances caused by their presence was unprecedented on London's streets. The Police used riot shields for the first time on the British mainland. Eventually the march reached Lewisham Town centre - tired, scared and defeated. The day marked a turning point in both local and national mobilization against racism.
Lewisham '77 is a series of events which will commemorate this remarkable day and attempt to examine what relevance it has for us today. It is a combination of history, commemoration, and celebration. We hope to provide an opportunity for people to tell their stories about what happened, understand the events in the context of racism
and resistance in the 1970s and discuss their legacy for today, when the BNP, modern heirs of the National Front, are again gaining support and confidence.
Commemorative Walk
Saturday 15th September 2007
Start: 3pm.
Meet: Clifton Rise
off New Cross Road
All Welcome
We will proceed along the route that the National Front took 30 years ago. Along the route those who have memories of the day will relate their own experiences: we encourage other participants to bring their own stories. The walk should take about 2 hours and will conclude with a further chance to share in conversation and debate. We are keen to hear from anyone who was there in 1977 and would like to contribute to the commentary of the walk. We're also creating an audio/visual document that will be shown at the next Lewisham '77 event in November. We would like to hear from anyone who has any photos, leaflets, flyers, etc. from the day. Please contact us if you would like to share your memories. We welcome assistance from anybody who would like to be involved in organizing and supporting the events in any capacity they can.
CONTACT US:
Email:
lewisham77@gmail.com
Website:
http://lewisham77.blogspot.com/
Lewisham '77 is the collective effort of a number of individuals, local historians and activists with the support of the Centre for Urban and Community Research and the Centre for Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement at Goldsmiths University of London, and the South London Radical History Group. This walk is also associated with the Migrating University at Goldsmiths, 14-15 Sept 2007, Lewisham '77 is the collective effort of a number of individuals,
local historians and activists with the support of the Centre for
Urban and Community Research and the Centre for Lifelong Learning and
Community Engagement at Goldsmiths University of London, and the South
London Radical History Group. This walk is also associated with the
Migrating University at Goldsmiths, 14-15 Sept 2007,
http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/cultural-studies/events.php#migrating
10,000 local residents and militant anti-fascists crowded the streets and refused to let the NF pass. Huge numbers of police were drafted in to protect the march, which was able to proceed, but scale of the disturbances caused by their presence was unprecedented on London's streets. The Police used riot shields for the first time on the British mainland. Eventually the march reached Lewisham Town centre - tired, scared and defeated. The day marked a turning point in both local and national mobilization against racism.
Lewisham '77 is a series of events which will commemorate this remarkable day and attempt to examine what relevance it has for us today. It is a combination of history, commemoration, and celebration. We hope to provide an opportunity for people to tell their stories about what happened, understand the events in the context of racism
and resistance in the 1970s and discuss their legacy for today, when the BNP, modern heirs of the National Front, are again gaining support and confidence.
Commemorative Walk
Saturday 15th September 2007
Start: 3pm.
Meet: Clifton Rise
off New Cross Road
All Welcome
We will proceed along the route that the National Front took 30 years ago. Along the route those who have memories of the day will relate their own experiences: we encourage other participants to bring their own stories. The walk should take about 2 hours and will conclude with a further chance to share in conversation and debate. We are keen to hear from anyone who was there in 1977 and would like to contribute to the commentary of the walk. We're also creating an audio/visual document that will be shown at the next Lewisham '77 event in November. We would like to hear from anyone who has any photos, leaflets, flyers, etc. from the day. Please contact us if you would like to share your memories. We welcome assistance from anybody who would like to be involved in organizing and supporting the events in any capacity they can.
CONTACT US:
Email:
lewisham77@gmail.com Website:
http://lewisham77.blogspot.com/ Lewisham '77 is the collective effort of a number of individuals, local historians and activists with the support of the Centre for Urban and Community Research and the Centre for Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement at Goldsmiths University of London, and the South London Radical History Group. This walk is also associated with the Migrating University at Goldsmiths, 14-15 Sept 2007, Lewisham '77 is the collective effort of a number of individuals,
local historians and activists with the support of the Centre for
Urban and Community Research and the Centre for Lifelong Learning and
Community Engagement at Goldsmiths University of London, and the South
London Radical History Group. This walk is also associated with the
Migrating University at Goldsmiths, 14-15 Sept 2007,
http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/cultural-studies/events.php#migrating
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