Event Details

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Event : Leeds Black History Month Walk
Start : 30 Oct, 2009 11:30
End : 30 Oct, 2009 18:00
Description :
Leeds Black History Month Walk 30 October, 2009
 
African Excellence in Leeds' History: with local actor/writer Joe Williams
 
11.30am- Starting on the front steps of the Parkinson Building, Leeds University and ending on the steps of the Leeds Museum, Millenium Square - in time to rest and witness an historical spectacle of wonder at 1pm!
 
First,
HEAR of an African woman born enslaved in 1770s Antigua, West Indies, who then lived "beloved and respected" for the last 16 years of her life, in Leeds!
 
SEE the gravestone of an African man, born free in England in 1796, who entertained royalty, ran his own business for over 30 years and raised funds for the local families of soldiers fighting abroad! Oh, and he's mentioned in the lyrics of a Beatles song.
 
BE IMPRESSED by the narrative of a once-enslaved African, who wrote an international best-seller about his life and also wrote to a local paper in 1791. SEE the memorial of the owner of that paper - sympathetic to the abolitionist cause!
 
BE INTRODUCED to connections between the industrial and economic development of Leeds and the contributions of Africans - before and after Windrush!
 
DISCOVER some of the Leeds residents, male and female, active in the fight against slavery: one who contributed toward final emancipation in the West Indies (1838); and another who, in 1848, wrote a "Tribute" to African achievers from ancient times, a celebrated book now studied on curriculums overseas!
 
LISTEN to the story of an African-American Shakespearean Tragedian actor, born in 1807, married to a Yorkshire lass and a favourite theatrical visitor to Leeds. Knighted in Europe 10 years before Britain's first knight of the stage, he is now a cultural hero of Poland, where he is buried!
 
BE AMAZED by the stories of other visiting Africans from America, both free-born (like Sarah Parker Remond) and those who daringly escaped enslavement (like Frederick Douglass). Both of these eloquent abolitionists spoke against slavery in Leeds, 150 years ago this year.
 
Then,
we will MEET, on the steps of the new Leeds Museum, another celebrated personality: - HENRY 'BOX' BROWN, a once enslaved African in America, who posted himself to freedom from the south to the north! In Britain he re-enacted his daring escape, utilising the Leeds & Liverpool Canal for the local press in 1856 Yorkshire. You too can now witness Henry's very first taste of freedom - as "he" re-appears out of a box, that has travelled all the way from Bradford!
 
There will be a free handout with plenty of other names to Google. Donations of £3+ welcomed.
 
So, book your place at hotjoe@hotmail.com ("hot" on history... of course, what else?)

Only first 25 bookings accepted.

You will be asked to leave your name and contact details, no time-wasters.

Bring adequate protective clothing/items against potential cold and wet.

Wear comfortable shoes to keep up with the pace.

You are responsible for your own health, safety and property.

No refreshments provided, so bring own water.
 

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