LEGACIES & LESSONS OF ANTI-RACISM AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
In February 1965, Malcolm X made a powerful visit to Smethwick, Birmingham, after witnessing racial tensions in Selma, Alabama. He was struck by the deep racial divides in the Midlands, where anti-immigrant sentiment had been exploited by political candidates. Now, nearly 60 years later, these issues remain painfully relevant.
In 2024, as racist violence spreads across Britain, a new national convention seeks to channel the spirit of Malcolm X’s visit, bringing together activists, thinkers, community leaders, and artists to confront racial injustice and build bridges between divided communities. The convention is part of the MX60 commemoration events, organized to reflect on Malcolm X’s legacy and the lessons that are vital for today’s world.
Taking place at Nottingham Contemporary, this gathering will serve as a major platform for cross-city collaborations with local groups committed to tackling racism in the aftermath of recent riots. Attendees will hear from leading voices in anti-racism work, including:
• Chetan Bhatt (London School of Economics)
• Professor Gus John
• Liz Fekete (Institute of Race Relations)
• Shabna Begum (Runnymede Trust)
• Suresh Grover (The Monitoring Group)
• Paul Gilroy (University College London)
• Taj Ali (Journalist)
These speakers will provide critical insights into the current racial landscape in Britain and explore strategies to foster solidarity across racial, class, and faith lines.
This historic event will be hosted in collaboration with Shaheed Udham Singh Welfare Centre, Birmingham Race Impact Group, The Monitoring Group, and Himmah. It also coincides with Donald Rodney: Visceral Canker, a retrospective exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary that explores themes of racial identity, Black masculinity, and Britain’s colonial past.
With such a powerful lineup of speakers and a wide range of communities represented, this convention is a must-attend for anyone committed to racial justice, community building, and creating a more inclusive society.
Event Details:
Date: 26th October 2024
Location: Nottingham Contemporary, The Galleries
Time: Please meet at Reception
This event is wheelchair accessible, and all speakers will use microphones to ensure everyone can engage fully. For any specific access requirements, please reach out to the organizers at info@nottinghamcontemporary.org or call 0115 948 9750.
For additional information, contact Jagdish Patel at Himmah on 0115 837 6116 or via email at jagdish@himmah.org.
Join us for this powerful national convention and help shape the future of anti-racism and community-building in Britain. For tickets, click here.