Join the conversation about the monuments, statues, place names, plaques and other features of our public spaces, in our two fascinating online discussions. Such monuments often go unnoticed, but they play an enormous part in giving us inspiration, identity, shared values and positive role models.

Recent protests for racial justice have raised the issue of whether we are properly representing our history and culture through these items in our public spaces. It's not just about racial justice, it's about all communities and histories who deserve to be counted, and it's about the stories we want future generations to grow up with.

These events which take place on Weds 10th March, one at 2pm and another at 7pm, are part of a consultation by Manchester Histories for Manchester City Council. Please follow link to participate in the on-line survey.

Both events will give more information about the consultation and provide an opportunity for you to discuss the issues and put forward your views. All views and comments made through the discussion will be recorded and written up as a part of the consultation.

The events will include a panel of guest speakers including award-winning author and broadcaster Professor Gary Younge, and small group discussions in breakout rooms. These discussions will feed back into a plenary session with further opportunities for participants to respond to points being made via the online chat facility.

These events are taking place using Zoom, an online service which many people may have used before.

Using Zoom

Zoom is free to use.

If you are new to Zoom you will need to download the app and learn how to use it - full details at https://zoom.us/.

To understand more about how Zoom uses your data, please do read their Privacy Policy in advance.

We have also produced some Guidelines to help you further use and connect to a Zoom meeting. Please read in advance of the event if needed.

We will email you a Meeting ID and a Password to join the event 30 mins before the event begins.

Please let us know if you have any access requirements. Email: karen@manchesterhistories.co.uk

More about the speaker panels:

Speakers for both the 2pm and 7pm events will be the historian Prof. Alan Rice and youth worker Kerin Morris, along with an introduction from Karen Shannon (Manchester Histories) and a representative from the City Council group behind the survey. The special guest speaker for the 2pm event will be Prof. Gary Younge, and for the 7pm event will be Prof. Hakim Adi.

Click here for more details on the panel of guest speakers