Walter Rodney Reading Room
Event Information
About this Event
The Windrush Generation helped to sow the seeds for today’s social justice movements.
Political education was key to this process as exemplified by the works of Walter Rodney. Jessica and Eric Huntley founded Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications – with the collaboration of other activists – in October 1968. Bringing together a collection of speeches, lectures and reasonings that Rodney had given across Jamaica, the publication of The Groundings with My Brothers (1969) was an act of organised resistance.
The Huntleys formed a bond with Rodney when he was a student at SOAS in the 1960s, together they embody the vital role of historical consciousness in liberation struggles. This free programme offers an opportunity to salute those UK Windrush pioneers within the context of Rodney’s legacy.
In the first Reading Room, we will be reading and discussing two chapters from Groundings: ‘Statement of the Jamaica Situation’ and ‘African History in the Service of Black Revolution.’ Participants will engage with Rodney’s affirmation that historical knowledge is a ‘weapon in our struggle’. It will be an opportunity for a transnational and intergenerational discussion on the spirit and substance of Rodney’s work, which continues to replenish and influence our minds and actions. Chaired by Dr. Juanita Cox, the Reading Room will open with a panel conversation between Dr. Sónia Vaz Borges, Dr. Toivo Asheeke and Dr. Maegan Miller – leading thinkers and activists who are reinvigorating ideas stemming from Rodney’s work.
Rodney enthusiasts and newcomers are encouraged to join in this interactive online reading room, featuring breakout group discussions and a communal conversation that seeks to expand our thinking. With your involvement, the Reading Room becomes a space for knowledge sharing, critical thinking, storytelling and movement building.
PROGRAMME
18:00 WELCOME Dr Juanita Cox
18:10 IN CONVERSATION and Q&A ?
Dr. Maegan Miller with Dr. Toivo Asheeke & Dr. Sónia Vaz Borges
18:45 GROUNDINGS ROUNDTABLES?
19:10 BREAK
19:20 GROUP DISCUSSION + Q&A
19:50 CLOSING REMARKS
All archive reading materials will be provided.
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