International Slavery Museum news

News stories

Introduction

Welcome to the first International Slavery Museum e-newsletter of 2009 with news of our forthcoming programme of events. January sees the launch of two exhibitions, each dealing with the impact change has on communities. In Shoot Nations, the evolving environment, whether shaped by nature or human hand, is documented while My Life, My Words examines the effect that Liverpool’s decline and recent resurgence has had on the city’s Black community.

Recently, a celebratory feeling swept the world when the USA welcomed its new President, Barack Obama. As one of the world's highest Black achievers, we hope he will take up our invitation to visit the International Slavery Museum in the future. Obama’s achievement forms part of our forthcoming US Black History Month event From Lincoln to Obama: A Look at the Progress of Civil Rights, which includes performance, videos and debate focussing on civil rights on both sides of the Atlantic.

In contrast, recent events in the UK have highlighted the racially insensitive terms that are still used in the highest circles. Words used by Princes’ Charles and Harry, which were dismissed as harmless, good natured or even affectionate, show that we have a long way to go before racist language is erased from our collective vocabulary. At the International Slavery Museum we challenge out of date stereotypes like these, through our exhibits and education programme.
 

Shoot Nations

Until 28 June
 

Shoot Nations is an exhibition of photographs taken by young people as part of the Shoot Nations global photographic competition. The images capture the impact of our changing environment, particularly the effects of global warming and intensive farming on the earth’s natural resources. For further information about Shoot Nations click here.

My Life, My Words

Anthony Walker Education Centre
2 February to 30 June 2009

My Life, My Words explores the lives and experiences of elders from Liverpool’s Black community, and their relationship with an ever-changing city. Their stories are told through videos, images and text. For further information about My Life, My Words click here.
 

Civil Rights Special Event

From Lincoln to Obama: A Look at the Progress of Civil Rights
Anthony Walker Education Centre and Merseyside Maritime Museum lecture theatre

17 February 12 – 3pm

The civil rights movement in Britain and the USA has been instrumental in shaping political and cultural change. This special afternoon begins with a performance of Keep Your Eyes on the Prize by Vikky Evans-Hubbard, the inspiring true story of Diane Nash and her involvement in the civil rights movement and non-violent student protests in 1960s America.

Speakers Simon Woolley, National Coordinator of Operation Black Vote, Richard LeBaron, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission and Wally Brown CBE, former Principal of Liverpool Community College, will give talks that put civil rights issues and developments into a local, national and international context. There will also be an opportunity to view rare archive footage exploring the civil rights movement and the lives of some of the greatest African American achievers. To book a place please contact May Liu, email: may.liu@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk, telephone 0151 478 4529. Click here to view the full programme.