Aug 10, 6.30-8.30pm: UK & US Music & Socio-Political Activism & Wood Guthrie

UPDATE: Help us compile the Top 20 Favourite British Socio-Political Songs to start off this event. Make your submission(s) at: http://bit.ly/SocPolSongs

Followed by video of Prof Will Kaufman performing & presenting Woody Guthrie: The Long Road to Peekskill* plus Q&A, including interview with Prof Kaufman. Please note that this programme is likely to finish closer to 9pm!

*The Long Road to Peekskill presents the story of Woody Guthrie’s personal transformation from a youthful Oklahoma racist to the ardent anti-racist champion who, along with many others, risked his life holding the line against American fascism during the notorious Peekskill riots of 1949. Conventionally known for his championing of the poor white Dust Bowl migrants, Guthrie also left an extensive body of songs condemning Jim Crow segregation, lynching and race hatred. Most of these songs were never recorded, but they are the legacy of this remarkable journey that eventually brought Guthrie into the fellowship of Lead Belly, Josh White, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee and Paul Robeson. The Long Road to Peekskill is both a harrowing and uplifting presentation, showing through the example of Woody Guthrie that racists are not born, but made – and that they can be unmade.

The discussion  will centre around what we can learn from the American civil rights experience, bearing in mind it is 50 years ater the enactment of the first Race Relations Act and 70 years after the 5th Pan African Congress, where a demand was made for an anti-racism law in Britain.

Part of the BBMM2015 & British History 50:70 @ Harrow Mencap sessions: Music industry and history consultant Kwaku, who’s also founder of BBM/BMC, will be leading these sessions, which will where indicated have special guests. All sesssions provide Q&A opportunities. Although we aim to end at 8.30pm, mindful that it’s a weekday, on certain occasions there may be networking opportunities up to 9pm.

Please note that our events are suitable for youths aged 12 and above. Spaces are limited, so please book events that you’re certain of attending.