Leeds Black History Walk: How can activist histories be used in teaching?
- Date
- Monday 8 October 2018
Meet at Parkinson Steps
University of Leeds
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds LS2 9JT
Aimed at staff across the University of Leeds, the walk is free to attend but booking is essential.
The Leeds Black History Walk is nine years young and led by performer and researcher Joe Williams, utilising stories and architecture on the University of Leeds central campus to open up local history with African connections. A surprising plethora of diverse narratives hidden in plain sight offer opportunities of wider and more positive inclusion and engagement.
Over the past few years, the Leeds Black History Walk has been used in BA and MA teaching in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies. As Joe joins the School as a Visiting Research Fellow, we are interested in reflecting on how we have worked with Joe to develop learning experiences for our students and whether there are other opportunities across the University for Leeds Black History Walk to play a part.
We invite you to join Joe Williams on a Leeds University Black History Walk, to explore how his campus tour can be used to develop learning experiences for our students.
Book your place here via Eventbrite.
Walk itinerary
The walk begins on the well-known steps of the Parkinson Building.
Our journey then commences with the origins of humanity; local connections to transatlantic trade are juxtaposed with ancient Nile Valley Civilisations; 'literature alley' introduces us to two Nigerian writers from the 18th and 20th centuries whilst reflecting on self-representation versus misrepresentation.
Colonial connections reveals ancient African royalty, whilst local abolitionists and enablers are matched with African self-emancipators and creative innovators.
There is even a Windrush stop before ending in the atmospheric St George's Field.
The walk will end with refreshments at the School of Fine Art, History of art and Cultural Studies
About the Leeds Black History Walk
The Leeds Black History Walk was created by Joe Williams for the Leeds Bi-Centenary Transformation Project (2005-2009), a community project based in Chapeltown which was initiated by University of Leeds alumnus and founder of Leeds West Indian Carnival, Dr Arthur France MBE.
Joe founded Heritage Corner in 2014, to enhance the potential of the walk and offer creative interpretations of related narratives.
This event is organised by the Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage.