By KLTV Newsdesk –
[UPDATE 18/05/2023]: It has been announced that due to unforeseen circumstances, the ‘Power of Protest: Black Abolitionists in 19th Century Dewsbury’ event is being rescheduled. Kirklees Council have said they aim to find a new date for the initiative in July or August of this year.
Original story is as follows…
In a bid to unveil a lesser-known chapter of the transatlantic slave trade abolition movement, esteemed historian Dr Hannah-Rose Murray from Queen Mary University of London will grace Dewsbury Library this Saturday, 20th May.
Dr Murray’s visit aims to discuss the influential black abolitionists who took part in speaking tours across Dewsbury, including Sarah Parker Remond and Henry “Box” Brown and their notable visits to Dewsbury Elim Church during the 1850s.
This enlightening initiative, organized by Kirklees Libraries, in collaboration with Kirklees Council’s BAME network and Community Cohesion Teams, alongside the West Yorkshire Archive Service, seeks to shed light on the historical efforts made by abolitionists in Kirklees.
The project also enjoys the support of Locala Health and Wellbeing and the Dewsbury Elim Church.
The event, set to commence at 1 pm at Dewsbury Library, will feature Dr Murray’s comprehensive overview of black abolitionists who traversed Britain during the 19th century, with a particular emphasis on Sarah Parker Remond and Henry “Box” Brown, who graced Kirklees with visits in the 1850s
Participants will embark on a guided walk from the library to Dewsbury Elim Church at 2 pm after the talk. Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in interactive question-and-answer sessions.
Councilor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, expressed his appreciation for the endeavour, stating, “Kirklees Libraries consistently spearhead activities that bring about real change in communities.
“Through this collaboration and the invaluable insights provided by historian Dr Hannah-Rose Murray, residents will gain a deeper understanding of the fight against the slave trade that took place in Dewsbury when abolitionists arrived in the 19th century.
“By acknowledging the challenges our communities faced in the past, we can foster stronger and more cohesive communities today.”
Dr Murray expressed her own excitement about the project, saying, “I am thrilled to once again collaborate with Kirklees Libraries and partners, and I am particularly eager to visit this area for the first time.
“I look forward to engaging with Kirklees residents, discussing and sharing Dewsbury’s remarkable historical connections, and drawing connections between these important speaking tours and other reform movements across the UK.”
The event is free to attend; however, spaces are limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to book online.
In conjunction with the event, Kirklees Libraries will also make available a unique e-book collection comprising non-fiction, fiction, and poetry that explores the abolitionist movement, accessible online for readers.