Thursday 8 February, 6-8 pm 

Experience the lives of the Black British community from 1960s-1990s using materials from the George Padmore Institute (GPI) archive collections. Relive this experience through poetry by the renowned reggae poet, recording artist, writer and GPI trustee Linton Kwesi Johnson.
Join us for a George Padmore Institute workshop led by Sarah Garrod (GPI Archivist), in collaboration with the MayDay Rooms’ Activating the Archive Youth Programme. The session will focus on rediscovering identity in the black community (1960s-1990s), from overcoming the lingering suppression of colonialism to methods of reversing damage caused by prejudice and negativity.
We will expand on these themes with an illustrated talk, covering elements of education, Carnival, movements and campaigns. Attendees will also be invited to view original archive materials. We are delighted that reggae poet Linton Kwesi Johnson will be present to deliver a poetry reading capturing identity and empowerment.
George Padmore Institute: The George Padmore Institute (GPI) is an archive and educational research centre based in Finsbury Park, London. It promotes understanding of black communities of Caribbean, African and Asian descent in Britain and overseas. Dealing with anti-racist, social, political, cultural and economic struggles, the material is rare or unique, which makes the GPI a vital resource in Britain and globally.
Linton Kwesi Johnson: Linton Kwesi Johnson (LKJ) is widely recognised as one of the great poets of modern times and a deeply respected and influential political and cultural activist and social critic. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Johnson has been living in south London since he was eleven. He is an acclaimed reggae poet and recording artist who has toured the world. His albums range from Dread Beat An’ Blood to, most recently, LKJ Live in Paris. His poetry books include Selected Poems (Penguin). LKJ is a trustee of the GPI and Chair of 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning in Brixton.
Sign ups open 24 January, look out on our website and social media