Join us at VFD for an insightful talk on the activism and human rights movements that have taken place in Hackney from the 60s onwards. We'll hear from Richard Kirkwood who participated in many of these movements and from Kieran Kirkwood who builds upon their father's work as an organiser for London's Renters Union, climate activists Wretched of the Earth and saving culture movement Save Ridley Road.
We'll talk about the link between the radical history & politics of Hackney and the diverse communities that make it their home.
Additionally Kieran will reflect on their experience, as a queer and social activist, to examine the culture and nightlife of queer communities operating in Hackney today.
Richard and Kieran Kirkwood.
Richard is a former senior lecturer of social science at London Met University is Hackney born and bred and was involved as a young man in the politics of the area and was a regular 'space keeper 'at Speakers Corner on Ridley Road Market in efforts to keep Nazi's off the Corner. He was involved with many unions from the 70's onwards as well as organising movements, groups and individuals. He is still an activist and has incredible knowledge and insights of Hackney's history and can relate them to movements happening nationally and internationally.
Kieran has been involved in many collectives and arts communities in Hackney and across London. Kieran is an organiser for London's Renters Union, the POC collective and climate movement Wretched of the Earth and Save Ridley Road.
Pride 365
Hackney Council launched its Hackney Pride 365 programme to celebrate the borough’s historic, diverse and boundary-breaking LGBTQI+ communities in 2017.
The programme runs throughout the year, with community-led events – that include everything from gardening clubs to club nights, picnics to film screenings, history walks to business events – at some of Hackney’s most popular venues and outdoor spaces.
For a catalogue of events that have taken place since 2017 go the Hackney Council Pride 365 web page.
Keep up to date on everything that’s happening by following Hackney Pride 365 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.