This talk will take us on a journey from 18th Century Sheffield through to the present, showing the great achievements made by the people from the Commonwealth who came to our great City. Telling the stories of individuals and groups who influenced and campaigned for social change.
Among others we will learn about an 18th Century hell-raiser called Henry “Redhead” Yorke, Pablo Fanque born William Darby a 19th Century circus manager referenced in a Beatles song, a lady of conscience who protected a runaway slave, and a Sheffield connection with Malcolm X plus lots more.
Mark grew up in Oxford, the son of Jamaican parents who were members of the Windrush generation. Mark’s professional life began in Sheffield in 1992 when he joined the staff of High Storrs School. As well as classroom teaching Mark had an additional role to work with underachieving African-Caribbean pupils.
Last year he was involved in the Heritage Open Days programme in which he gave a highly acclaimed talk on the 18th and 19th Century Black History of Sheffield.
Mark is a campaigner for “Journey to Justice” which promotes social activism through the arts, education and story-telling.
This promises to be a fascinating, informative and thought provoking lecture, so please book early to avoid disappointment as half the tickets have already been sold