Film Number

7469

Title

THE STRUGGLE OF BLACK WORKERS, LIVERPOOL CONNECTION WITH WALLY BROWN [PART TWO]

Producer

WFA

Date

1982

Gauge

U-matic LB

Colour

colour

Sound

sound

Running Time

20 mins 00 secs

Description

Second part of meeting with Wally Brown at 8411 (Community Centre), Moss Side, Manchester, chaired by Kath Locke. Wally talks about the history of black people's settlement in Liverpool. Contributions from the floor. Mr Bangbala remembers the dance hall. Wally Brown explains how black people had to make their own provision. As immigration increased after war, more conflict between African and West Indians. Africans seen to be docile and too tolerant of the racism being dolled out. Crew Club set up by Africans based on tribal connections but failed to involve subsequent generations and weakened. Question about relationship with USA and Black Power. Kath Locke talks about Malcolm X, Stoke Carmichael and how they struck a chord with black people here. Divisions in community were re-evaluated and people worked together. Any black organisation has to work for change. Double-edged knife of funding. Grants as demobilising mechanism. Wally explains how British Government got advice from US government about controlling the black community which gave rise to the CRE (Council for Race Equality) which then skimmed off best black leadership. Need to assess impact of Urban Aid on black organisation.

[Catalogued as part of 'Revitalising the Regions' a Screen Heritage UK project, 2011]