Journey to Justice exhibition: Civil Rights from the North East to the US

Martin Luther King visiting Newcastle University in 1967 (Pic: journeytojustice)

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This exhibition draws parallels between the Civil Rights movement in the US and various struggles for social justice in different parts of Britain.

Here it highlights the 1930s Jarrow March in the North East. When it tours it will look at the Chartists in Wales, the Suffragettes in Manchester and the rent strikes in Glasgow. 

The exhibition’s politics are pretty spot on too. Civil Rights weren’t benevolently granted from above by the likes of US president Lyndon B Johnson. Nor were they simply won by heroic individuals.

What’s impressive about this exhibition is how it looks at the links between the Civil Rights movement and workers’ struggles. 

It tells us important stories that you wouldn’t normally get taught, such as boycotts that took place.

The exhibition also looks at the Memphis refuse strike of March 1968, which became part of the struggle against racism in the city.

There will be a series of music events and lectures while the exhibition runs in Newcastle. 

Thanks to Daniel Kebede