Liverpool historian to head up city activist heritage project

Mandela8 have announced that leading local historian Laurence Westgaph has been appointed to explore L8's history of activism and anti-apartheid struggles

Liverpool historian to head up city anti apartheid activist heritage project

A Liverpool charity has appointed a local historian to head up its heritage project, exploring the history of activism and anti-apartheid struggles in the city.

Mandela8, a charitable incorporated organisation registered in 2017 was set up "to celebrate, commemorate and pursue the legacy of Nelson Mandela’s outstanding achievement for humanity."

Since the group's inception, members have been campaigning for a permanent memorial to Nelson Mandela in Princes Park, and announced in 2019 that their campaign had been successful, with plans drawn up for a bridge across the lake in Princes Park as well as a series of artworks to commemorate South Africa's revolutionary leader.

Nelson Mandela's daughter and granddaughter visited Liverpool in February 2019 to give their official blessing to the plans, visiting the site of the proposed installation in Princes Park, holding visits with community groups and organisations across the city and meeting Princes Charles at St. Georges Hall.

Historian Laurence Westgaph is an expert on the city's black history who has appeared on TV and conducts regular walking tours of the city centre explaining Liverpool's historic links to and role in the transatlantic slave trade, and has been appointed to the role following a recent recruitment campaign.

A spokesperson for Mandela8 said: "Born and raised in L8 as part of a family with multi-generational links to the area, and one that's been involved in community activism in Toxteth for at least three generations, Laurence gained an insight and experience of activism from a very young age."

Chair of Mandela8 Sonia Bassey MBE said: "We are delighted to welcome Laurence to Mandela8 as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him that will not only see him do a fantastic job working with people to identify and tell the important historical moments of Liverpool’s contribution to Anti- Apartheid, but also enhancing the wider work and reputation of Mandela8."

"As Project Manager, Laurence will work closely with individuals, schools, youth and community groups, housing and faith groups, cultural organisations, National Museums Liverpool and Mandela8's Young Media Group Project Manager to develop and disseminate stories of heritage, legacy and education."

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Laurence said: "I am most honoured to have been chosen to document the activists and activism of L8 as part of the international struggle against Apartheid during the 1980s.

"During those turbulent times, the people of Toxteth represented the most militant and uncompromising community in the country. The stories of those who sacrificed much both in challenging the Thatcher government and the South African regime need to be recorded for posterity."

The project is due to start later this month.