A new project will bring to light the inspiring story of a black community activist who worked tirelessly to improve the Toxteth community.
Dorothy Kuya was born in Liverpool 8, the daughter of a white English mother and West African father, during a time of extreme racism, both institutionally and publicly. Her activism began early, attending her first Young Communist League meeting aged 13 involved in the post-war anti colonial movement and later a trade unionist.
Trained to be a nurse then a teacher she campaigned against racism in the education system and especially within school books. Dorothy became Liverpool’s first Senior Community Relations Officer for the new Merseyside Community Relations Council in 1970. She held this post for seven years.
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In the 1990s Dorothy was an early member of Granby Residents Association, which developed into the Granby 4 Streets Community Land Trust. She also formed part of the community group advocating for what is now the International Slavery Museum.
A creative heritage programme has now been created by Writing on the Wall and National Museums Liverpool.
Participants in the Dorothy Kuya archive project will take part in an educational course about her life’s work as a campaigner, educator and an insight into the Black Britain she experienced from the 1930s – 2000s. Working closely with an artist in residence they will gain skills in archive management to creatively respond to the archiving process.
Project manager Janaya Pickett, told the ECHO: “I'm very excited to be learning more about Dorothy’s life and its context. She was a woman so ahead of her time who dedicated her entire life to the fight for equality.
"Working on the archive in particular feels really special. There’s so little we know about the history of Black activism in this city and I hope this project goes towards rectifying that”.
The volunteers will work for two hours per week, based in the Anthony Walker Education Centre at the International Slavery Museum. The project will run until May 2023.
Madeline Henaghan, co-director at Writing on the Wall said: “We're proud and honoured to be working with community members, to bring to public access, the archives of Dorothy Kuya. She has been an aspiration to activists here in Liverpool, also nationally and internationally. Through her archives she will continue to inspire generations to come”.
The project especially welcomes participants from the Liverpool 8 area, Black, Asian and other racially marginalised communities.
For information how to get involved email project manager: janaya@writingonthewall.org.uk
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