Govanhill's long history of resistance
Plus: get involved with the heritage issue, writing workshops with Arkbound, WIJ bursary, Indie News Week events and more.
With the announcement of the election in July, our team have been flung into action preparing for our Citizens Agenda election coverage project which we’ll be sharing more info about next week.
For now though, we wanted to share one of our favourite sections of the new magazine – a timeline looking back over prominent stories of resistance and activism from the local area. Scroll down for more.
The theme of the next issue is heritage and we want to hear more about the stories you want to write about or that you think are worth including. Join us from 1-2pm on Wednesday 29 May via Zoom to find out more. Sign up here.
Plus read on for funding opportunities with Women in Journalism, Indie news week events with Darren McGarvey, and the Scottish Beacon, and writing workshops with Arkbound.
Paul Robeson in Queen’s Park, May 1960
In 1960, the renowned singer and activist Paul Robeson joined a tradition of the labour movement that stretched back to the city’s first International Workers’ Day celebrations in 1981. The May Day march and rally in Glasgow has over the years seen demonstrations of international solidarity from Spain to Palestine and has celebrated occupations and actions like the Rent Strikes, the UCS work-in or the Lee Jeans occupation. You still meet trade unionists who speak of what it was like to stand in that crowd of 10,000 and hear Paul Robeson sing in the Queen’s Park bandstand.
Read the long version here.
Black Lives Matter, May 2020
Following the global eruption of the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020, attention was drawn globally to the need to confront the trauma of institutional racism. The movement's resonance was felt keenly in Govanhill, where violent institutional racism against Roma, Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups was actively fought against prior to the world witnessing the murder of George Floyd. Responses in Govanhill during the height of the pandemic saw people gather in Queen’s Park to demonstrate their solidarity as the streets were painted with BLM iconography and residents plastered their windows with messages of support.
Read the long version here.
Kenmure Street protest, May 2021
On 13 May 2021, just after 9.30 am I started to receive multiple texts. They seemed urgent. Upon reading them it became clear a dawn raid was taking place and all local activists and the community were being called to action. Eid prayers were disrupted and, no doubt, there was a sense of righteous anger that a special day was being hijacked by the police and home office. But the people of Glasgow united in numbers, minds and cause to say “these are our neighbours, let them be, set them free.”
Read the long version here.
Save Our Pool, Govanhill Baths protest, March 2001
Built for the industrial working class, baths and wash houses were opened to improve the health and fitness of local people. Govanhill Baths was opened in 1917 and well used by local residents. So when the council approved closure of the Baths in 2001, local residents took action. On 21 March 2001 a dozen campaigners arrived separately for the last swim of the day. They got changed, chained themselves to the cubicles and told the manager they were not leaving until their demands were met..This was the start of the 140 day occupation – the longest occupation of a civic building in British History.
The longer version of this article will be available to read on our website soon.
Creative Writing Workshops
Arkbound Foundation is running a series of free workshops at the Community Newsroom in Govanhill across July and August that will focus on developing creative writing skills and discussing ideas about how the economy can work better for everybody.
Following the workshops, there will be paid writing opportunities. They have 10 spaces and anyone from an underrepresented or disadvantaged background is encouraged to apply!
Get in touch to find out more and register your interest by emailing romystjohn@arkfound.org
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Indie News Week
As part of the No News is Bad News campaign Greater Govanhill and The Scottish Beacon are hosting a one day event in Edinburgh exploring the future of local news in Scotland’s communities. Get your tickets here.
Telling your Story - with Darren McGarvey at the Glad Cafe
Join writer, commentator and performer Darren McGarvey as he discusses what he wishes he’d known about sharing his story – and his advice for others – with Ferret journalist and co-editor Karen Goodwin. Book your ticket on The Ferret's Eventbrite.
Got a journalism idea that you want to work on?
Women in Journalism Scotland and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have launched the second year of their WiJS x JRF bursary programme.
Five women journalists will each be awarded £1,500 to develop a project shining a light on economic and / or social inequalities around Scotland. Deadline is 31 May.