Being Human Event marking the 50th anniversary of Stepney Words.

14 November 2021

Great Hall, People’s Palace, QMUL

Julie Begum spoke as a part of the panel entitled ‘Grassroots’, on the grassroots legacies of Stepney Words on experience in antiracist activism in the 1980s, particularly in the ways that we participated in amplifying the voices of working-class Bengali/Bangladeshi people in Tower Hamlets.

“Nadia and I are very grateful for your excellent contribution to the Stepney Words 50 Years On celebration. I must say that I was very impressed how you managed to tell us so much in the short time that we had available. It was a powerful and emotional day, and I’m so pleased that you were part of it, and that you enjoyed it!”

Alan Dein

It was such a pleasure to have you as part of our event: I thought you were the best speaker of the whole day. You have such focus and clarity, and the way your talk brought together activism and the telling of untold stories made the link between Chris Searle’s approach to teaching and the East End activism that came later. I was wonderfully reminded too of what a brilliant and energetic student you were!
So massive thanks to you and I look forward to the next time we cross paths!
all the very best,
Dr. Nadia Valman
Professor of Urban Literature
School of English and Drama,
Co-director, Raphael Samuel History Centre
Queen Mary, University of London
Mile End Road
London E1 4NS