Gee Walker will lead a Walk of Remembrance through Liverpool city centre as part of Slavery Remembrance Day commemorations next month.
Dr Walker lost her son Anthony, 18, in a racially-motivated attack in Huyton, Liverpool in July 2005. The Walker family set up The Anthony Walker Foundation (AWF) following his tragic death.
Slavery Remembrance Day has been commemorated in Liverpool every August 23 since 1999. It is organised by National Museums Liverpool in partnership with Liverpool City Council.
As well as remembering those lost through the transatlantic slave trade, Slavery Remembrance Day reminds us of the threat of racism and discrimination in modern society.
The Walk of Remembrance will take place on Friday, August 23 at 12 noon and weave through Church Street and Liverpool ONE before reaching the Albert Dock. The traditional African Libation ceremony will begin at 1pm outside the International Slavery Museum.
On Thursday, August 22 at 6pm a Memorial Lecture will be delivered by leading Jamaican academic, Professor Verene Shepherd, at Liverpool Town Hall.
Booking is essential for this free event: Telephone: 0151 478 4240.
Claire Benjamin, Head of Communities at National Museums Liverpool, said:
“We are honoured that the Walker family have agreed to take part in the Walk of Remembrance.
“Gee is an inspiration and her presence will add something very special to what is always a very moving and poignant day.
“Everyone is welcome to join us on 23 August and we’d hope Liverpool people come out and lend their support.
“We are also thrilled to welcome Professor Verene Shepherd to the city. The Memorial Lecture is always very popular and we look forward to hearing Professor Shepherd’s lecture.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:
“It is vital that our children grow up realising the importance of Slavery Remembrance Day and what it means to live in a society that respects others regardless of their race or colour.
“I am delighted that Gee Walker has kindly agreed to lead this year’s walk, her courage and dignity is humbling for all of us.
“I hope as many people, young and old, take part in the activities taking place over the weekend but more importantly I hope we can encourage others to understand different cultures and help create a better, more inclusive future for everyone.”
Three days of free activity around Slavery Remembrance Day include:
• Saturday, August 17: Family Day at the International Slavery Museum runs from 1-4pm and includes activities inspired by Black achievement.
• Thursday August 22: Memorial Lecture at Liverpool Town Hall by Professor Verene Shepherd: “Enough done be enough! Women, enslavement and emancipation”. Starts at 6pm. Booking is essential: Telephone: 0151 478 4240.
• Friday August 23: Walk of Remembrance (starts noon) through Liverpool city centre and Libation ceremony (starts 1pm) at Albert Dock.
Following the Libation a variety of events take place on Friday August 23 at the International Slavery Museum including the showing of Akwantu: the Journey. This ground-breaking documentary tells the story of the legendary Maroons of Jamaica and their fight for freedom.
For details of all Slavery Remembrance Day events, CLICK HERE:
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