Recalling the memory of Malcolm X's visit to Smethwick in Feb 1965

In October 1964, Britain witnessed the worst racist election. Smethwick was torn apart after Peter Griffith’s openly racist election campaign had played on the fear of immigration. After the election the IWA and other local immigrant groups worked hard to rebuild unity in the town. Against this backdrop, Malcolm X visited Smethwick in the West Midlands at the invitation of the Indian Workers Association.

To mark these events, we are hosting MX60, an anti-racist festival from October 2024 to April 2025 to mark these historical events.

Come to our events, and learn about how local communities tackled these issues in the past, how we can develop new tactics for the future.

In 2024, as Britain faces open racist attacks across the country, the falsehoods of the immigration and Islamaphobia debate haunt Britain.

In the aftermath of the summer’s race riots, we saw widespread help, support and real connections from people of different races, classes and faiths come together to tackle the hatred.

At this time, we must explore the lessons of tackling racism and building progressive communities over the past 60 years and support and help local groups develop tactics for building a better future.

If you want to participate, or contribute to an event, please get in touch.