I’m pleased to see that Medway Archives Centre has put on-line a new exhibition about the life and activity of William Cuffay.
Cuffay was born in Gillingham and moved to London when he was 19. He was the leader of London Chartism in 1848.He was arrested and sentenced to be transported to Tasmania for his political activity. He continued to work as a labour organiser there until his death in 1870, 150 years ago.
The exhibition gives an important introduction to Cuffay’s life both in Medway and after. It contains excellent archival material which hopefully will stimulate more research into his life:
Medway African Caribbean Association is raising funds for a permanent memorial to Cuffay in Medway although obviously it is the inspiration that his life brings to current movements for equality and against racism that is the key point.
I was pleased to be one of those speaking at a Medway Trades Council on William Cuffay on Friday 24th July. You can find a recording of the meeting on their Facebook page. I understand there are plans to post it on YouTube for those who are FB averse.
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