A Unique exhibition taking a Black perspective on World War One and the role of the British colonies within it is taking place at Manchester’s People’s History Museum.
From the Shadows of War and Empire: Perspectives of Colonised Peoples on World War One, examines the involvement of the British colonies (India, West Indies, Nigeria and East Africa) in WW1 and the impact the war had on those countries.
The exhibition looks at European imperialism, the devastating losses on the colonies’ own ‘home fronts’ and subsequent strengthening movements for self-rule and independence.
The impact and views of the people in the ‘colonised countries’ are either neglected or absent in commemorative events, and the exhibition seeks to provide a more balanced account of this global war than is commonly available or known.
“It’s absolutely brilliant Southern Voices are contributing towards the building of a much needed hub of critical community learning that helps to re-balance the dominant historical narrative, where the contributions made by peoples of colour have been wilfully omitted.”
Dr Ornette D Clennon, Academic Lead for the Critical Race and Ethnicity Research Cluster, The Research Centre for Social Change and Community Wellbeing, Manchester Metropolitan University
“As far as possible, we’ve tried to let the facts and the people tell their story. It’s surprising how different World War One looks through another perspective.”
Starting Friday 25 June – Sunday 17 July 2016 (10am-5pm)
People’s History Museum, Manchester
