The Harlem Renaissance, that great rebirth of African American arts in the 20s, threw up such household names as Langston Hughes and Marcus Garvey. But did you know one of the stars of this great cultural movement is buried here in Stoke Newington, in Abney Park Cemetery?
The life of Afro-Caribbean author Eric Walrond is an epic story in itself, full of triumph, tragedy and mystery. How did this prodigious journalist, Guggenheim fellow, and “the most promising literary talent of the Harlem Renaissance” just disappear, along with his literary masterpiece?
Find out – and rediscover his remarkable work – on this day of special events.
Part of the Stoke Newington Literary Festival.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
11am-12pm Walrond’s legacy, £5 Book here
James Davis, talks to Colin Grant (Negro With a Hat, Bageye at The Wheel), Diane Abbott MP and Robin Travis (Prisoner to the Streets) about Walrond’s life: his role in the Harlem Renaissance, his relationship with Marcus Garvey and the factors that led to his until-now relative anonymity.
Abney Hall, 73A Stoke Newington Church St
12.30-1pm Graveside readings, Free
Featuring Hackney MP Diane Abbott
Abney Park, meet at Church St entrance
2-4pm Walrond’s life and work revealed, Free
Talks by:
James Davis, author Eric Walrond A Life in the Harlem Renaissance and the Transatlantic Caribbean
Dr Mike Niblett, assistant professor in Modern World Literature in the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies, University of Warwick
Bill Schwarz, professor of postcolonial literature, Queen Mary University of London
Abney Park classroom, Stoke Newington High St entrance