Stripped to the waist and sweated chest
Midday’s reprieve brings much-needed rest
From trenches deep toward the sky.
Non-fighting troops and yet we die.
– extract from ‘The Black Soldier’s Lament’ by George A. Borden
28th June 1914, this date is a defining date for world history – Archduke Ferdinand was shot dead by a Serbian. The assassination of the heir to the Austria-Hungary throne led to the mobilisation of troops in 4 different continents, resulting in casualties of over 37 million people worldwide and at the end, the disintegration of two empires.
But how did the death of one man, lead to such a catastrophe, and what does it have to do with Africans?
The Empire Needs Men exhibition travels throughout London with a thought-provoking display of images and artefacts charting the First World War from an African perspective. There will also be a range of workshops open to all.
Download The Empire Needs Men booklet for more information
Workshop: Sat 17 October, 2pm, Enfield Town Library, 66 Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AX.
Workshop: Sat 31 October, 2pm, Edmonton Green Library, 36-44 South Mall, Edmonton Green, N9 0TN.
enfield.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth
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