CLR James Legacy Project update

2013 looks set to be an exciting year for admirers of the Trinidadian Marxist historian and activist CLR James, with not only the first publication of his 1934 play about the Haitian Revolution - Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History out soon - and a collection of his writings on state capitalism also forthcoming in the new year - but also a number of conferences and events in the UK at least to pay tribute to his wider life and work.  A sense of this can be seen in the following update from Andrea  from the CLR James Legacy Project:

 It’s been a while since we have been in touch but we wanted to update you on what has been happening with the C.L.R. James Legacy Project – and let you know about some exciting future plans.

 As part of the commitment to keep the name of C.L.R. James not just on the building but relevant we were proud to have author, broadcaster and award-winning Guardian columnist, Gary Younge  deliver the first C.L.R. James Memorial lecture. Held at the new library, the lecture can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/41534147

So what happens next?
We are pleased to announce that the C.L.R James Legacy Project, in partnership with the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) will be hosting a conference on the Life & Legacy of C.L.R. James in London Saturday 13th April 2013. The format for the day is still to be planned and we invite anyone interested to:

- Send suggestions for presentations, papers and speakers. We already have some high profile speakers that have said they will present..more news to follow. We will also be showing films and launching some exciting new projects. We hope to document the conference by producing a book after the event. If you want to get involved then please let us know.

- Volunteer time to help organise and publicise the conference. 

- Donate and/or help raise money to help make the conference a success. We currently have no funding to put on this event but are committed to it going ahead. If you would like to donate personally or help fundraise then please get in touch.

If you think you can help in any way to make this conference the success it deserves to be then please email: andrea@hackneyunites.org.uk.

Other news…

CLR James lecture 2013 (Fighting for the black vote)
APRIL 12th - Dalston CLR James Library 18:30 to 21:00
A lecture followed by a panel discussion, looking at the impact, importance and relevance of the African/Caribbean votes in UK local and national political elections. The panel will include a representative from Operation Black Vote.

Potential Danny Glover visit
American actor, film director and political activist Danny Glover has expressed an interest in delivering a lecture on the UK about C.L.R. James. This would undoubtedly be a great event and would attract much attention. But to make the event happen would involve a lot of fund-raising and coordination. The Legacy Project does not have the capacity to drive this initiative through – but we are willing to support any individual or groups of individual that would like to try to make this happen. Do contact us if you would want to be involved in planning this.
 
Another conference: C.L.R. James’ Beyond a Boundary: 50th Anniversary Conference. University of Glasgow. Friday 10th and Saturday 11th May, 2013.
Confirmed keynote speakers: Mike Brearley (former England Test captain), Wai Chee Dimock (Yale) and Robert A. Hill (UCLA and C.L.R. James's Literary Executor). For info visit: http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/critical/research/conferences/clrjamesbeyondaboundary/

Making a film about C.L.R. James  
We have been talking for a while now about making a film about C.L.R. James and though it is at an early stage we have had some good feedback from potential funders. If you think that you could have something valuable to input into this initiative then please contact us.

The C.L.R James Legacy Project
Web-site: www.clrjameslegacyproject.org.uk If you have any relevant articles or want to write for the web-site then let us know.
 
Pictures of Celebrations for the new Dalston C.L.R James Library
http://clrjamesblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/celebrations-for-new-dalston-clr-james.html

Teaching Resources
http://www.clrjameslegacyproject.org.uk/search/label/Teaching%20Resources