michael_de_freitas

 

Above: Michael X, Yoko Ono and John Lennon

Who was Michael X ?   Black Power Activist and Political Icon? Liar, Pimp, Murderer?  

Presented by Vanessa Walters  

Saturday 18 Septemer 5.30pm to 7.15pm

Topolski Gallery 150-152 Hungerford Arches SE1 (5 mins from the BFI cinema) 

Tube: Waterloo 

Admission: £4.00. book in advance only from  0207 620 1308 www.topolskicentury.org.uk

www.BlackHistoryWalks.co.uk in association with Topoloski Century Art Gallery

 
A Trini 'bwoy' rolls off a boat into 1950s London. Ten years later he's the most famous black man in Britain, but who was Michael X? The 'authentic voice of black bitterness' [Observer 1965] or the ex Rachman henchman for whom politics was just another hustler?

Vanessa Walters  2009 play Michael X probed at the heart of politics in 1960's Britain and the 'true story' of Michael X. On the 18th September she will share her detailed knowledge of  this remarkable man and shed some light on why  the Government have banned the release of national archives on his life until 2030  

Her presentation  charts the life of the controversial black power activist Michael de Freitas/Michael X. He went from being a pimp and drug dealer in London's Ladbroke Grove, to disciple of Malcolm X following a chance meeting. As well as living a chequered and flamboyant life, Michael's death is also shrouded in controversy, after leaving London and fleeing to Trinidad, he was hung for murder. 

Vanessa Walters is an author and journalist, DJ, and Playwright. Her novels include Rude Girls and Best Things in Life. Her most recent publication is Smoke Othello, a creative collection inspired by the black history of West London. Vanessa presents her own show on Colourful Radio every friday morning. www.colourfulradio.co.uk

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