On the 5 November 1975, around one hundred mostly Black male youngsters clashed with police on the streets of Chapeltown. Within the aftermath twelve children and young men were arrested and charged, many of whom faced decades in prison. They became known as the Bonfire Twelve, and their campaign for justice fostered solidarity as well as disunity within Chapeltown. 

In memory of local community activist Violet ‘Fayola’ Hendrickson, this talk explores the often forgotten role of women within the Bonfire Night incident and its aftermath. It situates the events of Bonfire Night within a longer history of struggle and racism in Leeds, before it examines why and how young Black women came forward to assist the boys on trial. 

Amid the recent increase in racism and anti-immigration rhetoric, the talk uses the 50th anniversary of the Bonfire Night incident to challenge historical amnesia, and remind us of the ways in which women, men, and both the Black and White working classes have collectively resisted fascism and racism in Leeds.

Throughout Black History Month we will celebrate the culture, history and achievements of black communities. It is an integral part of the university’s calendar of events and supports efforts to develop long-term cultural and institutional change, whilst celebrating the contribution of our staff, students and alumni.

Dr Olivia Wyatt

Dr Olivia Wyatt is a Teaching and Research Fellow in Black British History at the University of Edinburgh. Her research documents how the lived truths of Black subjects, both within the imperial metropole and the colonies, unravel the national myth of a homogenous, liberal kingdom. She lately returned from a Visiting Fellowship at UWI St. Augustine in Trinidad, and this year she was awarded the Olivette Otele prize at the Institute of Historical Research.

This talk takes place in Lecture Theatre C, in the Rose Bowl.