On Sunday 22 November, we hosted the first Rushton Social Justice Lecture at Liverpool Town Hall hosted by Roger Philips (BBC Radio Merseyside). The event commemorated the 201st anniversary of Edward Rushton’s death and followed on from our celebrations of Rushton’s life last year as part of DaDaFest International 2014 and, we think, was a great way to start Disability History Month.Collage for News Story
The lecture began with a presentation from local historian, Steve Binns MBE, who detailed the incredible story of Rushton’s life and the social justice causes he championed throughout his life. The talk triggered a variety of questions from the audience, including one from Young DaDa member, Jordan, who asked: “If Rushton was still alive today, what would he be fighting for now?”
The audience then heard from disability rights campaigner, Miro Griffiths MBE, who spoke about the barriers that many disabled and Deaf people still face and how services and actions taken by decision makers need to be radically challenged. Miro quoted Ruth Gould at the last DaDaFest International Launch “People are people, people are personalities, people are not labels”. Miro reinforced that disabled people perceived through the support package they receive, but should be valued as individuals who contribute positively to society and the economy.
The Rushton Social Justice Lecture is a yearly event and will be taking place next year as part of DaDaFest International 2016. Visit our website to stay up to date with all of our events celebrating the life of Liverpool’s unsung hero and see how you can be a part of bringing his story to life, here.