Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Archive on 4

Documentaries

Factual

Brilliant stories told using archive from the BBC and beyond.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Archive on 4: Hate Against Hope

Hate Against Hope

06/03/2010

BBC Radio 4 - Archive on 4, Hate Against Hope

How the anti-racist struggles in London's East End in the 1970s and 80s relived the past.

Alan Dein hears the story of how London's East End Bangladeshi community 30 years ago found itself reliving the anti-racist struggles of the past.

Alan Dein hears how London's East End Bangladeshi community forged new alliances to oppose racism in the 1970s and 80s.

The East End had been a centre of racial struggle and opposition since the 1930s, when Oswald Mosely's Blackshirts had paraded through the then largely Jewish streets around Brick Lane. By the 1970s a new wave of predominantly Bangladeshi immigrants faced racism again from the National Front and its sympathisers. 

As provocation and attacks increased, this community made new alliances with local anti-fascist activists, culminating in large-scale movements such as Rock Against Racism. Once again Brick Lane and the streets beyond became a battleground.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Archive on 4

Hate Against Hope

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4