FAN members Lou Lavender and Al Garthwaite spoke at the recent launch of a new book called the People’s History of Leeds.
They talked about the issues of socialising in Leeds as young women, living through the fear caused by the serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, and the background to the first Reclaim the Night March, which took place in Leeds. The message of Reclaim the Night was women’s right to take back the streets, and was exemplified by empowering chants such as:
However we dress
Wherever we go
Yes means Yes
And No means No
FAN was invited to join the People’s History of Leeds project to record personal recollections of feminism and Reclaim the Night. The interviews given by three of our members are in the book and on the book’s website.
Other contributors at the launch talked about their personal stories of living in Leeds from the 1960s, including a nurse, a barber, a football fan, a market trader and a goth. They all had fascinating stories that showcased what a rich and vibrant history Leeds has.
If you would like to learn more about the project and read the stories go to People’s History of Leeds
FAN also has materials on Reclaim the Night
