Day 19: Olive Morris - Youth Activist, Feminist, and Community Organiser
Hey Family,
Today, we're shining a light on Olive Morris, a remarkable woman whose short life left an indelible mark on Black British activism and feminist organising.
Born in Jamaica in 1952 and moving to London as a child, Olive Morris became one of the most important yet often overlooked figures in Black British civil rights history. Her life was characterised by tireless activism and a commitment to intersectional struggle long before the term became widely used.
Key points about Olive Morris's life and activism:
Early activism: At just 17, Morris intervened when she saw police officers assaulting a Nigerian diplomat, an incident that fuelled her determination to fight injustice.
Black Panthers: She was involved with the British Black Panther Movement, adapting the American movement's ideas to the British context.
Feminist organising: Morris was a founding member of the Brixton Black Women's Group and the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD).
Squatters' rights: She was involved in the squatters' movement, helping to establish squats that served as community centres, nurseries, and bookshops.
International solidarity: Morris travelled to China to learn about their revolution and was involved in anti-apartheid activism.
What makes Morris's work so significant is its intersectional nature. She understood that the struggles against racism, sexism, and class oppression were interconnected. Her involvement in the Brixton Black Women's Group was particularly important, as it addressed issues faced by Black women that were often overlooked by both the civil rights and feminist movements of the time.
Morris's activism wasn't limited to protest. She was deeply involved in community organising, understanding the importance of creating spaces where marginalised people could support each other and develop political consciousness.
It's crucial to note that Morris achieved all of this in a very short time. Tragically, she died of cancer in 1979 at the age of just 27. However, the impact of her work continued to be felt long after her death.
The legacy of Olive Morris continues to resonate:
She is remembered in Brixton with a mural and a community building named after her.
Her image was featured on the local currency, the Brixton Pound.
Her life and work continue to inspire contemporary Black feminist activists in Britain.
As we reflect on Olive Morris's life, consider these questions:
How did Morris's intersectional approach to activism challenge the prevailing modes of political organising in 1970s Britain?
In what ways does Morris's focus on community organising and space-making inform current activist strategies?
How can we ensure that the contributions of activists like Morris are properly remembered and celebrated?
Olive Morris's life reminds us of the power of youth activism and the importance of addressing multiple forms of oppression simultaneously. Her story is a crucial chapter in the history of Black British feminism and civil rights activism.
I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. How do you think Olive Morris's legacy continues to influence activism in Britain today?
Blessings,
KK
