Who was Alice Kinloch?
Alice Kinloch was born around 1863 in South Africa.
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Towards the end of the 19th Century Alice Kinloch took a long journey to Great Britain to campaign against the treatment of Black workers in South African Diamond mines.
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This journey is a sign of an independent, courageous spirit - to undertake such a long journey for a lone woman was unusual at this time.
In May 1897, Alice Kinloch travelled to Newcastle to speak in the Central Hall against the treatment of Black miners.
What were conditions like for South African miners?
British Mine owners operated mines under a 'Compound system'.
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This meant that miners had to live in enclosed barracks and were often searched in very inhumane ways if it was suspected that someone was concealing diamonds.
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An unheard voice?
Alice Kinloch was instrumental in setting up the African Association. She became its first treasurer, at a time when only men were allowed to be members.
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Alice Kinloch has largely gone unrecognised for her campaigning work or as a founding member of the Pan-African Movement.
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This is changing:
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Dr. Tshepo Mvulane Moloi is working on bringing her work to a wider audience and is researching her life in detail. He refers to her as, 'the mother of the Pan-Africaism.'
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Professor Hakim Adi has also written and spoken about Alice Kinloch.
Over to You!
Why would Kinloch travel to Newcastle to speak about her cause?
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What is the northeast famous for / What was a major industry in the northeast at this time?
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Whose campaigning footsteps was Kinloch following in the steps of?