From the side streets: celebrating the life of Charlie Hutchison

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19 October 2019

On 19 October we held a special commemorative event exploring the life of Charlie Hutchison, the only black Birtish veteran of the Spanish Civil War.

Life-long anti-fascist he was at Cable street, fought in Spain in the International Brigades and in numerous campaigns in WW2. Chair of his Young Communist League branch in Fulham in his teens, he was a passionate peace activist, trade unionist and socialist.

We heard from students of Newham Sixth Form college examining his motivations volunteering to go to Spain, and reflecting on his life through art and poetry.

It was an honour to welcome 16 members of the Hutchison family to MML. They shared moving tributes to Charlie, a quiet, brave, honest man who loved jazz, boxing and books.

#blackhistorymonth