Lecture theatre dedicated to Linton Kwesi Johnson

Goldsmiths has honoured one of its most prominent graduates by dedicating a lecture theatre to poet and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson (LKJ).

LKJ was joined by students, alumni, artists, and community members at an evening to mark the dedication and celebrate his legacy and a life that has shaped the cultural and political fabric of Britain for over five decades.

Goldsmiths named the lecture theatre in the Professor Stuart Hall Building theatre as part of our 120th anniversary celebrations. The act of recognition is more than a tribute and is a statement that education and creativity can challenge injustice and keep memory alive.

A voice that changed the conversation

When LKJ arrived at Goldsmiths in the 1970s to study sociology, the college was known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant intellectual life. “When I was a sociology undergraduate there were only a few black students here. I felt at ease in a friendly learning environment. That was really cool,” he recalled.

He told the sold-out audience: “In spite of many challenges Goldsmiths has not only retained its reputation for academic excellence, it has also kept its cool. I would like to thank my alma mater for doing me the great honour of in the naming of the lecture theatre.”

Goldsmiths helped nurture a voice that would go on to pioneer “reggae-poetry” a fusion of verse and rhythm that spoke to the realities of racism, migration, and resistance and often involved collaboration with dub producer and musician Dennis Bovell who like LKJ holds an Honorary Fellowship from Goldsmiths.

This work became a soundtrack to struggle, confronting state power and amplifying the voices of the marginalised. Linton was the first Black poet published in the Penguin Modern Classics series, and his work remains a cornerstone of Black British cultural life.

‘We shall never forget’: memory and the New Cross Fire

The dedication took place in the week before the 45th anniversary of the New Cross Fire, the tragedy on 18 January 1981 that claimed 14 young Black lives.

At the dedication, LKJ spoke with passion about the tragedy and his ongoing mission to ensure its memory never fades. He said: “In my poem the New Crass Massakah I tried to capture the mood of the moment and I’ve been telling the story at every opportunity – poetry readings, reggae concerts, for over 40 years. As one of the posters read on the Black people’s day of action: we shall never forget."

LKJ also talked about the significance of Goldsmiths’ decision to reflect his role in continuing to tell the story, saying: “As we approach the 45^th anniversary of the New Cross Massacre, Goldsmiths has decided to memorialise a tragedy of historic significance, a turning point of the Black experience in Britain that happened right here on its own doorstep.

The tragedy led to an uprising in Black activism leading to the Black People’s Day of Action in March 1981. The dedication evening reunited organisers and attendees of this historic event, and LKJ also remembered those who fought for justice but are no longer with us: John La Rose, Darcus Howe and Dr Aggrey Burke.

An evening of voices

The event was chaired by Dr Omega Douglas, whose thoughtful guidance brought together voices across generations.

Students performed the following works by LKJ: 

• Inglan is a Bitch (1979) read by Rofeda Bougaga 
• Sonny’s Lettah (1979) read by Seyi Keyamo  
• Seasons of the Heart (1998) read by JoJo Mukeza 
• New Word Hawdah (1998) read by Faisa Mohamed 

Rofeda is a New Cross Fire bursary holder, embodying the living connection between past and present.

Two Sides of Silence (1980) was read by Professor Joan Anim-Addo. Journalist Gary Younge and Professor Les Back explored his influence as an artist and public intellectual.

 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Annabel Kiernan presented LKJ with a commemorative plaque, thanking him for a lifetime of words.

A commitment beyond a name

As Goldsmiths marks 120 years since we welcomed our first students as a University, the Linton Kwesi Johnson Lecture Theatre stands as more than bricks and mortar.

It is a space that carries a story, a story of language and resistance, of solidarity and care. It reminds us that education is not neutral, and that voices like Linton’s will always matter at Goldsmiths.