Gathering at David’s graveside for #DavidOluwale50th

We invite you to join with us at his graveside in remembering David Oluwale’s life and tragic death, exactly 50 years ago on this date. A coach has been booked for those who don’t have their own transport.

David Oluwale was last seen in the early hours of 18th April 1969. His body was found at Knowstrop Weir, in the River Aire, on 4th May. He was placed in a pauper’s grave in Killingbeck Cemetry shorlty afterwards. Exactly 50 years after his death, we will gather at his graveside in his memory. There will be gospel songs from members of Nigeria Community Leeds. Their President, Victoria Ajayi, will speak. So will Arthur France, chair of the Leeds West Indian Centre. The #RememberOluwale chair, The Rt Hon John Battle, will say a few words. The musician Juwon Ogungbe will play West African tunes. We hope other singers and poets will be with us.

We urge everyone who can make the time to join us in sorrow and indignation at this solemn and joyful assembly. We want to remind the world that this man’s life is valued and his cruel death is protested, while we pledge that we will work tirelessly with all those who are making Leeds a hospitable city that welcomes, values and cares for everyone, whatever their origin or status.

If you would like a place on the coach, please book your ticket here. It will leave the carpark of Leeds Playhouse (opposite the bus station) at 9.30 promptly. Others are invited to make their own way to the grave in Killingbeck cemetry. The grave is to the left of the Chapel of Rest.

This is one of a series of events tagged #DavidOluwale50th commemorating his death and using the arts to campaigni for full social inclusion and compassion in Leeds.

[Was David killed by two Leeds policemen? We believe David Condon, the witness who said in Leeds Crown court in 1971 that he saw, in the early morning on his way to work, someone who looked like David being pursued by two men in police uniform along The Calls, close to Leeds Bridge and the River Aire. Only two officers, Inspector Ellerker and Sergeant Kitching, among almost 1,000 in the Leeds police force, were unable to account for where they were at that time. Ellerker and Kitching were jailed for persistently assaulting David as he slept rough in the city centre, including on the night of 18th April. But they were acquitted of his manslaughter, because the judge said Condon’s evidence wasn’t reliable.]