Covid Crisis book & Untold Covid Stories exhibition launch (Reflection)

On 4th July 6-8pm at Rich Mix, 50 people from all walks of life from the East End and beyond to purchased the 'Covid Crisis: The Brit-Bangla Response' book and viewed the Untold Covid Stories exhibition (preview) which showed extracts of the book to remember the struggles of the Bengali community during the pandemic and their response.

The exhibition was opened at 6 PM and were guided by Saif Aslam and Doug Haywood (exhibition curators), Barney Snow (script editor), Miranda Snow (visual book editor), Chuks Ikediashi (Author's friend) and Ripon Ray (author).

At 7pm, Ripon Ray, spoke about the historical importance of such a book launch to capture the stories during the pandemic from the perspective of the Bengali community and how the campaign organised by BritBanglaCovid had become one of the major platforms for many minority communities predominantly from East London.

Kawsar Zaman - campaigner for TaketheVaccine - highlighted the book's significance and the exhibition from a historical perspective in such an unprecedented time and how the Bengali community campaigned in times of a health crisis.

Alastair Owens, professor of Geography from Queen Mary University of London, spoke about a similar research work he and his team carried out as the pandemic unfolded.

Hasina Momtaz explained how her jewellery design became a beacon for many communities when they lost loved ones since her small business was inspired by the loss of her son.

Sioux Vosper carried a photo of her dad who died during the pandemic which made her campaign with the Bereaved Families for Justice. She also gave the viewers an update on the importance of the COVID-19 inquiry and how bereaved communities can get justice.

There abundance of samosas, pakoras, chat patti, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up until the end the event. They were kindly served by Ritha Begum and Khalila Begum (Author's sisters) - provided by Oitij-jo.

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Covid Crisis: The Brit-Bangla Response (book)

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