The 2025 Claire Dwyer Lecture: Dr Shabna Begum
Join us for the 2025 Claire Dwyer Lecture with Dr Shabna Begum (Runnymede Trust) as she reflects on 60 years since the 1965 Race Relations Act and its lessons for racial justice today.
The 2025 Claire Dwyer Lecture: Dr Shabna Begum
The Claire Dwyer Lecture is held annually in memory of Professor Claire Dwyer, whose research on the geographies of race, racism, and multiculturalism continues to shape debates in Britain and beyond.
For 2025, we are delighted to welcome Dr Shabna Begum, CEO of the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading race equality think tank. Dr Begum will reflect on the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act of 1965, which introduced the criminal offence of “incitement to racial hatred” but was widely criticised for its limited ambition.
Sixty years on, debates about structural racism and social accountability remain highly contested. Dr Begum will explore what the 1965 Act can tell us about Britain’s history of racial justice and how it resonates with current struggles for equality.
The lecture will be chaired by Professor Tariq Jazeel, with a small reception to follow. This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome.
About the speaker
Dr Shabna Begum taught Politics and Sociology in London secondary schools for over two decades. She completed her PhD at Queen Mary University of London, School of Geography, where she remains an Honorary Research Fellow. Her research focuses on race, migration, and grassroots activism. She is the author of From Sylhet to Spitalfields: Bengali squatters in 1970s East London (2023).
Event Schedule
Professor Tariq Jazeel (UCL) will open the lecture with a welcome to attendees, introduce the Claire Dwyer Lecture series, and outline the context for this year’s event.
Dr Shabna Begum (CEO, Runnymede Trust) will reflect on the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Race Relations Act, exploring its historical impact and ongoing relevance to racial justice in Britain.
A moderated question and answer session chaired by Professor Tariq Jazeel, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with Dr Begum and discuss the themes of the lecture.
Join us for a small reception in the same room with light refreshments. This is a chance to network with other attendees and continue discussions from the lecture.
The lecture and reception officially conclude. Attendees are invited to continue informal discussions outside the room if desired.
Reception and Accessibility
A small reception will follow the lecture in the same room, with light refreshments provided. The IAS Common Ground is step-free and wheelchair accessible.
Find out more about accessibility at UCL
Further information
Ticketing
Ticketed
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes
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