About this Event
You’re invited to an event celebrating a little-known history when Philadelphians stood up for Bangladeshi freedom.
In 1971, a group of local Quaker activists, community members, and labor union leaders put their bodies and their livelihoods on the line to blockade ships carrying weapons to suppress Bangladesh’s war for liberation.
We’ll commemorate this inspiring history with artmaking, food, music, and more. Hear directly from those who were part of the 1971 Blockade, and those working to keep their stories alive!
- 4:00pm: Pre-event film screening of Arif Yousuf’s “Blockade” documentary
- 5:30pm: Blockade ’71 event begins, with artmaking, food, an archival exhibit, presentations, and music by Devi
About SAADA
SAADA is the leading source for South Asian American history—a history spanning more than 250 years. Through our archive, storytelling projects, exhibits, artistic partnerships, walking tours, lesson plans, and books, SAADA demonstrates how South Asian Americans have helped shape our nation. Learn more on our website.
SAADA would like to thank Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large Dr. Nina Ahmad, who secured City funding to make this event possible. Councilmember Ahmad has been a thought partner throughout the design and implementation of the program, and we are grateful to her for her vision and partnership.
Event venue & nearby stays
1219 Vine St, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia, United States
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