FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS...
October 22nd, 1pm-2.30pm, Room B35, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, WC1E7HX
‘What does Aktion T4 teach us about Equality today'
Talks by Lord Shinkwin (House of Lords) and Olivia Marks-Woldman (Holocaust Memorial Day Trust)
- Introduction from Prof. David Feldman, Director of the Pears Institute, and Dr. Rebecca Gumbrell-McCormack, Convener of the Birkbeck Disability Staff Network
“It was on human beings with disabilities that the Nazis perfected the killing techniques that they soon used to devasting effect in the gas chambers of the Holocaust. This event asks us to reflect on 75 years of Holocaust Memorial Day mindful that one of the key basis for this genocide came from eugenic ideas developed and promoted back here in the UK, and offers reflections on the lessons to learn for Equality in our society today.” Lord Shinkwin
Lord Shinkwin
Lord Shinkwin worked for almost 20 years in the voluntary sector, serving in various public affairs roles, including at RNID, Macmillan, Cancer Research UK, and The Royal British Legion, where he led successful campaigns on the Armed Forces Covenant and securing reforms to the coroners service for bereaved Armed Forces families. Immediately prior to entering the Lords, he was Director of Public Affairs and Campaigns for the Wine and Spirit Trade Association. He was introduced to the House of Lords on 17 November 2015. Since becoming a Peer, he has focused on disability equality issues, combating antisemitism. He sits as a Conservative.
Olivia Marks-Woldman
Olivia joined the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) as Chief Executive in February 2012. She has overseen the growth of Holocaust Memorial Day around the country and a hugely increased media presence.
Olivia believes passionately that everyone, regardless of age or background, should know about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the subsequent genocides, and should set aside time to remember all those who suffered. She feels fortunate to be working for an organisation that enables people to do this, that encourages people to consider their own responsibilities, and that puts the life stories of those who were murdered and those who survived at the centre of commemorations.
Before joining HMDT, Olivia worked in a number of other charities, mainly in roles that involved political lobbying, policy development and stakeholder engagement.
Birkbeck Staff Disability Network
This is a free but ticketed event. To book for this event click here.
