Beauty queens, women's libbers and the communists

Rebel Women

In 1970, Women’s Liberation activists targeted the Miss World contest, propelling the movement on to the global stage. Among them was Jo Robinson, originally from Blackpool, now living in East London. This is her story of that infamous night.

Yet that night was also famous for crowning the first ever black beauty queen. Since the 1950s, political radical, Claudia Jones had been using beauty pageants in the fight against racism.

So what are beauty pageants – a cattle market or a way to empower black women?

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For further stories about East London women visit our website eastlondonwomen.org.uk Or find us on Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, Instagram or Pinterest.

For further stories about Claudia Jones and Jennifer Holsten, listen to the Unfinished Business podcast from the British Library

Rebel Women is part of the Women Activists of East London project, which has been developed by Share UK, a non profit community group based in London.

Special thanks to the William Morris Big Local for funding today’s episode.

Main theme by Dano Songs. Incidental music by Purple Planet Music.

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