Commemorating the Birthday of Edward Francis Small
By the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice
Press Release
Today is the 134th birthday of Edward Francis Small. Described as the ‘Watchdog of the Gambia’ and the ‘Father of Gambian Independence,’ EF Small was born on 29 January 1891 and died in 1958 in Banjul.
EF Small was a Gambian who stood up against British colonial tyranny against Gambians. He spent his entire life fighting for the right to inclusion and representation of Gambians in the decision-making institutions and processes of the country. His clarion call was ‘no taxation without representation’.
He was a human rights activist who defended the rights of citizens as human beings. He was a trade unionist who organised and defended the rights and welfare of workers. He was a journalist who reported on the situation in the Gambia and beyond to expose injustices and hold those responsible accountable. He was an anti-colonialist and pro-democracy advocate who spearheaded the creation of the first regional movement in Africa, the National Congress of British West Africa, to advocate for the end of colonialism.
He led several strikes or protests as well as wrote several petitions to the colonial regime and indeed spearheaded the creation of several unions, institutions, organisations, and groups in the Gambia for the protection of the rights of citizens.
As an organisation, we derive inspiration and motivation from the life, work, and legacy of EF Small. Our organisation is named after him precisely to serve as guidance, a milestone, and a source of pride and encouragement to continue the work of liberation, human rights, democracy, and good governance in the Gambia and beyond.
In commemoration of his life, we will host a special Twitter space this evening at 8pm. We invite all Gambians to join the conversation.
For this conversation, we will have the erudite author Nana Grey-Johnson deliver the keynote address. He will speak about the history, role, impact, and significance of EF Small in the present socioeconomic and political context and future of the Gambia.
We will also have the celebrated historian Hassoum Ceesay, the Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, share with us his perspectives on the life of EF Small.
We will have other speakers, including journalists, activists, farmers, and trade unionists, share their thoughts about EF Small.
Do not miss the opportunity to hear about the life, work, and legacy of the Gambia’s foremost and pioneer human rights defender, pro-democracy advocate, brave freedom fighter, fearless trade unionist, and courageous journalist.
Happy birthday to EF Small!
