Description
- Abstract:
- Interview with Ivan Emmanuel Freeman, Liverpool 8. Freeman recalls his family’s history, community life around Princes Park Methodist Centre, and his role as a DJ there. He discusses racism, unemployment, the 1981 uprisings, and resistance through music, art, and activism. The views and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Global Curatorial Project, Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the project's institutional partners. For questions or concerns please contact library staff at [email protected] or +1-401-863-2146.
- Notes:
- Immediate form of acquisition: A2025-025
- Biographical/historical note: Ivan Emmanuel Freeman was born and raised in Liverpool, a city where his family’s history runs deep. His ancestors arrived in Britain in the 1800s as travelling Vaudeville performers, moving through Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and across Europe before settling in Liverpool. His father came from Nigeria in the 1930s, while his grandmother’s family traced roots to both America and Eastern Europe. This rich heritage gave Ivan a strong sense of identity and belonging in a city shaped by migration, culture, and resilience. Trained as a carpenter and joiner, Ivan’s first job was at the Methodist Centre in Liverpool 8, a community hub he had grown up around. There, he also launched his career as a DJ, hosting Thursday night dances that became a creative lifeline for local youth. Blending American funk, jazz, soul, and Jamaican sounds, Ivan helped shape the local generation’s music, fashion, and cultural expression. His love for music and community spirit carried him into clubs, parties, and weddings across the city. Alongside his working life, Ivan has been committed to social justice and resistance, from anti-apartheid boycotts to the struggles for equality in Liverpool. For him, creativity, solidarity, and love remain at the heart of freedom.
- Ivan Freeman Oral History Interview, Global Curatorial Project: Unfinished Conversations oral histories and records, Ms.2022.010, Brown University Library
- Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)
Access Conditions
- Use and Reproduction
- The duplication and reproduction of materials in this collection outside of Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and project partner institutions requires the written consent from the interviewee or their assignee. Please contact the John Hay Library at [email protected] or +1401-863-2146 with any inquires.
- Rights
- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
- Restrictions on Use
- Collection is open for research.
Citation
Brown University. Ruth J Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice, International Slavery Museum, and National Museum of African American History and Culture (U.S.),
"Ivan Freeman Oral History Interview"
(2025).
GCP Liverpool.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:5shs6mx2/
Relations
Has Parts:
-
Ivan Freeman Oral History Interview
- Type: Stream
- Order: 1
-
Ivan Freeman Transcript
- Type: Transcript
- Order: 1a
