Solidarity Sunderland

SOLIDARITY SUNDERLAND

Solidarity Sunderland was launched at a public meeting on 5th April 2025 at the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. The meeting brought together a wide range of local people, groups, associations, and institutions—united by the desire to create a project that tells the story of those from the Sunderland area who supported the fight against the rise of fascism during the Spanish Civil War.

At least twenty volunteers from Sunderland went to Spain to fight, but they have yet to be honoured in their home city. Solidarity Sunderland aims to commemorate not only those who fought and died, but also the many who supported the Spanish people in other crucial ways: fundraising, collecting and sending food and medical aid, breaking blockades (including the ships involved), aiding refugees, and caring for Basque children. Among the many unsung heroes are figures like Captain Andrews and the remarkable Eileen O’Shaughnessy whose husband was George Orwell. These individuals demonstrated remarkable humanity and a progressive vision in resisting oppression—a legacy that calls for recognition and action in our own time.

The riots in 2024 did not reflect in any way Sunderland’s proud history. This makes it even more important especially as the overwhelming majority of the city were appalled and horrified at what happened and the number of people involved in the cleanup of the city and supporting those targeted demonstrated the true spirit of Sunderland

It is vital to equip younger generations with the history of those who stood against the rise of fascism and far-right ideologies in the 1930s. Sunderland’s volunteers recognised the Spanish Civil War as a defining moment—an opportunity to change the course of history. At the heart of their actions was true international solidarity: people uniting across languages and borders in a shared struggle. Solidarity Sunderland is committed to ensuring the lessons of this historic moment continue to inspire future generations.

Therefore the central aim of the project is to create a significant monument in the city, developed through the participation of young people and the wider community. The launch meeting agreed to base the project on the approach of the Solidarity Park project in Catalonia, which integrates historical memory, art, and education to create a participatory community monument. We intend to bring together artists, historians, families of International Brigade members, local activists, educational institutions, students, trade unions, and the broader community to build a project that stands against far-right ideologies and fosters unity.

If you would like to donate, invite a speaker to your organisation, or get involved in any way, please contact us by email at:
solidaritysunderland@gmail.com

Update – We are very please to announce that Solidarity Park Artist Rob MacDonald will be in residency at Sunderland College in September 2025. The Students will participate in creative projects where they learn the history of the International Brigades in Sunderland and express that learning in art. More information very soon.

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