Women in Civil Rights Conference

Sadie Campbell

Sadie Campbell had been especially invited by the conference organisers in order to pay tribute to her and to the other woman of Springtown camp. These woman worked for the civil rights of every one in Springtown Camp. Sadie told me she was all lured to accept the award but was quick to point out that the award was equally for her friends and co-activists such as Molly Killen,Kathleen Porter,Mrs mc Brearty,Mrs Mc Carron,Dolly Sweeny,Flory Divin,Mrs moore and indeed all the women of Springtown Camp.People like Sadie and her neighbours were the radicals of their time organising, protesting, civil disobedience and dont forget this was on 1958 that is ten years before 1968.

The conference started around 11-30 shortly after the arrival of the late bus from Belfast.On opening the conference the chairwoman and renowned journalist Susan McKay acknowledged Sadie as did the other two members of the panel.

Women in Civil Rights Conference getting underway

The Chairwomen then asked Inez McCormack trade union leader to give her thoughts also.
The chairman then opened the conference to the floor were other women were given the oppurtunity to share there views and experiences of that time. Some of the contributors to the discussion were the daughters of civil rights activists who either could'nt make it or had passed away.The daughters told their mothers storys.At around 1-15 pm that module of then conference ended. Shortly after that Susan McKay announced that it was time to honor Sadie and the other woman of Springtown Camp.

The Chairwoman then invited Anne Devlin the well known playwright and daughter of the late Paddy Devlin MP to gave her thoughts on the civil rights struggle on this the 40th anniversary.Anne red a thought provoking and moving piece that she had specially written for the event which you can hear if you click the video play button below

Anne Devlin (Well known playwright) reads a piece
especially written for the conference

Willie Deery another former resident of Springtown whos father indeed was the chairman of the mens Springtown Camp action committee spoke to the conference talking about Sadie and giving a brief history of Springtown to all assembled
Click play button below to view video

Willie Deery addresses the conference

Sadie Campbell former Springtown Camp Resident receives a warm tribute and a presenation on behalf of herself and her neighbours from Springtown Camp
click play button below to view video

Sadie Campbell's Presenation

I would like to thank the www.civilrights1968.com committee on behalf of sadie Campell and the other woman of Springtown Camp for their recognition.