The 39th Altab Ali Day in memory of the Bangladeshi textile worker who was murdered in a racist attack in Whitechapel will take place next week.
The annual event pays tribute to the 25-year-old who was killed by three teenagers in Alder Street as he worked home from work on May 4, 1978.
The council will hold a series of events on Thursday including a wreath-laying ceremony inside Altab Ali Park, which was named after him, and the launch of a month-long art exhibition.
Ali’s murder marked a turning point in the social unrest and racism in the area as Bangladeshi residents and other communities rallied together against fascism.
Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs said: “Altab Ali’s murder and the subsequent demonstrations was a tragic but important moment in our borough’s history.
“The united community response showed that people in the East End will not tolerate division, discrimination and bigotry.”
Other commemorative events taking place will include, a book launch at the Osmani Centre on May 5 and a talk at the Kobi Nazrul Centre on May 6.
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