In a time when Glasgow was preparing to celebrate its 800th anniversary, a brutal crime that would send shockwaves through the community remained largely forgotten. The story centres on the tragic murder of Hector Smith, a Jamaican-born father of three, who was shot to death in his own home in February 1975. The act was perpetrated by Brian Hosie, a convicted bank robber and aspiring terrorist, whose intent was to extort money from those he presumed to be involved in prostitution. This senseless act of violence not only highlighted the racial tensions of the era but also exposed the societal issues that surrounded it.

The chilling details of Hector’s murder are retold in a new book, Glasgow 1975, authored by Liam Turbett, an activist who aims to shine a light on this dark chapter of the city’s history. Turbett recounts how Hosie’s botched plan, formulated during a night out drinking with accomplices, culminated in the demand for £10 from Hector’s partner. When Hector refused to comply, Hosie used a stolen revolver to end his life. Although the perpetrators were apprehended swiftly and Hosie was sentenced to life imprisonment, the societal ramifications of this crime spiralled into obscurity.

Turbett’s investigation sheds light on why such a significant racial homicide faded from public discourse. He pointed out that the lack of an established Caribbean community in Scotland at the time meant there was minimal awareness or concern about racist crimes. Activism against racism was still in its nascent stages; thus, the absence of widespread protests or public outrage contributed to the erosion of Hector’s memory. Speaking about the lack of political response, Turbett noted, “The whole thing was seen as being quite seedy, and there was no official political response to it.” He attributed part of this silence to the fears instilled by the alleged ties of Hussie to the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), which was embroiled in the sectarian violence of Northern Ireland.

Against the backdrop of political upheaval in the UK, Hector’s murder was nestled amongst a series of violent incidents during a time when societal changes were crucial. The 1970s were marked by a significant east to west migration within the UK, with Glasgow undergoing considerable urban change as thousands of homes were demolished. This shift not only altered the city’s landscape but also contributed to the simmering tensions within communities.

In his reflections, Turbett expressed his shock that Hector’s story had not been more widely proclaimed, remarking, “The stories we tell about the past are important for how we see ourselves.” This assertion underlines a critical truth: the collective memory of a society shapes its identity, and neglecting painful histories only serves to facilitate the repetition of similar injustices.

As Scotland has evolved and moved toward greater inclusivity and awareness around issues of race and minority rights, Turbett posits that the lessons from 1975 remain relevant today. “The need to stand up for minorities in society and not allow hate speech to go unchecked… remains as important as ever,” he stated, reflecting on the ongoing challenges faced by minority groups today.

The legacy of Hector Smith’s murder serves not only as a stark reminder of the threats posed by racism but also as a call to action for communities to stand united against such prejudice. Turbett’s endeavour to resurface this frightening narrative is crucial, reinforcing the idea that civic responsibility includes safeguarding memory, ensuring that stories like Hector’s do not fade from the public consciousness. It compels all of society to confront its past while striving to build a future free from the shadows of hate.

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Source: Noah Wire Services