Dr. Gregory B. Newby, the longtime CEO of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, has passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Known for his dedication to promoting literature through digital means, he played a crucial role in developing Project Gutenberg and was involved in innovative projects like the Open Audiobook Collection, which received recognition from TIME magazine in 2023.
The article reflects on a memorial in Barking dedicated to those who died from asbestos exposure, highlighting the area's history as a center for asbestos production and the long-term health impacts on workers and their families. It recounts personal memories of the author's grandfather, who worked in an asbestos factory and suffered from asbestosis, illustrating the ongoing legacy of asbestos-related diseases. The piece emphasizes the importance of remembrance and advocating for workers' rights in light of this tragic history.