ALL ABOUT ME Changes to exploring the lives of caribbean people from 1950’s to present day
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Janie Airey is a lifestyle and corporate photographer based in London.
Shooting mostly lifestyle and corporate photography for the last 20 years she photographs for a variety of high-profile clients in the UK and internationally. Janie works directly with both companies and design agencies. Clients include: Age UK, Air New Zealand, Art Fund, BBC, British Heart Foundation, BUPA, Cancer Research, Debenhams, Incisive Media, Interflora, National Express, QinetiQ, Rubiks, RNLI, Siemens and WWF Her personal work has been exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery, and published in Creative Review Photography Annuals as well as numerous other industry magazines and websites.
www.janie-airey.com
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Contents Dorothy Johnson............................................................................. 6 Eileen O Walkin............................................................................... 8 Elsie Henderson..............................................................................10 Elsie Sutherland .............................................................................12 Ena Cleo Hill...................................................................................14 Gloria Williams ...............................................................................16 Jay Hendricks .................................................................................18 Leonora Dixon ...............................................................................20 Merle Carter................................................................................... 22 Millie Reid ......................................................................................24 Wilbert Carter..................................................................................26 Shirley Farguharson .......................................................................28 Sonia Walker ..................................................................................30 Yvonne Gaskin.................................................................................32 -3-
All About Me! ‘’All About Me” will be an innovative user led project initiated by older Croydon residents with a Caribbean background. They aim to produce a short film showing how the local heritage is a blend of social economic and political influences by reflecting upon their memories from arriving in Croydon in the 1960’s up to the present day. These people have lived through a period of significant change for the Borough becoming such an integral part of the fabric of modern Croydon that the impact of their Caribbean origins is often overlooked. A film, and a small exhibition related to its making, will showcase their personal stories comparing the experiences of these 1960’s immigrants with their lives today. Many of those who arrived in the UK between the late 1940s and early 1960s did not intend to stay permanently.
At the time, political independence from Britain seemed within reach for Caribbean territories, yet life under colonialism left many people feeling torn between two worlds.
Once in Britain, hostility and prejudice – at all levels of Society – thrust many migrants into a daily struggle for their rights as citizens. The passage of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act in 1962 made social exclusion a political reality. Widely viewed as racially motivated, the Act introduced new restrictions on immigration from British colonies based on one’s ‘prospects of employment’. Those who had once entered Britain legally as ostensibly equal members of British society were now under the scrutiny of the state as unwanted strangers. In homes, workplaces, and public spaces adversity became a catalyst for new expressions of community and identity. Looking back we can see/with hindsight it is clear/anecdotal evidence from our interviews shows that a large proportion of Caribbean people who arrived in the UK before 1960 did not come with the intention of making this their permanent home. The 1950’s were a time when the Caribbean Territories were inching towards independence from British colonial rule, but economic migrants were, in theory, able to enter the UK to live and work as equal members of British society.
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In reality, people were faced with hostility and prejudice, which made daily life a struggle. The 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act, which was widely seen as being racially motivated, underlined this social exclusion by placing restrictions on immigration based on an individual’s “prospects of employment” thus making changing former “British Caribbean” people into unwanted strangers.
Somehow/ unexpectedly/ with amazing resilience the migrants used this adversity as a catalyst to find new ways of expressing their identity, and that of their community, at home, in their workplaces and in public spaces. The accounts that follow have been deliberately left in the contributors own words and not edited I believe it is essential that people use their own words to tell their stories. J Jeffers Director ASKI
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DOROTHY JOHNSON
Quote: ‘Daughter, what is for you will be for you’, in other words, I should patiently wait’ Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? I am born in the United Kingdom on Sunday 13th April 1958 at Rosemary hospital in Dudley West Midlands. My parent both originate from Jamaica in the year 1958. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK. My earliest recollection of UK at the age of 5 years old, were the wintery months. My mother, trying desperately to get me to school on time but black ice on the pavement made it extremely difficult to walk up a very slight steep. The rushing sleet against my face, the dense fog that blurred my vision and the chill blades at the tip of my toes and fingers. In school I remembered using a sandbox to practice writing the alphabet and in the corner of the classroom a crate of quarter pint milk and orange juice bottles. I waited patiently to hear whose name the teacher would call out to be the milk monitor for that day. However, I remember the aroma of tea, warm toast and butter and the open fire at my Jewish godmother’s home. That was a treat. As I grew older, I began to understand some of the statements my parents would repeatedly say to me, especially my mother. “Daughter, what is for you will be for you.” In other words, I should patiently wait. It was attending my first job interview at the age of 17 years old that I realised as a person of ‘black/Jamaican origin’, I had to be persistent in getting particular jobs. It was at this age that I understood clearly the meaning of my mother’s statement that our waiting time may take years but if it was meant to be, it will be. What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? To me, Black History is a time set apart to celebrate our rich heritage, culture, history and past and present Black Achievers such as Lenny Henry, the Comedian from the Dudley, who I grew up and was at the same secondary school, Blue Coat Secondary School. Personally I feel that Black History month should be celebrated at any given opportunity and along with other culture histories should be part of the educational curriculum to ensure that future generation can be educated through aware of their heritage whilst celebrating Black Achievers. Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? UK is home to me as my immediate family, husband, children, grandchildren and extended family are all residents. Has the founder of a registered charity, Ministry of Empowerment which was established since 1999, along with dedicated volunteers, we provide informative and therapeutic sessions as well as social and educational activities that Support, Encourage and Empower women and their families regardless of faith, ethnicity and age Above all, I would like to be remembered as a woman who seeks to help others release their full potential.
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Eileen O Walkin
Quote: ‘I am married to a handsome Christian gentleman from the Turks & Caicos Islands. Newton is the ‘Apple of my eye’. We both support each other and integrated in the British Society’. Which country do you come from originally and why did you come to the UK? I was born in the beautiful island of Barbados. Second sibling from a family of eight children. From a Christian and loving household. After college, I was employed in the Barbados Civil Service in the Department of The Courts and The Treasury. To further my education, I resigned from my employment and came to England in 1965 to study Law. My parents were very supportive and financed my full time education. I thank my parents immensely. After completing my education, I was employed in The Crown Agents on Overseas Assignments. The British Civil Service: Departments of the Citizens Charter Unit, legacy of the Prime Minister John Major and thereafter The Parliamentary Department in Westminister. I am married to a handsome Christian gentleman from the Turks & Caicos Islands, who was also employed in the British Civil Service. He is a qualified lecturer. A Christian Author of published books, and an internet intercessor. Newton is the ‘Apple of my eye’. We both support each other and integrated in the British Society. I am actively involved in unpaid voluntary work in the British Community. Governor of School, Qualified Special Needs Teacher, Carers UK Outreach, Homeless and Drop-In Centre, Refugee Centre, Cold Weather Floating Shelter, Barbados Overseas Womens Link UK, Headway Organisation for Brain Damage, Croydon Street Champion, Residence Association, Writing Christmas Letters through the Church for Prisoners, Member of Streatham Society, Brixton Society, Croydon Library Society, Womens World Day of Prayer, Member of the Commonwealth, Writing and Performing Poetry, Contributor to ‘Black British – A Celebration’ book, ‘Windrush 70th Anniversary ‘ book. On panel for Windrush Discussion. Church life is my strength: Deanery Synod, Parochial Church Council, Welcome Representative, Home Missionary, Intercessor. The second commandment is very important to me. ‘Love your neighbour as yourself. I love and enjoy voluntary work. it offers the chance to give back something in the community, for the love of people, it creates a positive change in the world. I have several Academic Qualifications and Awards: BA, MA, Completing PhD, British Community Honours Award, Ambassador for Peace United Nations, and Ambassador for Peace Europe. I thank the Lord for His Blessings. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK. On my long journey from Heathrow Airport to Hans Crescent, Kensington, my first impression was, I am going to like England for the seasons, when I saw the people in their overcoats; as well as the wide clean streets and closely knitted architectural houses. What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? Black History Month means a great deal to me. It is an International recognition reminder of the -8-
racial inequality and struggle of Black People. It represents the Past, Present and Future. Created in America, in the month of February, 1926. In 1987, the United Kingdom first celebrated Black History Month in London. This annual celebration is in the month of October. It brings out the diversity inter-generational focus aim, to raise awareness and to share with the community, the vast knowledge of traditions, histories, creativity from the past, at the present, and hope for the future. One of the earliest Archives records of Black presence in Croydon was in 1762. Today, the racism is not as prevalent. Laws, Statutes and Organisations help to direct and soften the discrimination. Black History Month could be prescribed in the Curriculum as a legacy for future generations. Also; Everyday is Black History. Not for a month but throughout the year. However, there is a criticism whether it is appropriate to have Black History Month for one culture. The Windrush 70th Anniversary Celebration on the 22nd June 2018; is an example of discontent. Continuous awareness and support for equality in the face of adversity. The future can only become better. Let us enjoy and celebrate Black History Month and look on the positive side. Congratulation to the achievements of Ethnic Minorities. May Black History Month continue to be fruitful to encourage present and future generations to carry on the legacy of the past generations. Let our “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control�, be our Mottos; with continuous faith and Blessings. Having lived in the UK for many years. When people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? Barbados is my home, I was born there. United Kingdom is my domicile. My husband and I live here.
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Elsie Henderson
Quote: ‘Red brick building with smoke coming out of the chimneys, I thought they were factories couldn’t believe they were houses’
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? I originated from the beautiful island of Barbados in the Caribbean. It was August 1965. I came to England on plane BA 747 landing at Heathrow. I had a dream to become a trained nurse, so when I became of age, I signed up on the recruitment program as the British Government were recruiting from Barbados due to the severe shortage of staff in the National Health Service. Contributed to the NHS for 44 years.
In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK. It was a bright and sunny Sunday and how freezing cold I was. I saw people dressed in their summer attire. My mum had bought me a coat (winter) so I had no choice but wear it in the month of August. I remembered the red brick building with smoke coming out of the chimneys. I thought they were factories couldn’t believe they were houses. My first meal at the hospital was hard boiled egg salad. The egg was black and blue and the tea was strong and black. I couldn’t consume it. It was a - shock. How I missed my Sunday dinner. I was home sick.
What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? Black History Month is a time to celebrate our past and present achievements worldwide. The month --- in other part of the globe. A time for the young and older generation to learn together about our heritage the black experience. A time to learn who you are and where you come from. It shouldn’t be one month. It should be all year through. It should always be celebrated. It is also a time to continue and add to the legacy.
Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? My reply is England. The reason for that answer is because I have lived in England more years than in my country of origin. I am now use to the British way of life and I loved fish and chips. I have travelled most places in England and the rest of the British Isles. I was once told by a English man (Patient) after having a conversation with him, he said ‘you have been in more places in this country than he does! He also asked me where did I learn to speak English? I nearly died laughing.
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Elsie Sutherland
Quote: ‘Shocked and Despair to see the condition and attitude of people in England’
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? I originated from St Vincent and the Grenadiers. I came to England 16th August 1962. My biggest shock when I came was not just weather, but the people. I came for a better life. I have always seen myself in a caring role.
In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK. As above. Shock. Despair.
What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? To me, every month of the year is Black History Month.
Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? I came to England age 22years. I am now 78 years old so therefore, I am British, first I landed in this country with a British passport and continue to hold the same passport. The English people attitude about people from the Caribbean. Also, it was interesting in social circles to see how people were treated, example I went to a Methodist church near to where I lived. The minister scripture I felt direct to black people I felt uncomfortable, so I did not go back to the church for a long while. A friend of mine, she took me to her church where there her minister was black. I still did not feel it’s for me because St Vincent where I am from, I went to a Methodist church, so I kept searching until I found a church I can attend. As far as the discrimination goes, I don’t think you can overcome it. You just learn to live with it and get on with your life. I have always been a positive person, that’s why I am here now no one can make me leave I am in the law of the land
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ENA CLEO HILL
Quote: ‘All the buildings look like factories and there were not a lot of black people to be seen’
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK I arrived in London on B O A C flight from Kingston Jamaica in 1965 on a very cold and snowy day on Saturday 8th February 1965. I was well dressed in a similar suit like the Air-hostess. I was met by my relatives who brought a coat to shield me from the wind and cold. We were taken home by a taxi. On entering the home I was shocked to see an open fire in the room she saw the shock on my face but quickly assured me it was to keep the place warm. I came to the UK TO STUDY B.O.A.C. to be a nurse work get enough money and return home sadly it did not happen. I worked various jobs Typist and Bus Conductress. The time came when my dream to be nurse was fulfilled I became a qualified nurse. Having worked in various hospitals I have met some amazing people. Having now retired from nursing I am now engage with running a Seniors Club in the local community, and networking with other clubs In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK. My first impression on my arrival in the UK all the buildings looked like factories and there were not a lot of black people to be seen.
What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? Black History month to me is very educational, knowing that there is a history of black people that was never recognised that the only one was about slavery. Black people have been great achievers and contributed greatness to our society we can stand up and be proud.
Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? Having lived in the UK for over Fifty Years if and when asked where do I regard as home? My answer is JAMAICA, land of my birth. Now living in the Mother County before Jamaica became Independent, No matter where I go JAMAICA will always be home Sweet Jamaica my happy home.
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Gloria Williams
Quote: ‘Black people made good situations out of bad circumstances as some of them sort them lives through fighting and suffering’
Which country do you come originally? When and why did you come to the United Kingdom? My country of origin is Jamaica in the West Indies. I arrived in the United Kingdom during my early years with family and valuables and friends. Most of my studies were achieved in the country (UK). I gained lots of experiences from studying, interacting with different types of things which allowed me to accept and contribute with empathy to many areas of mine and other people lives. In one sentence can you recall your first impression of arriving in the United Kingdom The country looked so deserted – Empty and Cold
What does Black History Month mean to you? Black History Month is very important to me – history is one of my favourite subjects. During my life I have studied and researched some areas of slaving which include black history mainly of black people originate from Africa. The treatment of black was brutal – I can stay though that although treatment was dreadful most people during that time learnt how to survive physically, mentally although many of them were killed.
The most important thing is that those things have passed, we will remember them but if we as well on them we can never be free – although slaving had been abolished so long would be a good thing to appreciate.
Black people made good situations out of bad circumstances as some of them sort them lives through fighting and evidence and suffering.
Having lived in the United Kingdom for many years when people ask you where do you regard as your home, What is your reply? Two to three years upward, it’s a joy to say my home in Jamaica I can remember stories of a joy I had a happy childhood and great sunshine. Food, fruit, clothes and secondary is the United Kingdom.
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JAY HENDRICKS
Quote: ‘I don’t think my mother understood my depression; she would become frustrated at my attitude. There was no one to relate to and as an only child I became even more introverted’. I came from British Guiana now Guyana aged 12 years, after my darling grandmother passed away so was forced to join my mother who was recruited to do nursing. I arrived in the month of April 1962. She met at Heathrow airport after I disembarked from a BOAC plane. We travelled from Atkinson Field airport in Guyana, stopped over in Idle Wild, airport now JFK in America then onto Heathrow. I found it very cold, everywhere was cold, and the very air we breathed and the surroundings was icy cold. Although I was dressed in a sky blue gabardine skirt suit, matching box hat and Cuban heeled shoes, it was still cold. My mother gave me a heavy robin red winter coat which somehow did not stop me from shivering. The surroundings was grey, grey buildings with grey roof slates, the brass door knockers felt like cubes of ice which stuck to my woollen gloves. The streets were dirty, front gardens full of broken chairs, headless dolls, cracked plant pots and painted effigy‘s of gruesome midget men and women which I later came to learn were garden gnomes. The shop floors were filthy as it was winter; damp newspapers covered the floor to stop people from slipping. The streets were wet, slippery, piles of mushy dirt coloured ice strewn here and there to clear pathways and pavements. Every day was exactly like the day before. There was never even a glimmer of a sun in the sky. I became very sad, feelings of abandonment seemed to wrap itself around me and in my quiet times I yearned for home, School friends and the sunny carefree home I left behind. I don’t think my mother understood my depression; she would become frustrated at my attitude. There was no one to relate to and as an only child I became even more introverted. What does Black History mean to me? Black History should be for all the year round not just for the month of October in the UK and February in the US. It should be part of the curriculum. We have to know where we are coming from in order to know our destination, I believe someone said “I don’t Want to keep seeing Roots on the television, how Kunta Kunte and the other slaves were chased by dogs when they tried to escape the slave masters and the abject poverty they lived in”. This arouses a mixture of emotions, anger, hatred, empathy, sympathy, and tears. Our children want to see and hear of the great inventions that took place then and are taking place right now by black men and women, young boys and girls. This bolsters encouragement, confidence and pride in our race. I would say I regard the UK now as my home. Finally, there was a time when I rejected this notion because of racism, discrimination of one kind or another and I would cling to home as being Guyana. How does growing older in the UK compare to growing older in the Caribbean. In the Caribbean the seniors are respected, they have a wealth of knowledge and advice and are eager to pass this. The saying “it takes a Village to bring up a child...” Rings through there as on some occasions seniors live in extended families and take an active part in the day to day running of a home, Whereas in the UK Seniors lead isolated lives as their children live far away and would visit only for special occasions. - 18 -
Leonora Dixon
Quote: ‘Whoa, the houses were like factories, I did not expect to see trees and mud’
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? I came from Jamaica 11/8/1965 to join my step mother and my father as I am the only daughter in the family of four boys. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK My first impression when I arrived was whoa. It was so different from what I had thought. The houses were like factories, I did not expect to see trees, mud etc.
What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? As I wasn’t taught Black History in school. It has never been at the forefront of my mind, but as time goes on my interest have become more inquisitive. As I now see it as a positive for schools to put focus on Black History and good for students to know of their culture and the contribution we have done in the society. There is Black History.
Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? My home is here (UK) but when I travel to Jamaica I see it as going home although I am seen as a foreigner by the natives who never travel. But home is where one lives, memories and contacts are and not simply where we were born.
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Merle Carter
Quote: ‘UK was very cold, dark and damp, I so much miss the lovely sunshine I left behind, I wanted to go back home’
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? I arrived in the UK 9th January 1965 from Jamaica. I came via America and this was my very first time leaving my country and travelling on a plane. I did not travel very well as I was sick on the plane and also sick when travelling on the coach to Victoria where I was to meet my aunt. I came to do nursing which I was for almost 2years but didn’t enjoy it so I decided to go to college to study Typing and Shorthand. This gives me more freedom to have weekends and Bank holidays. I worked for the Civil Service as a medical secretary until I retired.
In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK? My first impression of arriving in the UK was it was very very Cold, Dark and Damp. I so much miss the lovely sunshine I left behind I wanted to go back home.
What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? To me Black History means a time of celebrating our history and thanking our black brothers and sisters past and present who have been great achievers and explore and has allowed other nations and culture to realize the greatness of these great people. Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? Living in this country most of my life. I always regard Jamaica as my home.
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Millie Reid
Quote I did not like to come to the UK to live in one room cooped up with my parents
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? Jamaica. In came in August 1957 as a 3 year old on my mother’s passport with her to join my father who came to the UK first. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK As a 3 year old I did not want to leave Jamaica as my older sister was left behind. I did not want to come off the ship. A policeman gave me a stick of rock to persuade me to come off the ship. I did not like it. I was born in the country and lived there. I did not like to come to the UK to live in one room cooped up with my parents, from lots of room to a small space.
What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? It is an opportunity to remind us of our history and culture. A time to celebrate all of our achievements despite slavery, colonialism and racism. It should be a celebration throughout the year. Also each generation can learn- about our history from Africa onwards and celebrate our melinated greatness.
Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? I lived in the UK since 1957 mainly in Croydon. I am an African, born in Jamaica and live in the UK. Home is the motherland, Jamaica is the land of my birth. I am a citizen of the Universe. Home is where God places me.
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Wilbert Carter
Quote: It was very cold and the sky was dark. I was very surprised to see tress without leaves
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? I arrived in England November 1958. I travelled by plane from Jamaica to Miami, then by ship to Southampton. When I arrived in Southampton, we travelled by train to get to Waterloo. The friend I was expecting to come and get me did not turn up but fortunately for me I saw another friend from my district who took me to his home (he was already here 6 months). In those days, Black people used to go to the rail station to see if they see anyone they know that has just come to England and to see if anyone need help (those where the days where everyone look out for everyone)
In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK It was very cold and the sky was dark. I was very surprised to see tress without leaves. I didn’t see any animals e.g. cows, horses, donkeys. Also I did not see much black people coming from the country side in Jamaica
What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? It is an opportunity for people to learn about the contribution made by Black people all over the world to history.
Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? After living here in the UK all these years, I have to say England is my home
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Shirley Farguharson
Quote: ‘The building looks very dirty – expected it to be nice and clean because the Queen lives here’
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? Jamaica for a better life I came from Jamaica 1961. I was 19 years old. My cousin who was here before was my guardian as I was under age. I was not allowed to make any decision those days until you were 21years old. I would like to become a nurse but a student nurse would not be able to send money home to support the family. I was the oldest of three children therefore was expected to send money home. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK My first impression, the building looks very dirty. I expected because the Queen lives here the building would be nice and clean. What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? Black History Month is very informative and I find myself constantly finding out more about hidden history of our culture. Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? At my time of life now all my family is here children, grandchildren and great grans. So I would say UK.
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SONIA WALKER
Quote: ‘Meeting my father for the first time, I was scared’ Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? Jamaica, 1961. I came to this country to be with my parents who had migrated. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK Meeting my father for the first time, I was scared. What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? An opportunity to learn about, explore, and appreciate the diverse heritage of black people within this country. Which country do you come from originally and when did you come to the UK? I came to the UK in 1961, to be with my parents who had migrated my father was recruited to work and my mum followed later having to leave her five children behind to make a better life. I and my siblings were looked after by my grandparents and other relatives until we were sent for to join our parents. I can only imagine as a mother what a difficult decision it was for my mum and countless other women at the time. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK? Meeting my father for the first time I was slightly scared as I had never met him before as a child your impressions are often not reality but I remember been slight nervous even at that young age What does Black History mean to you if anything? It seems strange that we are at a place in society that we still need to educate others about our rich history and our valuable contributions made throughout the world. Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? So having arrived in the UK as 5 I regard the UK as my home as my earliest memories and school years were all in the UK. I have visited Jamaica since the first time was 30 years after arriving and whilst I have affinity with Jamaica and the people of the island my home is the UK with my children and extended family.
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YVONNE GASKIN
Quote: ‘When I saw the state of the outside of the houses, I thought we were in the country side, I was expecting palace style houses, with white picket fences and white lace curtains at the windows and doors’.
Which country do you come from originally and when and why did you come to the UK? I came to UK from Guyana, South America. Before we got independence from the British, it was known as British Guiana. I came to further my studies. In one sentence, can you recall your first impression of arriving in the UK My first impression of arriving in the UK, was very cold, colder than I was expecting it to be. I flew from Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago and a boat from there to Southampton and from Southampton by train to London. What a cultural shock when we got into London. When I saw the state of the outside of the houses I thought we were in the country side, I was expecting palace style houses, with white picket fences and white lace curtains at the windows and doors. The inside of the houses was also cold and drab looking. I quickly found out what these large (what I thought were floor lamps), were the good old paraffin heaters, to heat the rooms. I wanted to go back home immediately. What does Black History Month mean to you if anything? Black History month means nothing to me. Why do we have to have a month! Black History should, in my opinion, be celebrated all year round alongside the history of all other races and within the education system as standard. What we should celebrate annually is ALL the great professional black men and women, for example the numerous inventors, various kings and queens, writers and creations brought to the world by black people not only the same names and situations we are constantly bombarded with, i.e. Martin Luther King, Malcom X and Rosa Parkes. As if that is the be all and end all of Black History. For example: As a writer Alexander Dumas (the Three Musketeers and the Conte of Monty Cristo), Inventors of Traffic Lights (Garrett Morgan), Super Soakers Water Guns (Lonnie Johnston, recent history 1983), Crisps/Potato chips (George Crum) Having lived in the UK for many years when people ask you where do you regard as home, what is your reply? Yes, I do feel there are differences growing old in the UK as compared to the Caribbean. As a female I was able to make choices for myself, I had a job throughout my working life, my health is fairly good, not a 100% but, for my age I am not going to argue. I still miss the sun, but I have gotten used to the winters. I would have to say England is my home. Having lived here for so many years, made a life for myself had a family, my children were born in England made a home here, paid into the National Health Service and the economy. I am on daily medication for my complaint. Visiting Guyana a few years back, I was not impressed by the health service and the medicines and it was so costly. I don’t know what it is like now. - 32 -
Bringing Communities Together
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Advertisement for cheap passage to England. Jamacia,
1950s
LTM 2006/15852
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Thanks · · · · · · · · ·
Croydon Council Heritage Lottery Tania Murrell Signature Pictures Janie Airey Unique2creations Image Framing Croydon Everyone who took part in the project Evelyn Perl Jeffers 1915 and Reginald Oliver Jeffers 1913 who adopted me in 1963
In Memory of Evelyn Pearl Jeffers and Reginald Oliver Jeffers in the Hope I have made you proud!
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