OUR STORIES

My parents arrived in Britain from Dominica. Their boat was named “Luccinia”. Their journey then took them up north with one child and a suitcase.

They raised a family. Mother worked for a short time in hospitals and then became a housewife. Father worked in numerous factories. While my father worked, he openly connected with the British community. He turned his vision with his Caribbean friends to form “The Revival” steel band.

They intended to perform and lift the spirits of the Preston and Caribbean community. They entertained all over in the borough of Preston. They performed at the “Guild Hall” grand opening night in 1972 along with “Kenny Ball and the Jazz Band”. They supported opening a club for the Caribbean community and welcomed the local community, too. Preston Carnival was their mothership. This was the day that Preston was full of vibrance and fun and helped to put Preston on the map for both Britain and the Caribbean to be acknowledged. The band went on to appear on television on Granada TV. He made a 7-inch single and then went on to tour Britain.

So now you have heard my short story, I invite you all to share yours.

From arrival to beyond. Then, there are opportunities to join our hub; this is where we can all express ourselves to one another with our cultural connections. The choice is yours to make the connection to educate ourselves and future generations.

Remember, everyone is a hero. They took that journey, and our journey began.