"Legacy Threads: Talking Postcards, Standing in This Place, and the Jamaican Connection"

Standing in This Place: A Legacy of Resilience and Connection

In the rich tapestry of the Legacy Makers research family, my heart brims with joy and gratitude. It is a profound privilege to work alongside these dedicated individuals, and a great honour to share this space with the resilient Black African Caribbean women who remind me so deeply of my Jamaican grandmother, Mam, Rita Hope. Mam, now resting beside her beloved husband, Winston, shared vivid tales of our Jamaican homeland—the fertile soil, the abundant trees laden with mangos and breadfruit. These cherished memories connect me to my roots.

In Mam's presence, I often shared my newfound knowledge, and she, in turn, unveiled glimpses of our untold family history. Though I miss her dearly, the remarkable women in the Legacy Makers family are a powerful reminder of my identity and heritage. Their strength and stories inspire me, grounding my work in a sense of purpose that transcends time.

The Monumental Collaboration: 'Standing in This Place'

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been a part of is 'Standing In This Place', a collaborative endeavour led by sculptor Rachel Carter in conjunction with the Legacy Makers. This monumental sculpture, inspired by Rachel's volunteer work with the Legacy Makers project from 2017 to 2019, captures the strength and contributions of two women—a cotton picker and a mill worker.

Scheduled for unveiling in July 2024 in Nottingham’s new Green Heart Garden, the sculpture stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and connection. It honours the lives and legacies of women whose labour shaped history, often in unseen and unacknowledged ways.

The Legacy Makers Program

The Legacy Makers program itself is an exhaustive historical investigation led by Lisa Robinson of Bright Ideas. The program delves into the rich histories surrounding the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage sites, including the former Darley Abbey Mill and St. Matthew’s Church in Derbyshire, built by the Evans family. The documentary film on the Legacy Makers provides a deeper understanding of the program’s profound insights.

Lisa’s work builds on the foundation of the 2014 program ‘Slave Trade Legacies’ and involves collaboration with researchers and historians from the University of Nottingham, including Dr. Helen Bates and Professor Sarah Seymour from 'The Global Cotton Connections' at the School of Geography. Together, they weave stories that connect the threads of enslavement, industrialisation, and migration.

Bringing History to Life: Talking Postcards

Before the statue's unveiling, Rachel and the Legacy Makers family have been actively raising awareness and funds for the project. My contribution has been in recording six talking postcards, each featuring a portrait of a Legacy Maker. These postcards are a unique blend of art and storytelling—by pointing a smartphone at the portrait, viewers can hear the voice and story of each Legacy Maker come alive.

The recordings took place in Nottingham’s new central library, a significant location opposite the future home of the statue. This vantage point allows for a meaningful connection between the stories told in the library and the monument that will soon grace the Green Heart Garden.

These talking postcards can be explored on the ‘Standing In This Place’ website, offering an intimate and innovative way to engage with the lives and contributions of the Legacy Makers.

A Legacy of Warmth and Connection

While I can no longer share these postcards with Mam, her memory—and the stories of our ancestors—brings warmth and connection that transcends time. The Legacy Makers project is not just about history; it’s about celebrating the resilience and strength that define who we are today.

It’s a beautiful preservation of our shared legacy—one that I am deeply proud to be part of and excited to celebrate alongside the Legacy Makers research family. Together, we stand in this place, connected to the past, present, and future, honouring the women who paved the way and the stories that keep their spirits alive.