Bucks stories shared to recognise Black History Month

Bucks County Museum has published an online exhibition

Author: Charlotte FisherPublished 20th Oct 2020
Last updated 21st Oct 2020

Stories from the Afro-Carribean community in Aylesbury have been celebrated during Black History Month.

Like all cultural organisations across the country Bucks County Museum has had to adapt their planned events during the pandemic.

Although the museum is currently closed they have been able to recognise Black History Month this year by sharing some great stories online.

Ann Alphonse, a Trustee at the Museum, told us it's vital these stories are heard and here's why:

"I just felt it was Black History Month and we should delve a bit more into the Black people that live within our community.

"Not only their lives but what they've contributed.

"As you can see from Dave and Chester, they've made very positive contributions. Chester has been a Mayor and Dave helped to co-found the multi-cultural centre."

The national theme for Black History Month this year is focused on ‘Women’s Achievements’ and the museum has presented contributions from Stephanie Boyce, Vice-President of the Law Society and Claudia Myrie and Elisah Jobbins, the co-founders of JMV Homes Limited, based here in Aylesbury.

Contributions have also been made by members of our community who travelled to the UK during 1950-1960 and who have very kindly shared their life stories, experiences, and contributions to the wider community of Aylesbury.

Ann added

"Here we have people that have come during the Windrush era actually saying in their own words what it was like for them.

"So, when they wrote the stories, I tried not to edit the grammar too much or change any of the context to capture some of the essence of what it felt like for those people during that period."

You can read all the stories and contributions here.