It was some 18 months in the making, involved more than 75 hours of interviews and scores of workshops involving first, second and third generation Jamaicans but finally, ‘A Journey through our History’ a book chronicling the history of Jamaicans in Leeds, has been published. Written by Melody Walker, the book, which also tells the story of the Jamaica Society Leeds, provides a fascinating picture of the lives of Jamaicans who settled in the northern England city some 50 years ago. Much of the material involves first hand recollections by these Jamaicans about their lives and experiences in those early days. There are also stories from children and grand children of the early settlers.
Travis Johnson, Chairman of the Jamaica Society Leeds, which commissioned the book, said the decision to take on the project came at the urging of their oldest member, Edley White, who pointed to the need for the society to document its history.
“To have recorded the history of the Jamaica society is very, very important. The person who really pushed us, dragged us, badgered us, was our eldest member, Edley White; he deserves all the applause. For at least 10 years, he really pushed us and at almost every general meeting he would ask when are we going to document the history of the Jamaica Society Leeds and he insisted,” Mr. Johnson said.
