College celebrates black trailblazers in exhibition
THE Windrush generation who helped shape Derby will be celebrated in a new exhibition by Derby College Group.
The exhibition pays homage to the legacy and impact of the African Caribbean community in Derbyshire, recounting remarkable journeys and sharing captivating stories of those who arrived during the Windrush era.
This week, as part of Colleges Week, a delegation came to DCG’s Roundhouse Campus to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.
Attending the event were George Grignon, the exhibition commissioner and consort of the High Sheriff of Derbyshire; Theresa Peltier, the first black High Sheriff for Derbyshire; and Barrie and Tom Douce Junior, direct descendants of their Windrush-era father, Thomas.
Students received a series of talks from the delegation and from Samantha Rosser, a DCG business student.
Mr Grignon paid tribute to Andrew Cochrane, Chair of Governors at DCG and Under Sheriff of Derbyshire, who was instrumental in securing the exhibition at DCG.
He said: ”I am delighted that the exhibition will be at Derby College as it brings the Derbyshire history to life for the students.
“We need to remember, we are talking about an era when there were notices in windows saying ‘No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs,’ so there was much to put up with for the Black community and this is reflected in their determination to succeed.”
Referring to the exhibition, Mr Grignon added: “The students will have the opportunity to explore the stories, learn about the legacy and the contribution of the Windrush Generation.
“And as many of the people featured in the exhibition haven’t been
STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT WINDRUSH GENERATION
WHO MADE AN IMPACT
ON CITY AND COUNTY acknowledged for their positive Windrush pioneers.” impact, this is a fitting tribute to Seraya Cliff, student experience them.” and pastoral support team leader,
Barrie Douce, who spoke on who organised the event, said: “it behalf of his father, Thomas who was lovely to see the enthusiasm arrived on HMS Windrush from the students. and contributed significantly “We intend to move to Derby, outlined the exhibition how his around our four father had been campuses and able to help the have already created community and linked had significant activities for the achievements in students. his life. “It will also be
Sophia Tindal, displayed at during studying BTEC First key themed Certificate in Business weeks and months, said of the event: “I for example Black History found it eye-opening, Month.” empowering and inspiring. It was really good to learn the history of
Derby from the perspective of the
As many of the people in the exhibition haven’t been acknowledged for their impact, this is a fitting tribute. George Grignon
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