Since 2017, thanks to Nubian Jak and his team of volunteers, the London Borough of Lambeth has been marking Remembrance Sunday with a service of wreath laying and processions centred around the African and Caribbean War Memorial in Windrush Square, often called ‘The Windrush Cenotaph’. This service honours the sacrifices made by so many from Africa and the Caribbean during both World Wars of the 20th Century, as well as those made in subsequent wars and conflicts as part of the British Military.

Remembrance Sunday is a time to feel proud that during challenging times, people like us who share similar beliefs on fairness, freedom and justice, come together to show our appreciation for those who put a stop to the wicked ambitions of others for us all, and their sacrifice is why we are there every year, amongst like-minded people, in a free democratic country that they secured for us.

For those of us who were born in the 20th Century, it was our grandparents and parents who fought and died to defend decent beliefs – justice and freedom. They fought to address the wrong-doings of those with evil intentions to conquer, exploit and kill others. With the passage of time, the horrors of that reality were tempered because it was hard for us to comprehend such atrocities, but today, with modern media coverage of the recent happenings in the Middle East, sadly, the heartache caused is becoming increasingly easier for us to imagine and understand. Again, the question is why and how can humans be so cruel to themselves.

I wonder whether there has ever been a day of peace in the world during my lifetime? However, whatever is going on in the world in 2023, in Windrush Square, Brixton, our community were again able to gather to demonstrate our respect for those Black and African military personnel who gave their lives, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, for us. This was the time and place to express our shared emotions of sorrow and pride – a safe space where tears can form as we think of those brave souls who were often airbrushed from history.

At this memorial service, they reciprocate by communicating with us and this ceremony serves as a fountain of hope for the future, whilst providing us with a whispered reminder of the pain and suffering we feel at losing loved ones. On Windrush Remembrance Day, it is not the victory, glory and gloating, nor the destruction of communities and conquest of their land, nor the admiration of one army’s ability to rack up casualties and deaths over another that we celebrate. Rather, we gather to appreciate this fleeting moment in time each year, when we allow ourselves to be reminded of, and humbled by their deeds – our parents’, grandparents’ and ancestors’.

We are all too aware from our past sorrows that, very little is ever gained when one group of humans are trained to kill and their minds are conditioned to dominate, control and maintain power over another group. As Maas Roy remembered some of the bloody scenes he witnessed during active service, he would say, “war is a wicked thing – a wicked thing”, and we agreed there are never any clear winners.

The first ever memorial to African and Caribbean service personnel, who were British Citizens, in recognition of their contribution in both World Wars, is at Windrush Square, in Brixton Square, between the Black Cultural Archives and Brixton Library. Again, this is due to the tireless work of Nubian Jak and his team of volunteers.

Last year, homage was also paid to the service of animals and the many horses that served in World War One, and as a true animal lover, my dad would certainly have approved. We went to the memorial to service animals in Hyde Park and he very much appreciated its sentiments. Looking ahead, perhaps next year might be an appropriate time to acknowledge the spirits of those children who died, and those who lost their parents in all wars.

“You see animals and children, I will always make time for them. Anywhere you see them, they will come to me just like you. We have that in us. We have to take care of our animals and children, especially children”. – Maas Roy

My father would have been horrified to learn of the numbers of children, in 2023 alone, who were killed as a result of war. May they all Rest In Eternal Peace.

Since 2017, thanks to Nubian Jak and his team of volunteers, the London Borough of Lambeth has been marking Remembrance Sunday with a service of wreath laying and processions centred around the African and Caribbean War Memorial in Windrush Square, often called ‘The Windrush Cenotaph’. This service honours the sacrifices made by so many from Africa and the Caribbean during both World Wars of the 20th Century, as well as those made in subsequent wars and conflicts as part of the British Military.

Remembrance Sunday is a time to feel proud that during challenging times, people like us who share similar beliefs on fairness, freedom and justice, come together to show our appreciation for those who put a stop to the wicked ambitions of others for us all, and their sacrifice is why we are there every year, amongst like-minded people, in a free democratic country that they secured for us.

For those of us who were born in the 20th Century, it was our grandparents and parents who fought and died to defend decent beliefs – justice and freedom. They fought to address the wrong-doings of those with evil intentions to conquer, exploit and kill others. With the passage of time, the horrors of that reality were tempered because it was hard for us to comprehend such atrocities, but today, with modern media coverage of the recent happenings in the Middle East, sadly, the heartache caused is becoming increasingly easier for us to imagine and understand. Again, the question is why and how can humans be so cruel to themselves.

I wonder whether there has ever been a day of peace in the world during my lifetime? However, whatever is going on in the world in 2023, in Windrush Square, Brixton, our community were again able to gather to demonstrate our respect for those Black and African military personnel who gave their lives, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, for us. This was the time and place to express our shared emotions of sorrow and pride – a safe space where tears can form as we think of those brave souls who were often airbrushed from history.

At this memorial service, they reciprocate by communicating with us and this ceremony serves as a fountain of hope for the future, whilst providing us with a whispered reminder of the pain and suffering we feel at losing loved ones. On Windrush Remembrance Day, it is not the victory, glory and gloating, nor the destruction of communities and conquest of their land, nor the admiration of one army’s ability to rack up casualties and deaths over another that we celebrate. Rather, we gather to appreciate this fleeting moment in time each year, when we allow ourselves to be reminded of, and humbled by their deeds – our parents’, grandparents’ and ancestors’.

We are all too aware from our past sorrows that, very little is ever gained when one group of humans are trained to kill and their minds are conditioned to dominate, control and maintain power over another group. As Maas Roy remembered some of the bloody scenes he witnessed during active service, he would say, “war is a wicked thing – a wicked thing”, and we agreed there are never any clear winners.

The first ever memorial to African and Caribbean service personnel, who were British Citizens, in recognition of their contribution in both World Wars, is at Windrush Square, in Brixton Square, between the Black Cultural Archives and Brixton Library. Again, this is due to the tireless work of Nubian Jak and his team of volunteers.

Last year, homage was also paid to the service of animals and the many horses that served in World War One, and as a true animal lover, my dad would certainly have approved. We went to the memorial to service animals in Hyde Park and he very much appreciated its sentiments. Looking ahead, perhaps next year might be an appropriate time to acknowledge the spirits of those children who died, and those who lost their parents in all wars.

“You see animals and children, I will always make time for them. Anywhere you see them, they will come to me just like you. We have that in us. We have to take care of our animals and children, especially children”. – Maas Roy

My father would have been horrified to learn of the numbers of children, in 2023 alone, who were killed as a result of war. May they all Rest In Eternal Peace.

Since 2017, thanks to Nubian Jak and his team of volunteers, the London Borough of Lambeth has been marking Remembrance Sunday with a service of wreath laying and processions centred around the African and Caribbean War Memorial in Windrush Square, often called ‘The Windrush Cenotaph’. This service honours the sacrifices made by so many from Africa and the Caribbean during both World Wars of the 20th Century, as well as those made in subsequent wars and conflicts as part of the British Military.

Remembrance Sunday is a time to feel proud that during challenging times, people like us who share similar beliefs on fairness, freedom and justice, come together to show our appreciation for those who put a stop to the wicked ambitions of others for us all, and their sacrifice is why we are there every year, amongst like-minded people, in a free democratic country that they secured for us.

For those of us who were born in the 20th Century, it was our grandparents and parents who fought and died to defend decent beliefs – justice and freedom. They fought to address the wrong-doings of those with evil intentions to conquer, exploit and kill others. With the passage of time, the horrors of that reality were tempered because it was hard for us to comprehend such atrocities, but today, with modern media coverage of the recent happenings in the Middle East, sadly, the heartache caused is becoming increasingly easier for us to imagine and understand. Again, the question is why and how can humans be so cruel to themselves.

I wonder whether there has ever been a day of peace in the world during my lifetime? However, whatever is going on in the world in 2023, in Windrush Square, Brixton, our community were again able to gather to demonstrate our respect for those Black and African military personnel who gave their lives, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, for us. This was the time and place to express our shared emotions of sorrow and pride – a safe space where tears can form as we think of those brave souls who were often airbrushed from history.

At this memorial service, they reciprocate by communicating with us and this ceremony serves as a fountain of hope for the future, whilst providing us with a whispered reminder of the pain and suffering we feel at losing loved ones. On Windrush Remembrance Day, it is not the victory, glory and gloating, nor the destruction of communities and conquest of their land, nor the admiration of one army’s ability to rack up casualties and deaths over another that we celebrate. Rather, we gather to appreciate this fleeting moment in time each year, when we allow ourselves to be reminded of, and humbled by their deeds – our parents’, grandparents’ and ancestors’.

We are all too aware from our past sorrows that, very little is ever gained when one group of humans are trained to kill and their minds are conditioned to dominate, control and maintain power over another group. As Maas Roy remembered some of the bloody scenes he witnessed during active service, he would say, “war is a wicked thing – a wicked thing”, and we agreed there are never any clear winners.

The first ever memorial to African and Caribbean service personnel, who were British Citizens, in recognition of their contribution in both World Wars, is at Windrush Square, in Brixton Square, between the Black Cultural Archives and Brixton Library. Again, this is due to the tireless work of Nubian Jak and his team of volunteers.

Last year, homage was also paid to the service of animals and the many horses that served in World War One, and as a true animal lover, my dad would certainly have approved. We went to the memorial to service animals in Hyde Park and he very much appreciated its sentiments. Looking ahead, perhaps next year might be an appropriate time to acknowledge the spirits of those children who died, and those who lost their parents in all wars.

“You see animals and children, I will always make time for them. Anywhere you see them, they will come to me just like you. We have that in us. We have to take care of our animals and children, especially children”. – Maas Roy

My father would have been horrified to learn of the numbers of children, in 2023 alone, who were killed as a result of war. May they all Rest In Eternal Peace.

We were unable to secure enough funds to put on the Jeffrey Town Breadfruit Festival. However, everyone from far and wide was so disappointed, that PANOS Caribbean stepped in to sponsor a free family fun day and concert on the 19th of August.

A great day was had by all, with live concert appearances by Jamaican artists Lovindeer, Pam Hall, One Third and Kalie to name a few. In its usual style, the Jeffrey Town Farmers’ Association organised volunteers to prepare the venue and build the stage. The children of the community thoroughly enjoyed the free fun fair rides and refreshments were provided by a few local people took stalls, providing some mouth-watering jerk chicken, jerk pork and soft drinks.

In the morning, there was a lot of cooking by members of the Jeffrey Town Farmers’ Association for disabled people and senior citizens of Jeffrey Town at our radio station as we have a kitchen there. The food was packaged along with drinks and delivered.

Immediately afterwards in the afternoon, we started preparing things for the children of the community for the Fun Day. There was a bounce about, even though the weather wasn’t very good. It was similar to the weather in England.

In fact, it was so cold that I was wearing a coat that was given to me by niece when I was in Brussels! Although the weather was inclement, the children did enjoy themselves with their ice-creams and food – and some received toys.

I didn’t stay for the entire day because we had our own Archer family re-union plus visitors from abroad. I was knocked off my feet that day! A lot of nieces and nephews plus my grandchildren and great-children were there and many people stayed on until late in the evening when they were playing music.

We were unable to secure enough funds to put on the Jeffrey Town Breadfruit Festival. However, everyone from far and wide was so disappointed, that PANOS Caribbean stepped in to sponsor a free family fun day and concert on the 19th of August.

A great day was had by all, with live concert appearances by Jamaican artists Lovindeer, Pam Hall, One Third and Kalie to name a few. In its usual style, the Jeffrey Town Farmers’ Association organised volunteers to prepare the venue and build the stage. The children of the community thoroughly enjoyed the free fun fair rides and refreshments were provided by a few local people took stalls, providing some mouth-watering jerk chicken, jerk pork and soft drinks.

In the morning, there was a lot of cooking by members of the Jeffrey Town Farmers’ Association for disabled people and senior citizens of Jeffrey Town at our radio station as we have a kitchen there. The food was packaged along with drinks and delivered.

Immediately afterwards in the afternoon, we started preparing things for the children of the community for the Fun Day. There was a bounce about, even though the weather wasn’t very good. It was similar to the weather in England.

In fact, it was so cold that I was wearing a coat that was given to me by niece when I was in Brussels! Although the weather was inclement, the children did enjoy themselves with their ice-creams and food – and some received toys.

I didn’t stay for the entire day because we had our own Archer family re-union plus visitors from abroad. I was knocked off my feet that day! A lot of nieces and nephews plus my grandchildren and great-children were there and many people stayed on until late in the evening when they were playing music.

We were unable to secure enough funds to put on the Jeffrey Town Breadfruit Festival. However, everyone from far and wide was so disappointed, that PANOS Caribbean stepped in to sponsor a free family fun day and concert on the 19th of August.

A great day was had by all, with live concert appearances by Jamaican artists Lovindeer, Pam Hall, One Third and Kalie to name a few. In its usual style, the Jeffrey Town Farmers’ Association organised volunteers to prepare the venue and build the stage. The children of the community thoroughly enjoyed the free fun fair rides and refreshments were provided by a few local people took stalls, providing some mouth-watering jerk chicken, jerk pork and soft drinks.

In the morning, there was a lot of cooking by members of the Jeffrey Town Farmers’ Association for disabled people and senior citizens of Jeffrey Town at our radio station as we have a kitchen there. The food was packaged along with drinks and delivered.

Immediately afterwards in the afternoon, we started preparing things for the children of the community for the Fun Day. There was a bounce about, even though the weather wasn’t very good. It was similar to the weather in England.

In fact, it was so cold that I was wearing a coat that was given to me by niece when I was in Brussels! Although the weather was inclement, the children did enjoy themselves with their ice-creams and food – and some received toys.

I didn’t stay for the entire day because we had our own Archer family re-union plus visitors from abroad. I was knocked off my feet that day! A lot of nieces and nephews plus my grandchildren and great-children were there and many people stayed on until late in the evening when they were playing music.