Following the success of the Launch of the Commemorative Book in the Council Chambers in the Council House in Market Square, the book will now start its journey around Nottingham. Some of the places planned to be visited are: Marcus Garvey centre; ACNA centre; ACFF centre and other areas in Nottingham before moving to cities in the East Midlands.
Here are what people had to say at the launch
Quotes from the local community and guests taken from over 200 people who attended the event and signed the book:
Rt Rev Robert Thompson, Bishop of Kingston, Jamaica,
Here in Nottingham for this event, before returning home to Jamaica to mark the Centenary
“This is Commemorative book is a wonderful concept – it is important we see the story continue. It helps us to pause and reflect and look forward to the future. It is a terrible act of history. I feel very strongly the world is much closer in modern times through information technology and travel, and today we belong to each other. Don’t forget the past, acknowledge it, but in order to move on we need to forgive.”
Rev Canon Andrew Deuchar, St Mary’s, The Lace Market, Nottingham
“This is a fascinating project. It will become a significant record of people in the area and how they are feeling at this time. I offer my absolute support to Janet Brown and to seeing the book as it develops.”
Lord Mayor:
“It is wonderful to see so many members of the Black and African Caribbean community here in the Council House.”
High Commissioner, Burchell Whiteman:
“I wish you total success and praise with what you do. This project will loose the bonds with the past and unite the community together for the future. It is important to mark, remember and focus on what took place – a social and moral disaster - and resolve never to go through that again. This is one world. All of us are creatures of our history and members of a human family. We have to work together in a most constructive way.”
Sam Tarff, chief executive, Neighbourhood Development Company, formerly New Deal for Communities:
“I am proud to be here and to be the head such a diverse organisation, and so very proud of Janet Brown who has made this project happen. We are very happy to have had the opportunity to support the project and the development of the website.”
Janet Brown
“This idea happened to me because we need to get behind our communities whatever it takes we must build new communities. To you all I say be a part of society and be the best person you can.
“Historically black people have had their accomplishments, their achievements and contributions shadowed by marginalisation. I hope together, as part of a wider community, we will get behind this project and interact in a positive way and leave a legacy of empowering truths of where we are and what we have contributed to the wider British society.”
Miss Jeanette Buchanan, Radford
“It is a sad time but also a time for us to move on. A fantastic event. It is not often everyone comes together in Nottingham – we’ve seen too much bad news reported. It’s great to see this happening here in Nottingham today and I hope the rest of England will see this too.”
Albert Degraft-Johnson, Radford
“The book is very much needed. It will provide an historical record for our children and our children’s children.”
Mrs Beverley McCarthy and 16 year old nephew Zach, Mapperley
“I think it gives people the opportunity of all generations to say where they are now and where there will be in the future. We need to be able to raise ourselves up. I have seen many people come from humble beginnings and seen how they have progressed through ambition and the support of good parents. My nephew Zach is a great example of someone who has got involved and achieved in so many ways.”
Mr Tim Clarke and Mrs Sue Clarke, United Reform Church, Basford
“People of generations to come can see this book and be inspired and that’s a great idea.”
Mr Leslie McDonald, Nottingham
“This momentous occasion has been marked around the world. It makes us all very proud to see that this project here in Nottingham is making such a significant contribution today.”
Esther Stuart, Sherwood
“I have two children who have no idea about slavery and I think that awareness will be a good thing for them. So many people are proud of their lives and we are celebrating the perseverance that took us so far.”
Omelia Taylor, Radford
“Actions speak louder than words. I wrote that I forgive all my fore-sisters who could not help slavery from happening. I forgive all my fore-brothers too. We have to forgive each other.”
Moby Farrands, Nottingham
“I felt I have benefited personally from living and growing up in a multicultural society. It shouldn’t have taken slavery to make that happen. This is a strange result from a very wicked history.”
Pastor Sybil Sinclair
“This is a moment in history. It took immense bravery for William Wilberforce to stand up in Parliament and ask for the abolition of slavery. We owe so much to him. So I wanted to thank God for William and thank God for freedom. I am proud of this book and proud to have lived in Nottingham for over 40 years.”
Mavis Collins, Rice Park
“I have signed the book so future generations can see that we have contributed.”
Sylvia Russell, Rice Park
“This commemorative book is such a good idea so children, and eventually great grandchildren, will have the opportunity to see that we participated today and that we are very proud to be part of this event.”
Mr Manley Goode and Mrs Susan Goode, West Bridgford
“It is a good idea to mark the occasion and a privilege to be a part of it. It is something to pass on to our great grandchildren and we give God our thanks today. May He continue to bring us peace and unity.”
The Commemorative Book
The Commemorative Book has been commissioned to exacting archival standards of quality, using the finest materials available.
The book is handmade and hand sewn with special archival paper, designed to last for up to 500 years. It is covered in green Nigerian goatskin with the logo design to the front cover embossed with 22.5 carat gold leaf. The book is approximately 18 inches long and 15 inches wide.
After twelve months the Nottinghamshire Archives will be the custodians of the book where public access will be permitted through free membership. The book will be kept in the Rare Section and will be kept securely during its lifetime. This book is considered rare and unique and thousands of people from Caribbean and African Heritage will contribute to the writing of this book.
