Jamaica Hidden Histories

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Jamaica Hidden Histories is a project currently in development that aims to identify and seek out the hidden histories of Jamaican contributions to the culture and economy of Britain, establishing a legacy that future generations can explore and expand upon. Jamaica Hidden Histories will document five decades of Jamaican influence on British culture since Jamaica’s independence in 1962. Placing Jamaica in its historical context since its acquisition under British Rule in 1655, the project will show the interconnections between Britain and the development of Jamaica’s distinctive cultural identity. Through research, the sharing of experiences, learning and conservation, the project will explore how Jamaican culture has, over the past 50 years, become a recognisable, saleable, global brand that continues to grow today. The project will provide a cultural reference that present and future generations could explore and expand upon. A key aim of the project is to actively engage with young people in schools and colleges by supporting lesson plans and the curriculum that looks at the diverse cultures which make up modern Britain. Educational resource packs will be distributed to enhance the learning experience. Enriching summer school programmes shall be offered for older students to gain essential practical and transferable skills. Communication is the underlying theme throughout the project, as accurate and far-reaching exchange of knowledge and information between different cultures is important for raising awareness and better understanding. We will interact with a myriad of communication techniques - from the interpretation of historical maps and stamps to interactive website and social networking, connecting with digital technology to provide a global platform for the project to ensure that young people are effectively engaged. Commenting upon the significance of the project, Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “This project will unearth valuable information about the history of the Jamaican population in London. This will enhance understanding about a distinctive cultural identity and preserve stories for the benefit of community understanding, younger generations and educational development.” If funding is received for the second stage in 2013, the project will present its findings through an educational pack for secondary schools, an interactive website, publications and displays, culminating in a 3 month exhibition that will subsequently tour the East and West Midlands. Offering support of the project, the Jamaica High Commissioner, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba “I fully support the project Jamaica: Hidden Histories as I believe that it will be of great significance in explaining the influence of Jamaica on Britain and help to provide a grounding for third and fourth generations of British Jamaicans as to help them understand their proud history and the contribution their forefathers have made to the development of this country”.