Remembrance is often somber. We think of people and things in past tense once they have left us, and our grief marks our way to commemorate. Calamity and disaster occupy the majority of pages in history books. Time takes the luster out of the great advancements of humanity, until we take them for granted.
Given that context, I want to talk today about how the Erma’s Jamaica Hospital Fund, a charity originally created to send relief to the victims of the Portland floods of 1998 in Jamaica, celebrated Windrush Day this year.
To be clear, Windrush Day doesn’t commemorate a tragedy. It brings awareness to the existence of thousands of Caribbean people who moved to Great Britain in order to work after the second world war, once the British Nationality Act of 1948 identified them as British subjects with the right to work and live here. Windrush Day is both a time to discuss issues that this community faces, and celebrate their culture and what they have contributed to the UK.
What I found special about this year’s celebration was that Erma Lewis, the charity’s chair, requested all attendants to dress up in clothes from the Windrush era. To find the crowd in tailored suits and circle skirt dresses, wearing fine gloves and six-o-clock hats, was a delight. Of course, I also dressed up for the occasion, even sewing my own skirt to pair it with stilettos.
It was a joyous thing, for being so simple. It enhanced the atmosphere, transporting us to the time of our parents and grandparents and the decisions they took, which defined much of who we are.
Little actions can have big effects; Erma’s Jamaica Hospital Fund is a clear example. For almost 30 years, Erma has been raising funds to provide critical aid in Jamaica. She didn’t stop once the consequences of the flood were addressed, but continued being one of those inconspicuous but vital points of connection between the two countries. The labour of her charity is a hopeful and proactive way to reminisce and honour history, to which I have happily contributed with my music many times.
If you want to learn more about Erma’s Jamaica Hospital Fund, or donate to facilitate their work, this is their contact information.
