Happy New Year everyone!
I can’t believe it is nearly February already and that 2021 seems to be 2020 part two, but what else can we do but carry on. And of course, there are still lots of stories to be discovered about pioneering and inspirational Caribbean people which I would love to share with you.
Last year, I had the pleasure of writing an article on award-winning St Lucian chef Nina Compton for Find Yello.com.
Nina is based in the US and has two restaurants in New Orleans – I contacted her via social media and she was gracious enough to answer my questions and provide some insight into how she launched and developed her career.
Nina credits her mother and grandmother for her love of food and of course she utilises her Caribbean roots in her mouth-watering dishes.
While researching Nina’s background I also found out a little bit about her sister Fiona who is a photographer and artist based in the UK (she actually graduated from my old university the London College of Printing).
Fiona is involved in a wealth of projects which aim to highlight hidden aspects of black history and has produced various films and exhibitions focused on educating people about the history and culture of the Caribbean.
Fiona’s work is inspirational and obviously struck a chord with me as the creator of this blog which celebrates the contribution of Caribbean people to the UK.
It’s so heartening to know that there are other people who are trying to get our stories out there, taking hold of the narrative, and fearlessly showing how influential and successful Caribbean people have been wherever they go in the world.
I highly recommend you check out Fiona’s work especially her instagram page – Know Your Caribbean.
It’s an unbelievably challenging resource, full of depth and insight, for anyone who wants to know more about the development of the Caribbean and how far our people have come.
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I’d also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Cicely Tyson who has died at the age of 96. Cicely’s parents were originally from Nevis – a tiny island in the Caribbean – and I am sure that nation is so proud of all that she achieved.
She was a powerhouse of an actress and her determination to bring dignity, poise and grace to all her characters, blazed a trail for countless black artists who came after her.
Cicely lived her life to the max despite all the challenges she must’ve faced as a black woman in Hollywood. She obviously never let anyone put any limitations on her and we must try our best to follow her shining example. May she rest in eternal peace.
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