The experiences of Windrush Generation members who worked at bike manufacturer Raleigh are to be documented in a new project.
Organisers of When We Worked at Raleigh plan to uncover the history of African Caribbean staff at the historic Nottingham firm over the next year.
It is being driven by the Nottingham Black Archive (NBA) and Primary arts centre and will focus on Industries between the years 1950 to 1980.
It's believed that at one point almost every African Caribbean household in the city had at least one family member employed by Raleigh.
Previously based in the Howitt Building on Lenton Boulevard, Raleigh manufactured bicycles that were distributed internationally - one of the main export locations being Jamaica.
It was felt by NBA and Primary, that while many cities celebrate their historic buildings and industries, the contribution of minority groups – their day-to-day lived experiences, the challenges they face, and their contributions to creating more equality in the workplace – are often overlooked.
£10,000 has been awarded to the organisations through the Government's £500,000 Windrush Day Grant Scheme to support communities in educating, commemorating and celebrating the outstanding contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
The archive will document the experiences of the Windrush Generation arriving in Nottingham, seeking employment, facing discrimination, and organising within their local communities to challenge racism and increase worker rights.
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Panya Banjoko, learning, engagement and collections manager at NBA said: “It’s timely that the Windrush Day grant coincides with our tenth anniversary as an archive in the city.
"We intend to use this moment not only to create a legacy but also to demonstrate the contribution that the African Caribbean community have made to the global economic community.”
Over the coming months, NBA want to collect oral histories and historical material, that will document the arrival, day-to-day experiences, and contributions of the Windrush Generation.
They also hope to highlight how the Raleigh workers challenged racism and increased equality in the workplace in one of Nottingham’s most famous industries.
Working with artists and sound designers, the collections will then be produced into a series of podcasts, artworks and a mobile exhibition to share these stories.
Rebecca Beinart, engagement curator at Primary said: "This will include interviews and stories from elders, reflections, insights and the everyday experiences of migrants during that era.
"Some of the stuff that this generation of Raleigh employees did changed workers rights, so it is significant on many levels.
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"Windrush Day is June 22, and we hope to have our first podcast ready for then.
"It's important to recognise the contribution of the Windrush Generation to the city of Nottingham partly because of the huge scandal.
"Migrants have been treated badly throughout history. They had a really tough time.
"But also, you would have hoped that we would have moved on but there are still problems facing specific migrant communities.
"This project will show how much everyone contributes."
Nottingham Black Archive is dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of people of African descent in Nottingham.
Primary is an arts centre that creates an open environment for artistic research and production through the provision of studio and workshop spaces, and an innovative public programme.
50 community groups and local authorities across the country will use the funding to lead school projects, street parties, exhibitions, talks and workshops to recognise and honour the legacy of those who stepped ashore at Tilbury Docks over 70 years ago.
If you know any African Caribbean elders that worked at Raleigh between 1950–1980, or would like more information on the project, please contact nottinghamblackarchive@gmail.com