This poem was penned by Connor Allen to note Black History Month in October 2022.
I wonder what’s behind that door?
Over there It’s my gran
With her Jamaican accent and her Afro hair
It’s her story
Connected to ancestors before
It’s understanding
It’s history
And it’s so much more
On the sandy shores
of St Elizabeth
My gran
My family
My ancestors
Had a dream
With wind rushing through their hair
A few Jamaican pounds
The clothes that they wear
They brought with them
The music, culture,
Language and food
Recipes for curried goat, jerk chicken
Packed as they travelled on the boats.
Gran brought with her the sand
From St Elizabeth beach
She brought stories, wisdom
And knowledge so she could teach
Her Grandson
The rich history
The complexities
Between you and me
The need to recognise
That we are strong
We are here and we belong
The understanding
Of where we are from
In 2022 like my ancestors before me
I have a dream
That hope and love
Will be the foundation
We use to travel upstream
To a better future –
There’s glory in difference
There’s beauty in imperfection
BLACK has many shades and many complexions
Connor Allen
Children’s Laureate 2021-2023