A Celebration of Mixed-race Identity
Let’s celebrate mixed-race history together
The majority of The Colour of Love team are descendants of Caribbean Windrush and African people who embarked on relationships, marriage and the building of lives and families with Nottinghamshire locals during 1940’s – 1970’s.
The group was founded because of a desire to weave their narrative into Nottinghamshire’s emerging modern tapestry of Black History. This project celebrates the strength and resilience of these couples , and above all the love they shared which blazed a trail for the future.
Our Mission
From first dates to first-born children and beyond, the Colour Of Love project resources depict ordinary-extraordinary lives; couples who found love and built lives and families together like any other, but who did so at a time when British society viewed mixed-race relationships with muted tolerance at best and open racist prejudice at worst.
The Colour of Love aims to creatively use this resources to empower the local community and descendants of these pioneers to learn more about this previously unexplored history, and to create an invaluable archive for future generations.
The Story so Far
2015
Engaging the community through World Café style city-wide meetings, gathering community thoughts and participation in proving the need for a funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the delivery of the work.
2017
National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £81,000 awarded
2018
Contributor oral history interviews & recordings taking place
Involving the community through activities and events. Marketing for and securing Contributors to tell us their stories
History interviews & Recordings taking place
Planning, production, and Launch of COL Exhibition
2019
Development, editing & production of the Colour Of Love film
Planning, production and Celebration event of COL Film screening
Launch & three-month long exhibition of our Contributors personal family photographs at New Art Exchange
Production, editing and design of The Colour of Love book
END OF PROJECT Film screening & celebration event at Nottingham Playhouse attracting an audience of six hundred local and regional people
Deposit of transcripts to Nottinghamshire Archives. Event attended by Nottingham Mayor Rosemary Healy
2020
A £32000 National Lottery Covid recovery grant supported the development of Key Stage Teaching resources. Led by teacher Kelly Searston (nee Thompson) and supported by Nottingham Trent University 2nd year student Jade Lilliman and volunteer Amber Hadley
Ndinda worked with young people at the TV Workshops exploring ideas and content for a play
First digital showing of COL film and live Q&A in partnership with Nottinghamshire Archives
Inspire Innovative Partnership Award
2022
Tailored COL film screening, presentation & Q&A in partnership with Inspire Culture at Beeston & West Bridgford Libraries
Tailored COL film presentation & Q&A in partnership with The Bridges Community Trust.
National Windrush Day – Opening of the transcripts to the public at Nottinghamshire Archives
COL presentation, film showing and Q&A’ at The Vine Community Centre
COL key practitioners Coleen & Ndinda deliver the first ever presentation and KS session to 90 Primary school children and their teachers in Wales.