Letter to Elliot (UTHINGO) on Jamaica relief fundraising event

About this item

This is a letter from Bernie Grant, then Member of Parliament, dated 20 October 1988, inviting the music group UTHINGO to perform at a fundraising event for hurricane relief in Jamaica. The event was organised by the Tottenham Labour Party at the West Indian Centre in London to support those affected by natural disaster. The letter illustrates efforts within Black British political and community circles to mobilise support for international causes.

Key points:
– Bernie Grant wrote to Elliott Ngubane of the group UTHINGO requesting a free performance for a Jamaica Hurricane Relief fundraising event.
– The event was scheduled for 9 December 1988 at the West Indian Centre, Tottenham, London.
– The fundraising was organised by the Tottenham Labour Party to assist relief efforts in Jamaica following a hurricane.
– Bernie Grant emphasised the charitable nature of the event and sought cooperation with local cultural groups.
– The letter reflects Grant’s role in connecting local community activism with international humanitarian campaigns.

Bernie Grant was a pioneering Black British politician known for his dedication to anti-racist and internationalist causes. This letter exemplifies his engagement with community organisations and his support for global solidarity, particularly between the Caribbean diaspora in the UK and countries like Jamaica. Such efforts are part of the broader history of Black British political activism that integrates local government, cultural identity, and international relief campaigns.

Source note: The OCR transcript is clear but contains minor formatting artifacts; interpretations are based solely on the visible text with careful attention to accuracy.