Culture And Memory

BYAFAAYO - Black Immigrant Women's Stories of Belonging in Merseyside UK.

We will create a map of Black Immigrant Women’s history through Byafaayo project, uncovering evidence, activities, and stories of belonging integral to Merseyside’s narrative. To enable invisible communities to see their place in history and society to learn from past lessons. It will highlight unsung heroines at risk of being forgotten and train volunteers in oral history methods. We will establish an oral history archive documenting how first and second-generation Black women construct a sense of ‘belonging’ in Merseyside amid growing immigration hostilities. The project will explore: 1. Tensions between preserving cultural heritage and integrating into mainstream society. 2. Intergenerational relationships. 3. Racism and discrimination through the lens of family, friends, faith, work, and school. Hosted by Liverpool Central Library, the archive will include video/audio recordings, transcripts, summaries, and photographs, accessible locally and online. This will serve as a lasting resource on Black Immigrant experiences in the UK.