Between October and November, Bradford Cathedral will be hosting an exhibition featuring migration narratives of Ugandan Asians, alongside accounts from the Windrush Community.
Sponsored by the University of Bradford, these two exhibitions will facilitate a dialogue between distinct journeys of hope from two communities. These communities continue to share significant, uplifting tales of Bradford’s black history, as well as narratives of migration to our sanctuary city.
The exhibition will run from Wednesday, 4th October, to Tuesday, 14th November, and will be displayed in the East End of Bradford Cathedral. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the exhibition during the Cathedral’s regular opening hours, from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, as well as during services.
‘Journeys of Hope’ will commence with a launch event on Wednesday, 4th October, scheduled from 7pm to 9pm. A panel of speakers will share their personal experiences of journeying to Bradford and their contributions to our shared history. The event will conclude with refreshments and an opportunity to peruse the exhibitions. Free places can be reserved via the Bradford Cathedral website.
The speakers at the event will include:
Nigel Guy MBE, Director of Windrush Generations UK, discussing the Windrush story.
Shamim Eimaan, Director of Eimaan Culture and Community Services CIC, delving into the narrative of Ugandan Asian migration.
Professor Zahir Irani, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bradford, will recount personal stories from the Ugandan Asian communities and their impact on Bradford’s life.
Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL, a Ugandan refugee has spearheaded the introduction of this exhibition in Bradford.
The Revd Ned Lunn, Bradford Cathedral’s Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, will moderate a panel discussion with the speakers.
Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL, a Ugandan refugee, says; “Through adversity and courage, we embark on our ‘Journeys of Hope,’ weaving stories of resilience, unity, and a brighter future, reminding the world that refuge is not the end but a chapter in our unwritten epics.”
Nigel Guy MBE, says; “This exhibition is about personal movement, sacrifices and the change for better lives. It records and preserves for future generations the untold stories which should never be forgotten of the people from around the Commonwealth who migrated to the UK. This includes the Windrush generation elders and their descendants who have shared some of their stories, to increase understanding of their experiences, and reflect on the memories of growing up in the Caribbean and of their personal stories of life in the UK.
“It is a fitting occasion in this 75th anniversary year of the Windrush generation to truly recognise and celebrate the contributions all past and present citizens who have migrated and established strong roots in Bradford and to foster a genuine warm welcome of new arrivals seeking hope of peace, stability and purpose for all on life’s journey.”
Professor Zahir Irani, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bradford and a Ugandan refugee, says; “Hope, faith and commitment shape our thoughts and actions. A society that embraces diversity is a stronger society that can unite communities to be more impactful in sharing the fruits of our collective wisdom and actions.”
The Revd Canon Ned Lunn says; “This exhibition is the fruit of conversations between the Cathedral and two significant communities in our city. We could have chosen any of the many people groups who have journeyed to Bradford and made it home but these two are where we started.
“The two different black histories that are told through all these individuals’ shared experiences tell of welcome, challenge, determination and hope. It is that word ‘hope’ that we want to explore through the telling of these journeys. Hope that has led these people to contribute so much to the culture of Bradford and they are not alone.
“We invite you to also tell your own journey of hope and Bradford Cathedral will ensure that it is heard and celebrated.”
The ‘Journeys of Hope’ exhibitions will be held at Bradford Cathedral from Wednesday, 4th October, to Tuesday, 14th November. The exhibitions will be inaugurated with a special event on Wednesday, 4th October, starting at 7pm, and free places can be reserved at bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/rrfrhazf or by visiting bradfordcathedral.org.uk/whats-on.
The exhibitions will be accessible during Bradford Cathedral’s opening hours of Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4pm, as well as during services. Please refer to the Cathedral’s website or social media for any updates to these opening times.
He invites others to share their own journey of hope, assuring that Bradford Cathedral will ensure it is heard and celebrated.
