LAURA Davis reports on an exhibition which pays homage to West Indian heroes.
by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post
THEY came from thousands of miles across the ocean - some to fight on behalf of the country that was their ruler, if not their home, others to study at British universities.
And when they reached this Sceptred Isle they began to use their talents to inspire and entertain.
Some of the West Indians were great cricketers who amazed spectators with their sporting skills, others amazing musicians, some outstanding academics at the top of their field.
Yet most of their names have faded into insignificance where others have been lauded.
Now their achievements and contributions to British history are being highlighted at a photography exhibition in Liverpool Central Library.
"These are the kind of people we should want to know more about. The people who give more than they take from society," says Robert Lalljie, curator of the Pantheon of Outstanding West Indian Heroes exhibition.
"They were people who came from nowhere in life. They didn't come from prominent families. But by their work, their dedication and their character they went on to make remarkable contributions to the world."
Mr Lalljie was asked to curate the exhibition of more than 50 images by a librarian on the island of St Martin, in the Caribbean, who felt West Indian role models were under-represented. It has toured several Caribbean countries, where it has inspired young people to learn more about the figures featured.
"If you take Rudolph Dunbar - he was the youngest person to have ever conducted the London Philharmonic at the time. He conducted the Berlin Philharmonic in 1945, which as a black man was a remarkable achievement," explains Mr Lalljie, a broadcaster and writer based in Birmingham.
