Patsy Cummings

Following the Windrush Museum's lecture delivered by the Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP at the House last night, a few of us went to the pub. In our many discussions, was one on the role that Sir Geoff Palmer OBE played in contributing to @windrushdefence's Burning Work research aimed at a Windrush Act. In turn, I recalled his brilliant contribution to the first ever Voices of Windrush Festival. It was odd that we were focused on him as none of us knew he had died until we got home and started sharing the news in our various groups. Loved listening to his quirky tales about life growing up in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, his journey to the UK, how he came to settle in Scotland and how he discovered a unique process in brewing, whilst researching for a PhD in same. I loved watching him take on those who would battle with him as they set out to create false memories about the role of some abolitionists, on this very forum, including the descendants of some of those abolitionists. He led calls for a reinterpretation of Edinburgh's Melville Monument to Henry Dundas, a scottish businessman who Sir Geoff regarded as a gradual abolitionist. He argued he did not want the statue taken down, but that he wanted racism taken down. Rest peacefully Prof. We share our sorrow and your rich legacy with your loved ones who we hope will be comforted by the memories of a life well spent. #SirGeoffPalmerOBE bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

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