When We Worked at Raleigh
When We Worked at Raleigh (May 2019-present) is a project led by Nottingham Black Archive and Primary documenting the experiences of members of the Windrush generation, and their descendants, who worked for Raleigh Industries from the 1950s to the 1980s. Over the course of the project, Nottingham Black Archive will collect oral histories and historical material, documenting arrival and day-to-day experiences, and contributions to challenging racism and increasing workplace equality in one of Nottingham’s most famous industries.
Previously based in the Howitt Building on Lenton Boulevard, Raleigh Industries manufactured bicycles in the mid-20th century that were distributed internationally; one of the main exportation sites was Jamaica. At one point almost every African Caribbean household in Nottingham had at least one family member who was employed by Raleigh. Whilst many cities celebrate their historic buildings and industries, the contribution of minority groups is often overlooked. Recognising, commemorating, and learning from this contribution feels essential in contemporary Britain, where members of this community have been hit by the Windrush Scandal, and both established and new communities are affected by the ‘hostile environment’.
Project leads: Panya Banjoko (Nottingham Black Archive) and Rebecca Beinart (Primary)
Interviewers: Omara Dyer-Johnson, Keisha Bruce, and Panya Banjoko
Sound design: Tom Harris
When We Worked at Raleigh is kindly supported by the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, and is part of the Making Place programme at Primary.
