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Interview
975, LO/330/281
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Coker, Alice, 1917 - , Interviewee, Female, Nursing auxiliary; Factory worker;
Speaker: Aucott, S., Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls how she came to leave Jamaica to migrate to Birmingham. Recalls reasons for moving to Leicester and first impressions of England. Describes finding employment, wages and problems with the work. Mentions number of Jamaicans in Birmingham, joining a church and reasons her brother came to England. Returns to why she came to Leicester, working in hosiery factory and where she lived. Comments on whether Britain did or did not encourage Jamaicans to come to Britain. Recalls changing jobs and encountering racism from fellow workers. Mentions becoming domestic in Westcotes Maternity home. Talks about her different jobs, racist attitudes and first impressions of working at the General Hospital in Leicester. Recalls return visit to Jamaica, joining Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, obtaining accommodation and racist attitudes. Mentions son marrying. Mentions involvement in community centre, which islands Leicester's Afro-Caribbean community come from and lack of equal job opportunities for Afro- Caribbean's. Recalls her families response to her coming to Britain, brother who came in 1945. Comments on differences between Jamaica and Britain and her intention to stay for only a few years. Mentions why Leicester is special for her.
Place of birth: Jamaica
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 9/12/1986
Playing time: 40 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02
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