I Am, because Of Her.
To commemorate the year’s 2023 Black History Month Theme, "Saluting Our Sisters", we sat down with some of Gateway’s remarkable women - Michelle Davis.
Michelle pens a heartfelt note about a significant loved one who has been a pioneering voice and living inspiration within her life's journey - none other than her dear mother, Yvonne Gidden.
Her childhood memoirs of her mother's journey from Jamaica to the UK in 1959 depict the harsh reality of the racial discrimination that she experienced. However, the reader witnesses the pivot of her mother's strength and resilience in overcoming the obstacles of racial inequality and building a bright and sustainable future with her husband and family. Yvonne's symbol of strength has helped shape the woman Michelle has become today.
Read her story below.
I salute my mum – she is my inspiration!
Aged 18 in 1959, Yvonne Gidden left her parents and six siblings in Jamaica (JA) to pursue a career in nursing in the United Kingdom (UK). She was one of many who answered the call of "Your Mother Country Needs You!" to help rebuild the UK.
She paid her fare in Jamaican dollars, which equated to £100 - this was a lot of money in those days and boarded a flight on BOAC - British Overseas Airway Corporation to the United Kingdom.
She faced so much racism and discrimination – seeing signs in windows when looking for a place to rent stating "no blacks, no Irish, no dogs". This hatred progressed, my mother was told to take her black hands (and worse) off patients she was nursing, and this was one of many encounters.
But she was so resilient. Going back home to JA was not an option, especially as so many people had faith in her (although she desperately wanted to).
Being in a cold, unfamiliar place with many unfriendly people, she would cry daily. But this made her stronger.
She progressed from being a nursing apprentice to a midwife, an independent district nurse, a manageress, and later a CEO - owning her own residential care home. She was remarkable as she always strived for more.
She later settled in London, staying with other Jamaican families. My father came from JA to London to be with her in 1960. Three years later, they tied the knot (marriage)- two days after her birthday – yes, on the 19th of October 2023, they celebrated their Diamond 60th Wedding Anniversary!
Their family expanded to five, with me being the youngest of two siblings, and all three of us came into this world differently. My sister was her only natural birth, my brother was breached, and I was a C-section child. She made it seem like a piece of cake.
Juggling being a mum, wife, nurse and everything else – we never wanted for anything - I think that all of this and the many challenges she faced made her even more resilient!
Mum and Dad were a force not to be reckoned with – 'throwing their hands in pardners' (a way of saving money) to enable them to buy their property.
In those days, Social Housing would not have been available for them, as you would have had to prove your roots in this country for a few years – sadly, another form of racial discrimination.
They sent money back home to look after their families and build their own house. Today, my parents live a comfortable life and regularly travel to and from the UK to JA.
This article is about saluting sisters, but I salute my dad, too!
A Moment of Reflection
In reflecting on Yvonne's story, we're reminded of the strength and resilience of pioneering women and men in the 40s-70s (wind rush generation) who boarded flights and ships to rebuild the UK and prepare for a better life.
Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. We are inspired by Michelle's story, igniting remembrances of those Shereos who never gave up and helped give birth to nations of future pioneering voices.
Michelle Davis says:
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” —Mae Jemison, M.D.