Clapham library in South London may not sound the grandest of places to launch ‘The Walker Brothers and Their Legacy’ but it was a particularly appropriate venue – this is where Maria Downer’s journey of discovery started three years ago.
Almost three years ago to the day she did a presentation to a group of children, Somali refugees, as part of Lambeth’s Black History Month celebrations. Then, she told them about her father and two uncles, three Black brothers who fought and served in World War One. Since that day, with the help of the Historycal Roots team, she has discovered so much more about the brothers’ story. Enough to fill a book!
At the event she was able to share her personal journey of discovery alongside details of the fascinating (and unique?) story of how the brothers served their country.
The event attracted a wide age range and it was good to see the younger generation represented:
During her talk, Maria discussed the brothers’ ‘legacy’ but, of course, she is part of that legacy herself. One of her sons was able to attend and he brought the youngest descendant of Charles Milton Walker:
That’s one young lady who will never have cause to doubt that Black soldiers fought in the ‘Great War’ as her great grandfather was one of them!
We don’t think there’s any rule that says you can only launch a book once so another event will be taking place at the Guyanese High Commission in November.