The Windrush Foundation will host a heritage event on Thursday 20 August 2020 at 7.30pm to celebrate the life of Mona Baptiste.

Mona was born in Trinidad on 21 June 1926, travelled first class on the Empire Windrush and disembarked on 22 June 1948 at Tilbury Docks, Essex.

She gave her occupation as ‘clerk’ in the ship’s records but, in fact, she already had a local reputation in Trinidad as an outstanding singer and was regarded as ‘star’ on the island. Following her arrival in the UK, she quickly established a music career.

On 9 August 1948, she appeared on the BBC Light Programme with Lord Beginner (Calypsonian), and Mona went on to become a regular artist on Radio and TV.

She performed in the top London clubs and toured extensively in Europe. Mona sang in English, French, German and Spanish. Mona appeared in at least fifteen films, the best known was probably ‘Symphony in Gold’ (1959).

Event Details:
Keynote Speaker: Bill Hern
Q&A led by Arthur Torrington

The event is part of a series funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Admission is Free.    Zoom Tickets available via Eventbrite.

For further information, please email [email protected] or visit www.windrushfoundation.com