David was born in 1971 and raised in Ashton-in-Makerfield. His African-American father was stationed at Burtonwood Airbase, one of the largest American airbases outside the USA. Just months after David’s birth, his father returned home to Atlanta, unaware he had a son.
In this deeply personal event, David shares the story of his life—his highs, his struggles, and his search for belonging. Through extracts from his unpublished memoir, Midday Plane to Georgia, he reflects on his journey of racial identity and the challenges of growing up with brown skin in a “milk bottle white” working-class environment. Alongside his story runs another passion that has carried him through life: music culture.
At the age of 31, David’s journey took a life-changing turn when he tracked down his biological father 4,000 miles away. Meeting his extended family for the first time, he discovered that his aunties and uncles had once stood alongside Dr Martin Luther King in the fight for civil rights. It was a revelation that connected his personal history to a wider legacy of resilience and activism.
Beyond his personal story, David has dedicated much of his professional life to helping others. He has worked for 14 years within the NHS as a mental health therapist, using his empathy and experience to support people facing their own challenges. He is also an active member of the Culture World writing group in Manchester, continuing to nurture his creativity and share his voice.
This event offers an honest, moving and inspirational account of identity, family, and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to hear David bring his memoir to life in a way that is as thought-provoking as it is heartfelt.
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