“When an Elder dies, a Library burns down.” With this powerful proverb at its heart, Hackney Council, in partnership with Twenty9Twelve, presents a moving and practical Legacy Writing Workshop as part of the Hackney Windrush Season.
This initiative invites families to come together with their Elders and learn how to preserve the stories that matter—those that carry wisdom, history, and personal truth through generations.
Led by 17-year-old Hackney-born author Romeo Bremmer, and featuring 11-year-old writer Jahmari Maxwell, the workshop is an inspiring example of intergenerational learning. The two young authors, who co-authored Hey, Black Boy! Windrush Special, will share their own experience of storytelling and provide practical tools, templates, and inspiration to help families begin documenting the lives of their loved ones.
Participants will receive guidance on how to capture the essence of their Elders’ journeys—from childhood memories and migration stories to moments of joy, struggle, and triumph. The aim is not only to reflect, but to create something lasting. As part of this, the first 50 Elders aged 70 and above who attend the workshop will receive a complimentary copy of The Legacy File—a beautifully bound, gold-embossed hardback book designed to house their life story, photographs, and cherished keepsakes.
In addition to the writing element, the workshop also offers a rare opportunity for Elders to have a professional portrait taken by renowned photographer and videographer Carlton Smith from Creative Content. The first 20 Elders to arrive from 12pm will be eligible for a free portrait session in the Education Room. These digital photographs will be sent within 10 days to the contact details provided, and may also be used in Windrush-related promotional materials with permission.
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