Anita McKenzie, a creative producer, expressed her delight at the overwhelmingly positive response to her Seaside Memories exhibition. The exhibition, held at Folkestone Museum, showcases nostalgic photographs of African and Caribbean people at the beach in the 1950s to 1970s in commemoration of the Windrush 75 anniversary. With 25 donated snapshots accompanied by captions reminiscing about early seaside experiences, the exhibition aims to emphasize the commonalities among people and challenge the lack of representation of black individuals by the coast.
McKenzie’s goal is to encourage communities to reflect on their shared experiences by using a title that resonates with a wide audience. She believes that everyone can relate to the concept of seaside memories, regardless of their background. In response to the exhibition, McKenzie shared the heartwarming story of a mother whose daughter, upon seeing black children depicted on the wall, felt a sense of belonging and expressed a desire to move to London where she could see people who looked like her. This kind of feedback reinforces McKenzie’s purpose and demonstrates the power of art to impact individuals in unexpected ways.
McKenzie’s work in Folkestone also aims to address the lack of representation and opportunities for people of color in the town. By showcasing the experiences of African and Caribbean individuals at the seaside, the exhibition challenges stereotypes and celebrates diversity. McKenzie hopes to continue making a positive impact and is grateful for the phenomenal and beautiful responses she has received from the local community.
One recurring theme in the exhibition is the importance of food in the seaside experience. Whether it’s enjoying candy floss or traditional dishes like rice and peas, food plays a significant role in creating lasting memories. McKenzie, herself a descendant of the Windrush generation, fondly remembers trips to the Kent coast with her family as a child and cherishes the legacy of her ancestors. The sea holds a special significance for her, symbolizing the journeys her African and Indian ancestors undertook from their respective countries to Jamaica and, ultimately, to the United Kingdom. She expresses deep respect for their resilience and the legacy they left behind.
The Seaside Memories exhibition will run until the end of August at Folkestone Museum. To learn more about the exhibition, visit https://folkestonemuseum.co.uk/whats-on/seaside-memories/.
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