Review and amend Notting Hill Carnival heritage plaque
The Issue
As a West Indian woman and the Chief of the West Indian Nation (W.I.N), preserving our cultural inheritance is a mission that I hold dearly. The Notting Hill Carnival, an annual celebration that stands as a beacon of community and heritage, owes its rich and vibrant history to the pioneers of West Indian descent who brought it to life. It is a festival that unites people from diverse backgrounds, celebrating the colourful tapestry of our shared heritage.
The heritage plaque currently displayed in Notting Hill falls short in accurately recognising the true custodianship and contributions of the West Indian community to this iconic event.
Instead of West Indian, the plaque credits 'Africa and it's African diaspora'. To simply ignore the authentic cultural authorship from its narrative is not just an oversight, but a disservice to our past, and subsequently, to future generations.
The Notting Hill Carnival did not emerge from a vacuum; it was a response to significant social and racial tensions faced by the West Indian community in the UK during the 1950s and 60s. The Carnival became a conduit of resistance and unity, and today, it continues to serve as a symbol of cultural resilience and pride. Its authentic roots must be preserved in how it is remembered and celebrated.
To ensure that history reflects the truth, I am calling for a review and update of the plaque. It should explicitly recognise and honour the West Indian identity, their authorship, and the legacy of the Carnival’s pioneers. Such a change will not only bring overdue respect to those who laid its foundation but will also provide an unequivocal historical narrative for others to learn from and cherish.
Changing the plaque may seem like a small act, but it represents a profound acknowledgment of the culture and people it commemorates. It is a step toward honouring the history that West Indian founders built through adversity and relentless passion for their culture.
By signing this petition, you are lending your voice to the rightful recognition and celebration of West Indian contributions to one of the world's most famous cultural events. Let us honour the past authentically, for it is upon these foundations that we will build a more inclusive and truthful future.
Yours truly
W.I.N (West Indian Nation)
89
The Issue
As a West Indian woman and the Chief of the West Indian Nation (W.I.N), preserving our cultural inheritance is a mission that I hold dearly. The Notting Hill Carnival, an annual celebration that stands as a beacon of community and heritage, owes its rich and vibrant history to the pioneers of West Indian descent who brought it to life. It is a festival that unites people from diverse backgrounds, celebrating the colourful tapestry of our shared heritage.
The heritage plaque currently displayed in Notting Hill falls short in accurately recognising the true custodianship and contributions of the West Indian community to this iconic event.
Instead of West Indian, the plaque credits 'Africa and it's African diaspora'. To simply ignore the authentic cultural authorship from its narrative is not just an oversight, but a disservice to our past, and subsequently, to future generations.
The Notting Hill Carnival did not emerge from a vacuum; it was a response to significant social and racial tensions faced by the West Indian community in the UK during the 1950s and 60s. The Carnival became a conduit of resistance and unity, and today, it continues to serve as a symbol of cultural resilience and pride. Its authentic roots must be preserved in how it is remembered and celebrated.
To ensure that history reflects the truth, I am calling for a review and update of the plaque. It should explicitly recognise and honour the West Indian identity, their authorship, and the legacy of the Carnival’s pioneers. Such a change will not only bring overdue respect to those who laid its foundation but will also provide an unequivocal historical narrative for others to learn from and cherish.
Changing the plaque may seem like a small act, but it represents a profound acknowledgment of the culture and people it commemorates. It is a step toward honouring the history that West Indian founders built through adversity and relentless passion for their culture.
By signing this petition, you are lending your voice to the rightful recognition and celebration of West Indian contributions to one of the world's most famous cultural events. Let us honour the past authentically, for it is upon these foundations that we will build a more inclusive and truthful future.
Yours truly
W.I.N (West Indian Nation)
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Petition created on 11 September 2026