Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
One woman’s lifetime, inspiring the future children of Leeds
Heather Paul, the daughter of Gertrude and Senior Lecturer at the Carnegie School of Education has contributed research to the project.
During her lifetime, Gertrude had a profound impact on the city of Leeds, being a founder of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, The United Caribbean Association, Leeds International Women’s Group, the Afro-Asian Organisation, founder and first chairperson for 7 years of the Leeds West Indian Centre.
The project, created in collaboration with Leeds School Library Service by writer and illustrator Salomey Doku, offers a springboard for teachers and students to explore, including the challenges and triumphs of the Windrush Generation and the changing racial relations in British society.
Exploring Gertrude’s early life, which began in St Kitts, her journey to Leeds during the Windrush era and into her teaching career. Students will then discover more about Gertrude’s legacy as a community leader.
Speaking about the launch, Heather said:
“Writing a book about my mother's magnificent achievements in educational and community activism during her career as a Headteacher is a way for me to honour her legacy and share her inspiring story. My mother dedicated her life to making a positive difference in the lives of all children and communities, tackling inequalities, championing fairness and opportunity. Even many years after her passing, the Leeds community wanted to keep her spirit alive by sharing her journey from childhood to becoming a Headteacher with children in schools across Leeds. Through this research and storytelling, I hope to inspire young students to stand up for justice, appreciate the power of education, and remember the incredible impact one person can have in creating a better world.”
“I would like to thank Salomey Doku who lives here in Leeds, is a world-renowned illustrator and a published writer, also Kirsty Fenn who is a Senior Librarian at Leeds City Council Schools Library Service without whom this would not have been possible.”
In this article
Heather Paul
Heather Paul is a lecturer, contributing to both undergraduate and post graduate programmes on Teaching and Education within Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Education. She is passionate ultimately at making an impact for all communities to develop and thrive.
