My American Odyssey: From Windrush to the White House: A Journey of Identity, History, and Hope
This captivating book charts the extraordinary journey of Roger Griffith, a Black British man navigating 1980s Britain via his African-Caribbean heritage. It’s a story brimming with cultural insights, historical reflections, and moments of deep personal connections.
A Story of Heritage and Identity:
Roger’s odyssey traces the path from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to his parents’ Caribbean migration as part of the Windrush Generation. He explores the profound influences of his African-Caribbean heritage, delving into themes of racism, slavery, religion, and politics.
“From the Windrush to the White House” It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the power of personal journeys to illuminate history:
- Witness the electrifying inauguration of the first Black US President.
- Travel alongside Roger as he traces the path of the Windrush Generation. From the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade to the Caribbean roots of his own family.
- The profound effect these influences had on identity, education, religion, and the ongoing fight for racial equality.
- Explore the legacy of the Windrush Generation and its impact on Black British identity.
- Uncover the complexities of race, culture, and social inequality.
- Gain a fresh perspective on the “special relationship” between the US and the UK and race equality and race relations in these two countries.
Roger is an award-winning social entrepreneur, lecturer, and passionate advocate for diversity and has received an MBE and honorary for his community work, tackling inequality. With a life dedicated to breaking down barriers, Roger’s story is one of resilience, exploration, and the power of finding your place in the world.
Get your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery, and cultural exploration. This evocative blend of travelogue, history, and social commentary will leave you yearning to explore your history and start fresh conversations.
P.S. Roger is an accomplished writer, speaker, and social entrepreneur. This book began his captivating storytelling journey. Stay tuned for his upcoming novel and play!
Available to purchase online through:
Visit The Black Cultural Archives, London, to purchase a copy in person:
The Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London, is the ‘home of Black British history’, a heritage centre preserving and promoting the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain.
Praise for My American Odyssey: From the Windrush to the White House
“This is an impressive piece of writing; part-memoir, part-cultural history and part-political essay. It is an important story told from a personal perspective depicting the achievements and struggles of Black communities uprooted from their African roots and charting their new lives in America, the Caribbean and the UK. It’s a fascinating read that will appeal to a wide audience across Britain and around the globe.”
– Dr Paul Stephenson OBE, Civil Rights Campaigner and Bristol Bus Boycott leader
“I loved the infusion of the author’s personal history and thoughts.”
“Engaging, Inspiring and Informed – a must read.”
“Insightful read”
“Could not put it down as soon as I started reading. I loved the infusion of the author’s personal stories/life and thoughts with Black history. I also enjoyed the intertwining of stories and cultures from Africa, the Caribbean, the USA and the UK. A great history book with excellent storytelling as well. Well recommended!”
“The mix of personal stories and cultural insights makes for a very engaging read. Clearly a huge amount of research has gone into documenting the British and American Black history but it is the author’s reflection that gives this book the edge. I echo the sentiments of the previous 5 star reviewers who’ve said it all!”
“A rare thing in publishing: The personal story of a working class man of Caribbean ancestry, navigating the England of the 80s dealing with racism and the severe economic climate of the Thatcher years ultimately leading to steering Ujima Radio CIC, a successful Bristol based community radio station. Griffith moves seamlessly through his own individual journey from multicultural London to a white working class estate in Bristol and then onward to the United States, where he returned repeatedly, to piece together the story of the fight for civil rights of African Americans and what that struggle has meant for him and his own odyssey. The book weaves travelogue, social commentary , history and politics in a fluid informed and accessible manner. It is highly recommended.”