Kelso Cochrane Remembered: 65th Anniversary Events to Honour His Legacy
The Dissenters Organising Collective (DOC) and the family of Kelso Cochrane is proud to announce a series of events commemorating the 65th anniversary of Kelso Cochrane’s death.
A young Antiguan man tragically murdered in a racially motivated attack on Southam Street W10 in North Kensington in 1959. Kelso Cochrane’s story remains a powerful reminder of the continuing fight for racial justice.
Schedule of Events
3:30pm – unveiling of the 65th Anniversary Plaque a permanent commemorative plaque, will be unveiled at 11 Bevington Road W10 [adjacent to the triangular green]. This significant moment marks the 100th plaque in England installed by the Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT).
NJCT is a preeminent organisation dedicated to recognising the historic contributions of African and African Caribbean communities in Britain.
This event will feature local musicians, artists, and speakers who will explore themes of migration, racial injustice, and the importance of building a more inclusive North Kensington. On 17th May 2009, NJCT placed the very first plaque honouring Kelso Cochrane at the site of his murder.
Live Radio Broadcast: Do not miss the “Remembering Kelso Cochrane: 65 YEARS ON” live radio show on Portobello Radio at 4-6pm on Friday 17th May. This special program will feature Kelso’s family members, notable African Caribbean community members, anti-racist activists, and live music by the UK’s Calypso Monarch Alexander D Great singing “Kelso Cochrane” which he wrote and first performed in 2009. Tune in and learn more about Kelso’s story and its continuing relevance https://www.portobelloradio.com/
Kelso Cochrane’s Legacy
Kelso Cochrane arrived in Britain as part of the “Windrush” generation, Caribbean citizens who migrated at Britain’s request, to help rebuild the nation after war that ended in1945. Like many of his contemporaries he was British citizen with full rights, he was not an immigrant, seeking to improve his life and return home.
Kelso intended to study and qualify as a lawyer but in common with most Caribbean people, due to racist practices he had to take a job as a carpenter to make ends meet and to save to fund his studies. On the night that he was murdered he had injured his hand and was on the way back from hospital. His life and tragic death became a rallying cry for justice and continue to resonate deeply within the North Kensington African Caribbean community. These events aim to educate future generations about Kelso’s story and foster a stronger sense of community spirit.
Quotes
“My dear cousin, as you continue to sleep, the grief of losing someone so dear to our hearts, the grief is still fresh in our thoughts. It’s been many decades since you’ve been unfairly taken from us, we will continue to preserve your loving memory until we meet again. We will also continue to live in hope for closure of this unnecessary heinous crime which was so unnecessary. May your soul continue to rest in eternal peace. God is good.”
Worrell Christian, Relative of Kelso Cochrane
“The unveiling of Kelso Cochrane’s plaque is a powerful testament to the ongoing fight for racial justice in the UK. For our community, particularly those of Caribbean heritage in North Kensington, it’s a moment of reflection and a celebration of Kelso’s life, reminding us of the importance of continuing the work towards a more equitable society.”
Councillor Portia Thaxter RBKC Ward Councillor, St Helen’s and Local Resident
“I am inspired every time I look into Kelso’s face. His life and death leads us to so many places. He is a window to the history of North Kensington, Notting Hill Carnival, race and migration in the UK, and a long fight for justice. His legacy is a huge and enduring creative inspiration.”
Toby Laurent Belson, Local Artist and Community Activist
“The campaigners who fought for justice for Kelso 65 years ago helped push anti-racism on to the national political agenda, which led to the UK’s first race relations act in 1965. They also helped ensure that Kelso’s name – and the great injustice he suffered – will never be forgotten. This week’s commemorative events are a continuation of their struggle.”
Mark Olden, author of Murder in Notting Hill
“On the 65th anniversary of the passing of Kelso Cochrane, the Nubian Jak group are delighted to honour Kelso’s legacy by making him the organisation’s 100th blue plaque recipient in England”
Jak Beula, CEO of Nubian Jak Community Trust
For more information, please contact [email protected]
The Dissenters Organising Collective (DOC) and the family of Kelso Cochrane encourages the community to join them in remembering him and celebrating his enduring contribution to North Kensington.
Isis Amlak & Millicent Christian (Co Chairs)
Dissenters Organising Collective
“A people’s art is the genesis of their freedom” Claudia Jones – Notting Hill 1959
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Why is it taking so long for ANR to fix the search engine on your website? This is months now it’s not working.
Still seeking justice for my late uncle kelso . The rest of my family still mourn his murder
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