Dis Gyrl: From Empire to Independence – a reading presentation
Join us for a special book reading by elder, Aunty Joyce Trotman, marking Women’s Month and the UK’s National Year of Reading.
Born in British Guiana in 1927, Aunty Joyce, now aged 98, has gathered a remarkable wealth of experience, memories and wisdom through a life deeply rooted in education, both as a student and a teacher. In this enchanting autobiography, she reflects with natural eloquence and vivid honesty on her early childhood and family life, the benefits and limitations of a colonial education, and her experiences of migration.
Join us for a reading and discussion as we celebrate Women’s Month and mark Guyana’s 60th anniversary of independence. Signed copies of the book will be available on the day.
This event is presented in collaboration with Way Wive Wordz as part of Fulham Palace’s Black History 365 series, which highlights marginalised voices and re-examines historical narratives.
About Joyce Trotman
Elder Joyce Trotman was born in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1927. After working as a primary school teacher, she travelled to England in 1955, where she gained a degree in Arts from the University of London and a Certificate in Education from the University of Durham. She returned to Guyana in 1958 and was appointed Senior Lecturer in English at the Government Training College, later becoming a Research Fellow at the University of Guyana.
In 1972, she returned to England and taught at Scott Lidgett Boys’ Comprehensive School. After retiring from teaching, she completed an M Litt in Linguistics at the University of Lancaster and was called to the Bar in 1984 following part time legal studies.
Affectionately known as Aunty Joyce, she is the author of Proverbs of Guyana Explained and Thomas Clarkson, My Saint, both published by Bogle L’Ouverture Publications. She also contributed to In Search of Mami Wata: Narratives and Images of African Water Spirits, published by Way Wive Wordz.
Event details:
- This event is part of the Black History 365 programme.
- This event is in collaboration with Way Wive Wordz and Black History Walks.
- For further questions, please contact the event organiser by emailing info@waywivewordz.com.
