Born in 1935 in the idyllic Caribbean island of St Lucia, Elizabeth Malcolm’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and grace. The daughter of a farmer, Elizabeth’s childhood was shaped by the abundant natural beauty of her homeland. Surrounded by plentiful mangoes, avocados, guavas, and golden apples, she enjoyed a childhood filled with games like dominoes and checkers, and she fondly recalls the seasons of harvest that brought her family joy. Despite these comforts, her schooling was cut short when she was moved to another village, which disrupted her education. At the age of 12, she returned to live with her father, where she remained until embarking on a life-changing journey.

In 1958, at the age of 23, Elizabeth made the brave decision to leave St Lucia and journey to the United Kingdom, traveling by boat alone. She arrived at Victoria, stepping into a country vastly different from her own. Her initial years in Britain were marked by hardship, as housing for immigrants was scarce and often discriminatory. She recalls the small, cramped living spaces where a single room had to serve as kitchen, dining, and sleeping quarters, with outdoor toilets as the norm. “No Irish, no Black, no dogs” was a common refrain, highlighting the challenges faced by many immigrants of her generation.

Elizabeth first settled in Paddington, where she stayed with her sister. Over time, she moved through various London neighbourhoods, including Mile End and Hackney, eventually settling in Clapton. She found work in kitchens, hotels, and later in a factory making jewellery. Though the jobs were not glamorous, they provided a means of survival. Elizabeth also recalls the inequities in pay, with Black workers earning significantly less than their white counterparts. Despite these struggles, she persevered, raising four children and seeing her family grow to include grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.