Edna Mae is of Jamaican heritage.
She was born in Jamaica, and came to Britain in 1954.
Edna Mae is the mother of Vanley Burke, the 'Godfather of Black British photography'.
Edna Mae was interviewed for The Making of Black Britain on 2nd September, 2021.
Edna Mae, at home in her garden shed (2021)The Making of Black Britain
It so happened that I had this wonderful baby in disguise.
Then they decided that they would see if they get me to England. My uncle was over here. So by so doing, we applied to get a nursing post in England. So we sent off the application and it was accepted. But to be here in time, I had to take a flight earlier than the time to go for the job, for the nursing thing. So, while at when I came over, my uncle got me on the buses.
Edna Mae, at home in her garden shed (2021)The Making of Black Britain
My Dad, you would kill a cow in the district.
At times I would have to go and pick the eggs, which I didn't like because I was scared of going on them because they will go to the closest spot you know the hens to lay the eggs. So at times would have to go. And then for dinner, they would say they are killing chicken or, but I never killed one. Some they would put it thing over the head of it to the neck and then cut it, but I didn't like that part of it at all - I don't think I've ever killed a chicken.
I have not faced any great prejudice.
I get on with most, every nationality.
I have got friends who would, when they are having their festival, they would bring me things you know, and we share things. I would give them flowers or something.
Edna Mae, at home in her garden shed (2021)The Making of Black Britain
In front you would have the ackee tree.
Most people would cook it, cut up the bacon finely and put it in with onions and you know different seasonings, scallion, pepper and things like that. And then you would put your salt fish wherein it will be boiled and become fresh, you know, not too salty. And that will be added to it. And then you will put your ackee in.
And this pot has been through quite a bit
It's a record of what we were, and how we have changed over the years. It's a proof - not just saying it, but it's a proof that you know, our younger generation, grandchildren, great grand. They can see some of these things that we really used, because they wouldn't believe, my mother wouldn't believe that computer and all these things. My, no, they wouldn’t believe.
Edna Mae, at home in her garden shed (2021)The Making of Black Britain
I had a husband... he wasn’t very caring.
But it became a strain, because I had to keep the peace. Because I didn't want to tell him, tell Vanley what to call my husband. He wasn't my husband at the time. Was he? Yes. I didn't want to tell him what to say. I thought he would treat him in a way, that he would know wether to say ‘uncle this’ or you know.
Diane and Edna Mae look at photos from Edna Mae's life (2021)The Making of Black Britain
Diane and Edna Mae look at photo albums during her interview, 2021
Now listen to Edna Mae's son, Vanley, tell his story for The Making of Black Britain.
