Visiting Brixton Lane today was a moving experience. Brixton is where many Black, Caribbean and Muslim immigrants reside. Though getting to Brixton is the fairly long Tube ride, it was worth the experience.
As soon as I stepped out of the Tube I felt the different atmosphere Brixton brought to London. Jamaican music could be heard blocks away, African hair supply shops were on every other corner and prices were less expensive. I felt like I was in a different city. The Jamaican residents embraced me with open arms and were more than willing to give interviews for my immigration story. Only a few became shy and stood away from the camera. The hospitality of the residents made me feel like I have known them for years. I was invited to parties and talking in pubs all within an hour.
The immigrants I interviewed both said that Brixton will not be their permanent home and that they wish to go back to Jamaica one day. This made me realize that even though there was a strong presence of Jamaican culture in Brixton, it could never be the real Jamaica. I feel that I visited the heart of London where there is true genuine people who are just trying to make a living.
I suggest, when visiting London, before seeing Big Ben, Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge, visit Brixton.
Brielle Washington
Broadcast Journalism
My Blog.
As soon as I stepped out of the Tube I felt the different atmosphere Brixton brought to London. Jamaican music could be heard blocks away, African hair supply shops were on every other corner and prices were less expensive. I felt like I was in a different city. The Jamaican residents embraced me with open arms and were more than willing to give interviews for my immigration story. Only a few became shy and stood away from the camera. The hospitality of the residents made me feel like I have known them for years. I was invited to parties and talking in pubs all within an hour.
The immigrants I interviewed both said that Brixton will not be their permanent home and that they wish to go back to Jamaica one day. This made me realize that even though there was a strong presence of Jamaican culture in Brixton, it could never be the real Jamaica. I feel that I visited the heart of London where there is true genuine people who are just trying to make a living.
I suggest, when visiting London, before seeing Big Ben, Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge, visit Brixton.
Brielle Washington
Broadcast Journalism
My Blog.
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