Just in time for Black History Month, a new British drama series tells stories loosely based on actor, Sir Lenny Henry’s mother and her journey immigrating to England from Jamaica.
The historical drama series, Three Little Birds, follows the stories of three Jamaican immigrants: Sisters Leah (Rochelle Neil) and Chantrelle (Saffron Coomber), and Leah’s good friend, Hosanna (Yazmin Belo). The trio arrived in England in 1957 on the Windrush. They travel there in response to an invitation to become British citizens.
During this time period, the impact of WWII had left England devastated and they needed to rebuild their economy. Up until 1962, Jamaica was a British colony, therefore, its citizens were all permitted to travel overseas using their British passports.
Although England invited the people of Jamaica to immigrate to their country, many British people hated the newcomers. Much like in the United States, racial prejudices influenced their perspectives and caused people to act violently toward those who were different from them. Notably, one of the first scenes of the first series shows a sign on the window with the words “No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs”. This particular order of unwelcome guests sets the tone for the first season.
The series shows the complexities of immigration including the challenges of acceptance, finding love and remembering one’s true purpose. In conversation with the show’s creator, Sir Lenny Henry, he shared how he wanted the show to start conversations in Black households around the world.
“If the one thing this show does is make young people of color talk to their parents and grandparents, I would have done my job,” said Henry. “I grew up in a world where, because the big people, the grown ups were having their life here, they never told us kids anything…If it will encourage a conversation and debate, I’ll have done my job,” said Henry.
As a viewer, with limited knowledge of the Black English experience, I found myself resonating with the experiences of the characters. Watching this series felt as though Black history could be universal, connecting us all to the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors.
Three Little Birds is now streaming on BritBox.