Pine Court Housing Association joined The Sound Agents and the local community in paying tribute to the Chinese seafarers, who were forcibly deported from Liverpool in 1946.
A ceremony was held at the site of a former Chinese boarding house at 10 Great George Square, where a blue plaque was unveiled to commemorate their significant contribution to the city’s history.
The event gained coverage by BBC regional news and can be viewed on BBC iPlayer from Monday 22nd July at 6pm.
The plaque, funded by a successful Just Giving campaign put together by The Sound Agents and Liverpool Heritage Organisation, stands as a lasting memorial to the thousands of Chinese seamen who were separated from their families and deported by the British government following World War II.
The event was well-attended, with guests including Cllr Steve Munby, who delivered a heartfelt speech commemorating the seafarers. Descendants of the Chinese seamen, such as Peter Foo and Judy Kinnin, were also present to share their family’s stories.
Shaun Williams, Senior Housing Officer at Pine Court Housing Association, emphasised the importance of recognising the Chinese community and their contributions saying;
“We are honoured to be part of this important day. It is crucial that we remember the history of a community which is close to our hearts and acknowledge the experiences of those who came before us. This plaque is a symbol of our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our city.”
Pine Court Housing Association, which now owns the site of the former boarding house, is committed to promoting cultural tolerance and cohesion within its diverse community. With 56% of its customers from mixed ethnic backgrounds, the association actively works to create an inclusive environment for all residents and is honoured to house the blue plaque in remembrance.
We continue to work closely with partner organisations to support hundreds of beneficiaries each year, as we strive to create opportunities and change lives within their communities.
More information on the Community Development Fund can be found HERE.