Tribute to

Connie Mark BEM, MBE

A pioneer, community activist, Caribbean champion and patron of Descendants.

Constance Mark, known to Descendants as Connie, was born in Jamaica on 21st December 1923. Connie was an inspirational woman, a mother, grandmother and a role model to all young people she came in contact with.

This inspirational lady met Descendants at a performance in Chiswick Town Hall, soon after Descendants was established. Connie made an instant impact and came to many of our events, and invited us to perform at many of the events she organised. Most memorable were the Black History festivals for Hammersmith & Fulham Borough. Connie was associated with countless other charitable, community and educational initiatives, including the Mary Seacole Memorial Association, of which she was a founder member and president She was also an active member of the West Indian Ex-Servicemen and Women's Association and of the West Indian Standing Conference.

In 1997, the children choose Connie to become our second patron, following MP Mr Paul Boateng. Shortly before her passing Connie endorsed our newest patron Dr John Roberts Q.C.

Connie was very passionate about the Caribbean, which made her a champion of its culture and a formidable force within the black community. She was much in demand for her poetry and storytelling events, using oral history to address the young. Connie was a remarkable woman, who inspired so many young people. She told them stories and taught them many Caribbean songs and poetry. Descendants were very privileged to have shared so many special memories with Connie. She will be greatly missed by all of us but she will never be forgotten. We will continue to award The Connie Mark trophy at our annual Achievement Awards.

Constance Mark -Born 21st December 1923- died 3 June 2007 R.I.P

The plaque placed at Connie's home on the first anniversary of her death.

Connie Celebrating her 80th birthday organised by Descendants, supported by local Caribbean organisations.

Connie at Descendants Achievement Award Ceremony 2006