History

In July 1993, the idea of establishing DESCENDANTS came from overwhelming parental response following a performance by young people of African and Caribbean descent performing together at St. Vincent’s RC School in Acton, West London. The evening made such an impact, and created such positive feedback, that the founder members of DESCENDANTS (Margaret Noel, Collette Noel, Chantal Noel, Celestina Uzoka, Lorraine Neckles, Helen Manufor and Kisha Noel) held a meeting to look into the development of a sustainable cultural group.

Following a successful meeting and further research, which demonstrated that there was a definite need for this type of group, DESCENDANTS was established in September 1993, for children of African and Caribbean descent.

In 1993, the Rt. Hon. Mr Paul Boateng M.P was approached and agreed to become our Patron. Mrs Connie Mark B.E.M M.B.E became our second Patron in 1998. Dr John Roberts Q.C formally became our 3rd Patron in June 2007. Mrs Connie Mark passed away in June 2007; prior to her death she indorsed Dr John Robert’s Q.C’s appointment as our third Patron.