SOMO SISTERS
Oral History Project
Made Possible with the Support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and all National Lottery Players
Meet The Somo Sisters
“The Somo Sisters Oral History record Project was enabled by the generosity of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and all Lottery players. We are thankful to have been the vessel to bring it to life. The Oral History Record is a Legacy Resource is now part of the fabric of the UK at the UK Records Office. Each story can be accessed and downloaded at the Liverpool Central Library. In each Story, a Somo Sister shares their journey to the UK, what they know of their culture and how they have settled in the UK. What parts of their culture would they like to see more in their new country of choice. Each orator shows an innate understanding of their culture, their role in why they moved to Europe and why they chose the United Kingdom as their new home. They were all a pleasure to work with.
Ella Ene – Project Volunteer
ABOUT THE SOMO SISTERS
Why Somo Sisters?
The word somo means to read or learn in Swahili. Somo Sisters is a series of audio recordings and a written archive of the stories of eleven black migrant women, who travelled from their home countries to settle in Liverpool United Kingdom. Women and Digital Inclusion – WODIN felt that it was important that Black culture and people’s journeys be recorded for posterity. The participants and orators were courageous, motivated, and passionate women, who understood the value of sharing their stories to be archived for future generations to hear, so we are so grateful to have made that happen. As a sign of our appreciation of the orators, and the richness of their audios, WODIN decided to give back and we put together their stories and published a book: the Somo Sisters Tapestry which became a bestselling book. The Book has a bonus story.
An Overview of the Somo Sisters Oral Record. Play Video & Whet your Apetite.
It’s surreal to think that, after months and months of challenging but thrilling work, our Somo Sisters Oral Histories Project finally came together We put together this short film to commemorate our launch event in Liverpool, the Stories can be accessed at the Liverpool Central Library for those in the UK. And for anyone outside the UK you can get your copy of the book the Somo Sisters Tapestry.
"From the Valley to the Mountain crag..."
Whether you’re curious about African Cultures, How to settle into your new country, or even want your child to learn about black culture, Somo Sisters Oral History Record is available at the Liverpool Central Library. You can Download all or any of the stories to answer some of your questions.
With much gratitude and blessings to The National Lottery Heritage Fund – We say Asante sana to all Lottery players for enabling Women and Digital Inclusion CIC to deliver the Somo Sisters Oral History Project. Plus, a deep vote of gratitude and bravo to each and every contributor to this project top of the list being our participants, volunteers, and service providers. WODIN could not have done it successfully without you.