Today’s Feature

May 7th

Mr. & Mrs Vincent Oliver & Nerissa Wint was born in Manchester Parish of Jamaica in 1919. In 1946, he met and married his life partner Nerissa. Vincent's primary occupation was farming, but he also had experiences working on the Panama Canal with the US army and in Cuba, where he picked up the Spanish language. These diverse experiences shaped his worldview and added depth to his character.

In 1956, Vincent and Nerissa made the decision to move to England with their four children. Upon settling in their new home, Vincent found work as a machine operator involved in the construction of the M1 motorway. This job became a significant part of his identity, and he would often fondly recall his time working on such a major infrastructure project. Meanwhile, Nerissa secured a job at John Bull, a rubber factory located in Evington Valley Road. Despite the demanding nature of the work, she remained dedicated to her job until her retirement.

Working Life

Mr. and Mrs. Wint exemplified the unwavering resilience and strong work ethic that was common among the black community during that period. Despite facing numerous challenges and discrimination, they were determined to secure any job available to them. They understood the importance of perseverance and dedication in ensuring their future stability, and they remained steadfast in their commitment to their work, no matter how difficult it may have been.

The hardships that Mr. and Mrs. Wint endured only served to strengthen their resolve and determination. They knew that in order to overcome the obstacles in their path, they needed to be adaptable and persistent. Their ability to weather the storm and continue working towards their goals was a testament to their unwavering spirit and resilience. These qualities were not only evident in their own actions but were also instilled in their daughter, Hajar, who learned from their example and carried on their legacy.

The story of Mr. and Mrs. Wint is a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance that characterised the black community during that era. Their willingness to work hard, despite the challenges they faced, and their commitment to securing a better future for themselves and their family is a testament to their resilience. Through their actions, they demonstrated the importance of determination, adaptability, and endurance in the face of adversity, qualities that were passed down to their daughter, Hajar, ensuring that their legacy would live on for generations to come.

Family

Vincent and Nerissa both experienced the joys and challenges of growing up in large families. Vincent, as the oldest of eleven siblings, had the responsibility of setting an example for his younger brothers and sisters. Similarly, Nerissa, as the eldest of twelve, had to navigate the dynamics of a bustling household.

Despite their own experiences, Vincent and Nerissa decided to embark on their own journey of parenthood. Together, they brought eight children into the world, creating a loving and nurturing environment for their growing family.

The legacy of their love and commitment extended even further as they welcomed seventy-one great-grandchildren into their ever-growing family tree. Each new addition brought a sense of pride and fulfilment to Vincent and Nerissa, knowing that their love had created such a strong and vibrant lineage.

The circle of life continued to unfold as seventeen great-great-grandchildren entered the world, further cementing the enduring legacy of Vincent and Nerissa's love.

During the early 1970s, their daughter Hajar and her then husband Tyrone Zampaladus played pivotal roles as founder members of the Youth Foundation. This organisation operated as a youth hostel that provided support to young black individuals in Leicester. Over time, the Youth Foundation evolved into the Foundation Housing Association, continuing its mission of assisting marginalised youth in the community.

The enduring impact of Vincent and Nerissa's family's dedication to serving others and supporting the community continues to be felt through the meaningful contributions of their descendants. Their children and grandchildren have carried on their legacy by making a difference in the lives of those around them, embodying the values of service and compassion instilled in them by their ancestors.

One shining example of the remarkable work ethic instilled in the family is their grandson, known as The Urban Cowboy. Through his hard work, determination, and passion for making a difference, he has achieved great success and has become a symbol of inspiration for others. His accomplishments serve as a testament to the values and principles passed down through generations, showcasing the power of dedication and perseverance in creating positive change in the world.

Urban Cowboy

At the age of 14, Freedom Zampaladus, the grandson of Mr and Mrs Wint, relocated from England to Antigua. It was during this time that he was first introduced to the Equestrian world. After spending 4 years in Antigua, Freedom returned to England with a professional race horse trainer license. He then went on to establish the Urban Equestrian Academy, a social enterprise aimed at inspiring inner city children to explore the world of horse riding. Additionally, Freedom founded the TZT Publication Group and authored the inspiring true story 'From the Hood 2 Horses', which was published in 2015.