Essential information
| Type |
Events and festivals
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|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and times | Saturday 7 March 2026 | 6-8.30pm |
| Prices | Free |
Come to the launch of Shirley Baker’s book, The Gods Smiled: A journey of overcoming at the National Maritime Museum this March.
Shirley is welcomed back to the Museum to tell her incredible story once again. Following on from contributing to our Windrush Oral Histories, Shirley is now sharing her story in her own words.
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About Shirley Baker
Born in a remote corner of Jamaica in 1940, Shirley Baker travelled to London with her mother as a second-class passenger on the SS Irpinia in 1956.
She attended a comprehensive school as the only black pupil among 2,000 children.
Shirley’s story is about a journey of overcoming many obstacles in education, careers, her personal life, and as a single working parent after a bitter divorce.
At the heart of her story is the ability to survive with the help of family and friends. Through travelling and research, Shirley learned about her Jamaican cultural background. Eventually, she emerged as a woman of strength and settled contentedly in a place she loves, to enjoy life with her dual cultural identity.
Event programme
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 6pm | Doors open | Romney Road entrance: Ocean Court |
| 6-6.30pm | Shirley's oral history | Group space |
| 6.30-6.45pm | Welcome and introductions | Lecture theatre |
| 6.45-6.50pm | Film screening | Lecture theatre |
| 6.50-7.20pm | In conversation with Shirley Fox, family, and Lucy Dale | Lecture theatre |
| 7.20-7.30pm | Shirley Reading | Lecture theatre |
| 7.45-8pm | Q&A | Lecture theatre |
| 8-8.30pm | Book signing | Propeller Space |
| 8.30pm | Event ends |
Women's History Month
See the full range of talks, events and workshops on offer this Women's History Month
