My mother, Victoria Frank, who has died aged 87, was part of the Windrush generation, settling in the West Midlands in the 1960s, and a community advocate committed to making a difference in society.
She was determined to amplify the voices of others, whether that be assisting with rehabilitating ex-offenders, or influencing policy on resources for underrepresented groups. She was a key driver in the discussions that led to the creation of the West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre in 1985.
The fifth child of eight, born in the parish of Longwood, in Clarendon, Jamaica, to Esmie (nee Mitchell) and David Reid, a supervisor at Moneymusk West Indies Sugar Cane Company, Victoria went to Alley school, then worked as a dressmaker before journeying to England in 1960.
She settled in West Bromwich, where she had friends, and found work in a factory. By 1962 she had saved enough to send for her fiancé, Herman Frank, who later worked as a supervisor for a steel fabrication factory. They married the same year.
In 1974 Victoria moved to the Smith Corona typewriter factory, then from 1986 worked as assistant to the nurse administering medical support at the Konix factory until 1991, when she left to set up a guest house for prison leavers with Herman. She cooked meals for the ex-offenders and assisted them with their rehabilitation and finding employment. In 1996 she began working for Sandwell council as an assistant manager in health and social care, until retirement in 2001.
As a founding member of the West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre, Victoria served as treasurer, then vice chair for many years, and finally a short spell as chair before retirement. Her responsibilities included staff recruitment, funding negotiations and entertainment, and she initiated the creation of the Senior Citizens Luncheon Club, which is still operating. She was key to the centre winning a Pace (Public Award for Community Excellence) in 2004.
Victoria was multi-talented, designing and sewing garments to create unique outfits, and making delicious rum cake and Caribbean food.
She fought her entire life for more, and to be more. Hers was an inspirational life, leaving a true legacy in all she achieved for others.
Herman died in 2010. Victoria is survived by their daughters, Eula, Rose, Bev and me, and three granddaughters, Louise, Samara and Merissa.
