Black History Month at St Anselm's
Join us every day this month as we celebrate a Black British hero who has made a positive impact on our nation and the world.
Dauma Wilson
(23 January 1954 to 30 December 2022)
When it comes to Black British Heroes, there are several that would come to mind for many inspiring reasons, there is one however that stands out within our local community who has touched our lives in ways that stretch beyond her time with us, that is our beloved Dauma.
Destiny is a powerful force, and from Dauma’s earliest years it seems that her journey carved a very special path. Born in Jamaica in the early 50’s, even as a young girl accompanying her Grandfather and sitting with him by the pulpit, Dauma would walk down the church aisle and greet and engage with the congregation – something she would do (as destiny would have it) in her later years.
As a young girl embarking on her new life in Britain, Dauma embraced her education with enthusiasm and her skills were far reaching and paved the way for her career in Banking. Having entered at junior level and through hard work and passion for excellence, she progressed through the ranks to become one of the first Black British bank Managers amongst her peers.
Dauma’s character, personality and selfless nature went beyond her career and permeated into areas close to her heart. Having been a cancer survivor for many years, she involved herself in Cancer Research UK and in particular Harrow’s Relay for Life, galvanizing the wonderful efforts made by the community to raise both funds and awareness that in turn contributes to the vital research efforts being made to this day. Mencap (Community Connex) was also another passion that Dauma cared about and St Anselm’s links with our local Mencap has resulted in many years of fundraising lunches and events to raise awareness and support.
Turning to Dauma’s ministry; as referred to earlier, destiny came calling in the form of embarking on and fulfilling a long-held passion to serve. She dedicated herself to studying and was licensed as St Anselm’s Licensed Lay Minister in October 2020 and, in true form, continued to serve up to the day before she went to be with the Lord.
Part of Dauma’s final message:
‘In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also’ - John 14: 2-6.