Description
- Abstract:
- Cousins Anthony “Twingy” McPherson and Harold (Barry) Chang recount family histories, Rastafari faith, beekeeping, and community life in Liverpool while reflecting on slavery’s legacies and the city’s contested Caribbean heritage. The views and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Global Curatorial Project, Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the project's institutional partners. For questions or concerns please contact library staff at [email protected] or +1-401-863-2146.
- Notes:
- Immediate form of acquisition: A2025-025
- Biographical/historical note: Barry Chang: With African, Portuguese, and Chinese roots and Jamaican heritage, Harold “Barry” Chang has been a beloved figure in the Liverpool community for over 20 years. A proud Rastafarian and lifelong champion of nature, Barry is best known as “The Bee Whisperer”—a nickname earned through countless rescue missions to save unwanted swarms, all carried out without a single piece of protective clothing. Beekeeping runs in his blood. “My grandfather used to keep bees,” Barry says. “So it’s in my genes to be a beekeeper.” Before moving to the UK, he worked as a farmer in Jamaica, developing a deep respect for the land and the creatures that sustain it. Today, he cares for more than 40 hives across Liverpool, tirelessly sharing his passion for bees with schools, community groups, and individuals. His work, and his philosophy of living in harmony with nature, is featured in the documentary The Bee Whisperer. Barry’s community spirit extends far beyond his beekeeping. As a board member of the Caribbean Centre, he has been a vocal activist, fighting to ensure the space remains in community hands. Whether rescuing a swarm, teaching the next generation, or standing up for local voices, Barry’s life is rooted in care for people, for nature, and for the place he calls home. Antony McPherson: Antony McPherson, of Ethiopian, Jamaican and Chinese heritage, was born in the UK and has lived much of his life between Jamaica, United States and Uk. A devoted father, he has dedicated himself to both family and creativity, building a career within the music industry as a producer and promoter. A committed Rastafarian, Pan Africanist and human rights activist, Antony carries a deep connection to nature, echoing the path of his cousin Barry, known as the "bee whisperer." His life and work are rooted in balance, spirituality, and the search for truth and Justice. Antony is an International ambassador/coordinator for the Sick Be Nourished Charity that supports health and wellness across the African continent and the African Diaspora. In his search for truth and rights he has spent time traveling to many African counties including Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa to name a few. During his travels he delivers talks and presentations for “The Sick Be Nourished” and provides much needed medical equipment to hospitals clinics and those in need of medical supplies. Today, Antony is channelling his journey of cultural identity into new creative expressions designing clothes, composing music, and writing poetry. Through these mediums, he continues to celebrate his heritage, honour his roots, and explore the intersections of his diverse influences.
- Barry Chang and Antony McPherson Oral History Interview, Global Curatorial Project: Unfinished Conversations oral histories and records, Ms.2022.010, Brown University Library
- Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)
Access Conditions
- Use and Reproduction
- The duplication and reproduction of materials in this collection outside of Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and project partner institutions requires the written consent from the interviewee or their assignee. Please contact the John Hay Library at [email protected] or +1401-863-2146 with any inquires.
- Rights
- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
- Restrictions on Use
- Collection is open for research.
Citation
Brown University. Ruth J Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice, International Slavery Museum, and National Museum of African American History and Culture (U.S.),
"Barry Chang and Antony McPherson Oral History Interview"
(2025).
GCP Liverpool.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:h2sfzdns/
Relations
Has Parts:
-
Barry Chang and Antony McPherson Oral History Interview
- Type: Stream
- Order: 1
