Trailblazer Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin Launches Inspiring Autobiography at Waterstones Piccadilly

On Monday, 13th January, Waterstones Piccadilly hosted an unforgettable evening celebrating the launch of Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin’s autobiography, The Girl from Montego Bay. The event brought together a stellar lineup of guests, including football legend John Barnes, celebrity chef Levi Roots, playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer OBE, and many more.

A Night of Inspiration and Celebration

Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Britain’s first black woman bishop, captivated the audience with stories from her life as she unveiled her deeply moving autobiography. Reflecting on her journey from humble beginnings in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to breaking barriers in religion as a leader in the Church of England, Bishop Rose shared her vision for diversity, faith, and inclusivity in the UK.

The evening was graced by notable figures, including former House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, Reverend Jonathan Aitken, Eva Omaghomi (Director of Community Engagement to the King and Queen), and other distinguished guests who came together to celebrate this milestone achievement.

About The Girl from Montego Bay

In The Girl from Montego Bay, Bishop Rose offers readers an intimate glimpse into her remarkable life. From her early days in Jamaica to becoming one of the first women priests and the first black woman bishop in the Church of England, her story is a testament to resilience, courage, and faith.

She reflects on her challenges as a woman of color in leadership and shares how her faith and determination led her to pioneer new paths in a world that often tried to exclude her. With an attitude of “thank you God, let’s give it a go,” Bishop Rose inspires readers to embrace opportunities, no matter the odds.

One of the most poignant quotes in the book is her teenage mantra from a poster over her desk that read:

"Do not go where the path leads. Instead, go where there is no path, and leave your own."

Star Guests and a Warm Welcome

The book launch was a celebration not just of Bishop Rose’s incredible achievements but also of her influence on countless lives. Guests enjoyed her heartfelt personal reflections and an uplifting atmosphere that highlighted the importance of faith, diversity, and black woman leadership in the UK. Appointed MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours for ‘services to young people and the Church’, and listed in the 2020 and 2021 Powerlist of the 100 the most influential people in the UK of African/African-Caribbean descent, Rose discloses that if there’s one thing
she would like to see change in her lifetime, it’s that accomplishments like hers stop being ‘firsts’ and simply become normal.

Get Your Copy Today

The Girl from Montego Bay is available in hardback and eBook here. This inspirational autobiography is perfect for anyone passionate about breaking barriers, celebrating faith, and championing inclusivity.

Check Out Highlights from the Event

Explore some of the most memorable moments from the evening in our photo gallery below.

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