Members of an Ipswich support group for African women came together this weekend for the grand unveiling of a mural honouring those who were lost to Covid. 

The vibrant and celebratory new mural beside DanceEast on Ipswich Waterfront has been created for Karibu African Women’s Support Group by young Ipswich artist, Frederico Ramos, in collaboration with Art Eat Events. 

The mural has been painted in tribute to three people connected to the Karibu family. 

“Many in our community have lost someone close to them or have been affected by Covid, either through infection, job loss or reduction of social connections,” explained Karibu’s manager, Lara Uzokwe.  

“As such, they feel a need to come together to express this grief and reflect over the events which have taken place over the last two years.”  

Ipswich Star: Artist Frederico Ramos works on the mural. Image: Charlotte BondArtist Frederico Ramos works on the mural. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: The mural pays tribute to three members of the Karibu community, and bears the message: 'Loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.' Image: Charlotte BondThe mural pays tribute to three members of the Karibu community, and bears the message: 'Loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.' Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The first person honored is Martha Grace. Martha was one of the founding members of Karibu, and Lara said that she was a “friend, mentor and pillar” of the group. Martha died on December 28, 2021. 

The next person to Chinedu Ekwunife, the husband of one of Karibu’s members and a “brilliant” software engineer, who sadly died in June 2020.  

“He was a lovely man, he was very kind and respectful,” said Mrs Uzokwe. “He was someone our young people could look up to.” 

Ipswich Star: Manager Lara Uzokwe was delighted that the mural could be unveiled by new Ipswich mayor, Lynne Mortimer. Image: Lara Uzokwe Manager Lara Uzokwe was delighted that the mural could be unveiled by new Ipswich mayor, Lynne Mortimer. Image: Lara Uzokwe (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Ipswich Star: The Karibu Covid memorial mural. Pictured L-R: (Standing) Daisy Lees, Akbar, Sola Ojo, Frederic Ramos, Lara Uzokwe, John Francis, and two children who happened to be passing with their mother, and were thrilled to join in the fun. Image: Charlotte BondThe Karibu Covid memorial mural. Pictured L-R: (Standing) Daisy Lees, Akbar, Sola Ojo, Frederic Ramos, Lara Uzokwe, John Francis, and two children who happened to be passing with their mother, and were thrilled to join in the fun. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The final person honoured in the mural is Sandra Basham. Sandra was the sister of Jane Basham who has been a huge source of support to Karibu over the years. 

The mural was unveiled by the new mayor of Ipswich, Lynne Mortimer, on Saturday, May 20. 

“It was an incredible day,” said Mrs Uzokwe. “The families were grateful to have their relatives represented, alongside those who we have lost to Covid all over the world.” 

Karibu is based in Burlington Road, and offers information, support and advice to African and minority ethnic women and their families.