Terry’s GI Dad: A ‘Brown Baby’s’ Journey to Find His American Father
As part of The Mixed Museum's ongoing work with Professor Lucy Bland to preserve the histories of Britain’s wartime ‘brown babies’, we are delighted to see how creatives are finding new ways to share these stories.
We spoke to Terry Harrison, one of the members of our ‘brown babies’ DNA journeys project group, and to filmmaker Jonathan Beamish about Terry’s GI Dad, a new film telling Terry’s extraordinary life story. In the interview below, the pair explain how their collaboration came about, and why they’re seeking funding to complete the film and spread knowledge about the history of Black GIs in wartime Britain and the experiences of their British children.
Watch the trailer on TMM's YouTube channel –
AND DONATE TO THE FUNDRAISER AT THE INDIEGOGO LINK:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/terry-s-gi-dad-the-feature-documentary#/
How did the film come about?
Terry: "Jonathan wanted to make a documentary about the ‘brown babies of WW2’, and spoke to Professor Lucy Bland who advised him to look on The Mixed Museum website. After seeing the clip you had of me from a video call I did during the Covid lockdown, he felt he would like to make a documentary about my life.”
Jonathan: “I had been looking for a child of a Black GI who could tell the broader civil rights and social history as well as having a great story of their own. I thought Terry came across very well on camera. He was so relaxed and likeable, and his story was absolutely fascinating. I thought it would be incredible to show how Terry’s search for his father fitted into the history of Black GIs, and his thoughts on his lifelong journey as he approached 80 years old.”
Terry, how did you feel when Jonathan got in touch? Were you keen to have your story told on film? And Jonathan, can you tell us about the process of filming.
Terry: “No, I didn’t agree immediately, as I was worried about the potential implications for my immediate family and my twin sister Susan. Eventually, my family were happy with the idea, although Susan had reservations because she didn't want Mum to be seen in a bad light through having a relationship with an African American GI whilst still married. However, she eventually agreed.”
Jonathan: “We filmed over about three years. We had a lot of financial challenges so there were gaps when the money ran out. And now, though the edit is in a good place, we have run out of money again.”
Terry, what was it like to be filmed? Were you relaxed having the cameras around?
Terry: “The film took about 14 months to complete. It was exciting, because each day was a new adventure, not knowing what to expect, and each segment of the film was an emotional experience. Having a film crew filming you, following your every movement, even your facial expressions was stressful at times, especially when you had to do four or five retakes to get the presentation right. However, over time, I became more relaxed in front of the camera.”
We’ve seen a preview of the film and it’s incredibly emotional. There are so many aspects to Terry’s story that are so moving. What can the public expect from the final cut? And Terry, how did you feel watching the edit back?
Jonathan: “Yes, there are lots of surprises and all of them are in the film. No spoilers though! We tease a few things in the trailer if anyone wants to take a look. There are certainly a few twists in Terry’s amazing story.”
Terry: “Yes, I felt very, very emotional throughout. I thought of all those ‘brown babies’ who are yet to find closure in their lives, and I hope my story gives them hope.”
Can you tell us about the preview screenings you’ve had? What was the feedback from those who attended?
Jonathan: “We have had several test and preview screenings. The main one was at Leicester University, where the film was very well received. Terry is a hit! We invited feedback, and the comments we got back were very positive. People were moved and amazed by Terry’s story and the dramatic history of the segregated US army in Leicester during World War Two, with violence breaking out on the streets between the Black and white American forces. It was great to bring the film home to Leicester with a very diverse local audience, young and old.”
Terry: “Having the screening held in my home city, Leicester, was so wonderful. Many of my friends, colleagues, and the general public attended. It was one of the proudest experiences of my life.”
What are your future aspirations for the film? What are the next steps?
Jonathan: “With the documentary nearing completion, we are launching a fundraiser to secure the necessary funds for final production costs. Making a feature documentary is expensive, unfortunately. We have to pay for the final cinema edit with surround sound and we need funds for a limited cinema launch in the UK and the US, film festival entries, archival and music clearances. We also want to host educational screenings and Q&A sessions to further enrich public understanding of this significant history. The fundraiser has just been launched on Indiegogo, which we hope people will support. Every little really does help!”
Terry, what do you hope the film will achieve? Was part of your motivation trying to help ensure the ‘brown babies’ history is more widely known?
Terry: “Over 2,000 ‘brown babies’ were born of African American GI fathers. Many never knew their fathers and were put into care, which lasted for many years in some cases. However, the biggest impact was that the majority of the ‘brown babies’ grew up wanting to know their fathers. Many are still searching. They were treated appallingly in many cases because of the feeling they didn't belong. I hope my story, and the film, will raise awareness and inspire others to continue their search for their roots.”
Terry, what have you learned from your own DNA journey that you’d like to share?
Terry: “I never knew that going down the DNA route would result in my finding my actual American family, and that they would be so wonderfully welcoming. I advise anyone who is wary of using DNA to think again: it could uncover US relatives who are delighted to find you, as in my own case. Some may be wary themselves, so it is important to approach any relatives sensitively and slowly. But I hope that it will all be worth it in the end for everyone who is searching.”
Jonathan, how can people support Terry's GI Dad?
Jonathan: “If you’d like to find out more and support the film, please check out our fundraising and film page, join the mailing list, and share the project with others. Everyone who supports the film will be invited to the UK cinema premiere, which will include a Q&A session and a chance to meet Terry and other key contributors. Together, we can bring Terry’s GI Dad to the world.”
Photos: Terry Harrison in 1962 and 2024. Images courtesy of Terry Harrison and Susan Alexander Photography for The Mixed Museum.
DONATE TO THE FUNDRAISER AT THE INDIEGOGO LINK:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/terry-s-gi-dad-the-feature-documentary#/
Learn more
Help bring Terry's story to wider attention by donating to the fundraiser
Watch the trailer on TMM's YouTube channel
Learn about TMM's project exploring the role of DNA testing in the lives of 'brown babies' families
Visit TMM's award-winning digital exhibition on the 'brown babies' of WW2, which includes images of Terry