Windrush Day

Thursday 22 June marks 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush arrived in Britain, with more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean.  

 

The arrival of the Windrush was a symbol of the generation of Commonwealth citizens who came to Britian in search for work and a new way of life between 1948 and 1971. This generation of immigrants is also known as the Windrush Generation.  The Empire Windrush’s passengers were largely from Jamaica but also came from Bermuda, Trinidad, British Guyana, and other Caribbean and non-Caribbean countries. 

 

They were invited to help rebuild the country after the devastation of the Second World War, yet on arrival in the UK, were often met with racism, moved into unsuitable housing and excluded from work. Even 70 years later their challenges had not ended as we learned that the UK had wrongly detained, deported and denied access to legal rights and healthcare to at least 83 people due to mishandling of records. As a result, activists created Windrush Day in 2018. 

 

Windrush Day is a chance to celebrate British Caribbean communities, and acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions the Windrush generation and their descendants have made to British society. 

 

If you’re interested in hearing a selection of memories and melodies performed by members of the Windrush Generation and their descendants, the National Maritime Museum has put together a short film on just that. 

 

There are events in Hackney including a community orchestra, arts and culture activities for older persons, and a photo gallery.  

 

Islington celebrates with an afternoon of speeches, Caribbean food, music, performances and stories from Islington elders who arrived in the UK during the Windrush Era. Thursday 22 June, 12 - 2pm.

 

St Ann's library in Haringey offers live music, poetry, and comedy celebrating the Windrush generation. Friday 23 June, 5-8:30pm.