Celebrating the Windrush generation

22^nd June marked 72 years since the HMT Empire Windrush landed at Tilbury Docks, East London in 1948. The Westminster City Council‘s BAME Network celebrated the event with a virtual event of poetry, music and personal stories. The event explored some amazing personal life stories of this generation, such as Sam King, the first Black Mayor of Southwark. It is inspirational how this generation of migrants still has so much influence in our cities and culture in Britain today. The influence of Caribbean culture can also be seen in the food, music and art we consume. They also rebuilt institutions such as the NHS which we have been especially indebted to during the COVID-19 crisis.

Whilst they fought against and faced many prejudices and discrimination, it is important to note that more needs to be done in the fight against institutional racism. We should be proud of their achievements and embrace their contributions to British culture, and aim to continue to promote inclusion and equality though our work. Thank you to the Westminster City Council BAME network for hosting this celebration.

For further information, please contact CRP Project Support Assistant Chioma Wuche: chiomawuche@crossriverpartnership.org