Today, July 22, 2024, we come together to celebrate Windrush Day, a significant occasion honouring the invaluable contributions of Afro-Caribbean migrants to the United Kingdom's post-war economy. Named after the HMT Empire Windrush, the ship that carried the first wave of Afro-Caribbean immigrants to the UK in 1948, this day is a tribute to the courage, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Windrush generation and their descendants.
It is worth noting that Windrush Day was officially recognised by the UK government in 2018, marking the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the Windrush generation, celebrate their contributions to British society, acknowledge the challenges they faced, and ensure their stories are preserved for future generations.
The Journey of HMT Empire Windrush
In the aftermath of World War II, Britain faced a severe labour shortage. To help rebuild the nation, the British government invited citizens from Commonwealth countries to come and work in the UK, a policy that can be traced back to the British Nationality Act (1948).
Source: BBC
On June 22, 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks, Essex, carrying 492 passengers from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean islands. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in British history, as the Windrush generation began to lay down roots and contribute to the nation’s recovery and growth. Their journey was not just across the Atlantic; it was a voyage toward opportunity, equality, and a brighter future.
Let’s Build
Undoubtedly, the Windrush generation played a pivotal role in revitalising the UK's post-war economy. For those who do not know, this generation refers to people who migrated from Caribbean countries to the United Kingdom between 1948 and 1971. Major urban centres like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, and Preston became focal points for these communities. They established vibrant neighbourhoods and thriving cultural institutions, contributing to the overall diversity and multicultural fabric of these cities.
But let’s not forget that despite the open invitation, the Windrush generation faced significant challenges when seeking accommodation in post-war Britain, encountering a stark reality of discrimination encapsulated by the phrases "No Dogs, No Irish, No Blacks." These signs were a grim reflection of the systemic racism and exclusion that Afro-Caribbean migrants endured.
Despite their vital contributions to rebuilding the nation, many Windrush immigrants found themselves barred from accessing housing in numerous areas, often relegated to overcrowded and substandard conditions. This racial prejudice, compounded by inadequate support and integration policies, made finding decent housing extremely difficult and highlighted the broader societal biases they navigated daily. In 1948, an underground shelter at Clapham South tube station was used as temporary housing for Caribbean migrants.
This period underscores the remarkable resilience of the Windrush generation as they overcame these barriers while striving to build new lives in a country that often marginalised them.
Let’s Work
Employment opportunities for the Windrush generation were often limited to low-paying jobs such as cleaning, factory work, and driving. Established in the same year, 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) became an important source of employment for members of the Windrush community. Many Caribbean migrants found work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, playing a crucial role in the development and functioning of the NHS. Their skills, dedication, and expertise helped shape and improve healthcare provision in the UK.
Despite facing hardships and systemic oppression, many Windrush nurses found profound satisfaction in their roles as caregivers. Among these trailblazers are notable figures such as Barbadian Alison Bennison, the first Black nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital; Jamaican-born Louise Da-Cocodia (1934-2008), who arrived in Britain in 1955 to train as a midwife at St. Olave’s Hospital in London and was later honoured with an honorary Master’s degree from the University of Manchester and an MBE; and Daphne Steele, who became the NHS’s first Black Matron at St. Winifred’s Hospital in West Yorkshire in 1964.
These remarkable individuals not only advanced the field of nursing but also made lasting impacts on the NHS and the broader healthcare community. Additionally, Afro-Caribbean migrants filled essential roles in the transportation sector, working as bus drivers, conductors, and railway workers, and their labour in factories and industrial settings helped boost production and drive economic recovery.
The institutional racism and poor conditions endured by the Windrush generation led many to start their own businesses—barbers and hairdressers, fashion and design, restaurants and cook shops, a variety of trades, market stalls, independent Black churches, and dancehall music. These enterprises were crucial not just for generating a livelihood but also for developing flourishing communities and creating Black British culture.
Let’s Enrich
Beyond their economic contributions, the Windrush generation enriched British culture in profound ways. They brought vibrant traditions, music, and cuisine that have since become integral parts of British society. From the lively sounds of calypso and reggae to the tantalising flavours of jerk chicken and curry goat, Afro-Caribbean culture has added a dynamic and colourful dimension to the UK's cultural landscape.
The Notting Hill Carnival, which began in the 1960s, showcases the exuberance and creativity of the Afro-Caribbean community and the rhythmic movements of dancehall—all of these are gifts from the Windrush generation. These celebrations are not only a testament to cultural pride but also serve as a reminder of the strength and unity within the community.
In 2021, Dr. Les Johnson, Visiting Research Fellow at the Birmingham School of Media, founded the National Windrush Museum in Greenwich, South London. The museum aims to develop a greater understanding of the lived experiences and stories of Windrush communities and their impact on Britain.
“My work looks at ‘doing culture differently,’ and I wanted this new venture to adopt the idea of ‘doing museums differently,’” says Dr. Les Johnson, founder and current Chair of the National Windrush Museum.
Johnson argues that current museums must significantly improve their representation of cultural diversity, particularly in showcasing the stories of Windrush communities. To address this, their organisation collaborates with museums on various projects and initiatives. Their long-term vision includes establishing a network of standalone museums, pop-up exhibits, and museum/gallery/archive projects of various scales, both across Britain and internationally.
Let’s Overcome
While the contributions of the Windrush generation are immense, their journey was fraught with challenges. They have faced significant adversity, including racial discrimination and social exclusion. Despite these obstacles, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Their stories of overcoming prejudice and building successful lives in the UK are a testament to their unwavering spirit.
One of the most shameful episodes in this history is the Windrush scandal, which came to light in 2017. British citizens of Caribbean descent who had migrated to the UK between 1948 and 1971 were wrongly classified as illegal immigrants. They faced deportation, detention, and the loss of homes and livelihoods, exposing systemic racism in Britain. This gross injustice continues to affect many lives today.
Let’s Move
Windrush Day is not only a celebration of the past but also a call to action for the future. It reminds us of the importance of diversity and inclusion in building a stronger, more cohesive society. By honouring the contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants, it affirms the commitment to equality, justice, and mutual respect from government, public and private sector. As we look to the future, let us continue to celebrate and support the Afro-Caribbean community and all those who contribute to the richness of our nation.
Events and activities across the UK will mark this special day, including exhibitions, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Schools and educational institutions will engage students with lessons about the Windrush generation, fostering a deeper understanding of this crucial part of British history.
Let Windrush Day 2024 be a beacon of unity, resilience, and hope, guiding us toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
Finally......
Let's make Windrush Day a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Afro-Caribbean migrants to the UK. Showcasing their legacy of hard work, cultural enrichment, and resilience which is a source of inspiration for us all. As we commemorate this day, let us honour their achievements and continue to build a society that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Let us also remember the pioneers who crossed oceans, leaving behind their homes and families to build a better Britain.
So, on this Windrush Day 2024, let us dance to the rhythm of unity, savour the flavours of heritage, and raise our voices in gratitude. Together, we celebrate the spirit of the Empire Windrush—a beacon of hope that forever changed the course of British history.
Happy Windrush Day!
Disclaimer
Apologies, traditionally everyone else celebrates it on 22nd June. Next year we will get it right
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