Today, the government has set a day aside to mark the history of the Windrush Generatio. Celebration will take place on 22 June every year to celebrate the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
Communities Minister Lord Bourne announced today that the government has backed the celebration with a grant of up to £500,000 to support the events taking place across the country. Windrush Day will encourage national communities to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants. The contribution of the Windrush generation to the country will have to be analysed and conveyed to the public, no more, or less than facts can support.
A body of British Caribbean representatives will oversee the event. The 500K donation will be available on an annual basis to charities and communities seeking to hold commemorative and educational events. How the money is spent must be looked at to ensure it is used appropriately, and that commemorative and educational events draw from genuine talent from the British Caribbean Community. The government says that the British Caribbean community have been consulted widely to ensure the legacy and contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants is acknowledged and praised.
The announcement comes as the nation prepares for a range of Windrush 70 activities to commemorate the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks. June 22nd 1948 marks the day that the Windrush discharged its 492 passengers of Caribbean men and women at Tilbury, Essex 70 years ago– making the event an important landmark in the history of modern Britain.
The events will be headed by a national Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on 22 June 2018. Communities Minister Lord Bourne said:
“A Windrush Day will allow communities up and down the country to recognise and honour the enormous contribution of those who stepped ashore at Tilbury Docks 70 years ago. It will keep their legacy alive for future generations, ensuring that we all celebrate the diversity of Britain’s history”.
“The Windrush Generation made a huge contribution to rebuilding the country following the war and their settlement and their descendants have continued to enrich social, economic, political and religious life.”
Windrush Foundation Director Arthur Torrington said:
“The announcement of a national Windrush Day is a moment of great satisfaction. It will cement in the national consciousness the important contribution of those who travelled from the Caribbean to Britain 70 years ago to build a better life and participate in making Britain a stronger nation”
“Their legacy has lived on in their children and grandchildren and the communities they have built across the country. For years to come, Windrush Day will bring people together to celebrate this vital part of our shared history and heritage.”
Ecumenical organisation and the national instrument for the Christian church in England, Dr Joe Aldred from Churches Together said:
“The national service at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush marks a hugely important moment for the nation”
Over successive generations the British Caribbean community has shown resilience and contributed so much to British life. Windrush 70 will honour this contribution and the hugely positive impact the Windrush Generation and their descendants have had to make this country stronger.
Lambeth Councillor Sonia Winifred said:
Windrush 70 is not just a commemoration of the long journey made by several hundred people but recognition of their legacy which has changed all our lives – culturally, socially, economically and politically. As the Windrush 70 logo says, it’s part of our DNA and nowhere more so than Lambeth.
The celebratory activities will include dance performances, exhibitions and debates throughout the year.The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is funding a number of events, such as the National Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and a AGE UK Windrush 70 tea party hosted by Lambeth Council. There will also be a performance from the Phoenix Dance Company and commemorative ‘platinum’ pin badges designed by Brixton-based design group Champion Agency to be distributed at key Windrush 70 events throughout the country.