Commemoration and celebration on Windrush Day - why is it so important for us to talk about?

22nd June marked the anniversary of the arrival of Afro-Caribbean immigrants to Britain on the MV Empire Windrush, beginning an exodus of an estimated half a million people across the 1940s, 50s and 60s known as the Windrush generation.  At the Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre, we recognised Windrush Day by celebrating the British Caribbean community’s impact on society, from public services and politics to art and culture. 

In light of the Windrush scandal, where many who arrived from the Caribbean during those decades  are now facing uncertainties regarding their legal status after changes in immigration law, it has become increasingly important to understand the hardships and sacrifices that the British Caribbean community have faced, whilst recognising their contributions to rebuilding the post-war nation and beyond. Furthermore, with many of the Windrush generation settling in South London and now reaching older age, it is crucial for us as a community to commemorate this anniversary and to encourage talking and reminiscing about this key part of 20th century British history. 

Our day centre staff organised decorations with lots of pictures, articles and other reading materials for service users to browse whilst they enjoyed a delicious Caribbean curry for lunch. One service user mentioned that “I am a Windrush baby and I've learnt a little bit more about the people who came over”, with others agreeing that “talking and seeing this still brings back memories”.  

To find out more about Windrush Day events in Wandsworth, click here.