Reflections on a year honouring those who came from the Caribbean to Britain
The ship HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex on 22 June 1948, bringing more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean. It is a key symbolic moment which can be seen as the beginning of the modern multi-ethnic society in Britain today.
Those who came from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and 1971 became known as the Windrush Generation, after the famous ship.
The vessel itself has an interesting history: before it came under British control, the Windrush (then known as the Monte Rosa) was used by the Nazis, initially as a cruise-ship but later to transport troops during the German invasion of Norway.
Due to the presence of British Pathé journalists at the docking of the Empire Windrush, it became the most famous of ships carrying passengers from the Caribbean to Britain.
It was not the only ship, however, nor even the first. The Ormonde docked in Liverpool on 31 March 1947 carrying 241 passengers. Later that year, on 21 December 1947, the Almanzora docked in Southampton carrying 200 more.
22 June is Windrush Day, a moment to honour the contribution of migrants to Britain, with a focus on those who came from the Caribbean.
The day was only officially adopted by the UK Government in 2019, in the aftermath of the so-called ‘Windrush scandal’ and a campaign spearheaded by Patrick Vernon who wrote about the idea back in 2010.
However, Windrush commemoration activity had been taking place long before official recognition came, organised by the likes of Arthur Torrington, co-founder of the Windrush Foundation, and Windrush passenger Sam King MBE. So it should be remembered that the origins of Windrush Day came from the Windrush Generation and their descendants, not the government.
As 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush, efforts were made to help ensure this important moment in Britain’s history was celebrated throughout the country.
Windrush campaigner Patrick Vernon, alongside British Future, a think-tank and charity working on race and identity, convened the Windrush 75 Network, bringing together almost 500 organisations and individuals committed to marking the occasion.
The network sought to amplify the voices of those working at grassroots and national level to raise awareness of the activity taking place. Network members included those from the Windrush community, event organisers, arts and culture practitioners, faith leaders, teachers and more.
A huge variety of events have taken place across the UK this year, especially on Windrush Day, in our cities, towns and even villages, with the Windrush 75 Network events page displaying more than 200 listings.
Alongside scores of local community events a number of prestigious, world renowned venues looked to celebrate this historic moment.
They included DJ Trevor Nelson’s Windrush 75 Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, a Service of Thanksgiving at Southwark Cathedral, a reception at the Houses of Parliament and an event at Buckingham Palace to unveil ten portraits of pioneering members of the Windrush Generation, commissioned by King Charles III.
One of the portraits from King Charles’ commissioned collection was of Alford Gardner, one of the last surviving Windrush passengers. I was honoured to meet Alford earlier this year at the launch event for photographer Jim Grover’s excellent exhibition, Windrush: A Voyage through the Generations.
Europeana’s Windrush collection includes an interview with Alford, where he discusses travelling on the Windrush and his experiences of racial prejudice in England.
Interviews like this demonstrate the resonance and importance of capturing the experiences of the Windrush Generation, while we still can.
This should be one of the key legacies of the Windrush 75 commemorations. While there are a number of oral history projects organised by various stakeholders, these precious stories are spread across a number of archives and databases. Bringing them together, while also capturing new oral testimonies, should be a priority for those of us working on Windrush commemoration.
Looking beyond this anniversary year, the network will support sustained efforts in education, culture and beyond to capture, record and memorialise the lived experiences of the Windrush Generation itself and to ensure these resonate for future generations.
While much of the Windrush commemoration was about celebrating this pioneering generation, Windrush 75 Network Convenor Patrick Vernon has often referred to Windrush Day as being ‘bittersweet’.
'Bitter' due to the ongoing injustices faced by this generation, notably with the continued issues surrounding the ‘Windrush scandal’. But ‘sweet’ as it is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the Windrush Generation’s huge contribution to Britain.
As we come to the end of the 75th anniversary year, we should reflect on the progress that has been made over the last 75 years, while also looking to the future and considering the work that still needs to be done. We want to ensure that Windrush 75 has a powerful legacy beyond 2023.
Our network will continue to bring people together to honour this generation by marking the Windrush anniversary every year and using this moment to deepen the public conversation about the past, present and future of race in Britain.
But we also want to look further into the future at a more ambitious goal: where do we want our society to be, on issues of race, inclusion and equity, by the time we mark the Windrush centenary in 2048? And what are the conversations and agendas we can start to implement today to help us get there?
Realising this centenary vision – of a fair and equal Britain – would be a fitting legacy and one that the Windrush Generation would have been proud to see.
This blog was made possible through Europeana's editorial grants programme which provides funding for writing that put a spotlight on underrepresented communities, voices and lived experiences. Learn more about the editorial grants programme and how to apply.