The Windrush Generation’s appalling experiences of hostility, lack of inclusion, affinity, and acceptance ultimately led to being acknowledged 70 years later for their legacy of contributions to Britain.
The generation was named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush, which brought them to Britain during the Caribbean migration. It docked at Tilbury Docks in Essex on 24th May 1948. With 1,027 passengers, 800 were from various Caribbean islands. Predominantly men from Jamaica, ex-army veterans who fought in the Second World War in Britain, plus women and children. They were classed as Commonwealth citizens and invited to work to aid in redeveloping post-war Britain in the transportation system, factories, and newly created National Health Service.
Yet, who can forget the diabolical Windrush political scandal of 2018 and the anger felt across the Caribbean diaspora when they were being deported? Some were threatened with deportation when they were unable to prove they were in the country legally. Others lost their jobs, were prevented from accessing health care, housing and had their passports confiscated.
Entirely the government’s Home Office blunder; they had kept no records of them being appointed to stay in Britain and had disposed of their landing cards in 2010. However, Prime Minister at the time, Theresa May apologised, and a commemorative day was assigned, together with a scheme for compensation. The compensation scheme was slow in its implementation and some victims met their demise with the process still ongoing.
Recognised after 70 years for their contributions and cultural impact on British society, they were commemorated with ‘Windrush Day’. It is a day celebrated annually on 22nd June nationwide with various events and exhibitions. They were also awarded a commemorative sculpture in their honour, and in 2022, William, Duke of Cambridge, unveiled the monument. A bronze statue depicting a mother, father and child atop a series of suitcases, representing a mix of vulnerability and strength. It is situated at Waterloo Underground Station in London and was sculptured by Basil Watson, an artist, painter, and sculptor whose Jamaican parents arrived in Britain in 1952.
50+ black women to whom this applies are second-generation descendants and have much to be proud of this brave, courageous, aspirational generation. Nurturing us into who we are today, they paved the way for a life far less hostile and more inclusive than they experienced, though there is still a long way to go.
My story, in brief, is a classic example of the rife housing discrimination. Blatant advertisements stated, “No Irish, no blacks and no dogs”. Political correctness was unheard of back then. Having children in tow made matters worse. Consequently, at age three and a half, I was sent from England to live with my maternal grandparents in Montserrat in the Caribbean. My parents worked strenuously seven days per week to save to buy a house and I returned at age of eight.
As our Millennial children would say, let us ‘big up’ The Windrush Generation; they deserve their commemoration day of 22nd June and will not be forgotten, now placed in history.
Are you a descendant of The Windrush Generation? Let us know your story in the Comments Section.
