WINDRUSH REVIEW®
Sponsored By The Community For The Community
Issue June 2020
HMT Empire Windrush The name that has become synonymous with the first wave of West Indians who came to England in 1948, all who followed in later years and their descendants. It should be noted that the HMT Empire Windrush was not the first ship to bring West Indian migrants to Britain in the 1940s, and it has quite a story behind it.
Mr and Mrs Nembhard came to England as a young couple in the early ‘50s and remained for the rest of their lives.
Having been commandeered from the Germans as a prize of war (WW2) and renamed, virtually little or no mention is ever made of the River Windrush after which it was named.
The River Windrush runs through the quaintest little village of the same name in Gloucestershire. It appears on many Xmas cards year after year. For a charge of £28.10s (shilllings) per passenger, which is the equivalent of approximately £600 today, the first significant wave of almost 500 men, women and children embarked on a new life, a new voyage on the HMT Empire Windrush, arriving at Tilbury Docks on 21st June 1948. The passengers disembarked on the 22nd June which we celebrate today as Windrush Day.
Windrush Monument Update by Baroness Floella Benjamin
Since being appointed in 2017 as Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, which includes Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Tim Campbell OBE, Paulette Simpson and Ken Olisa - Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, we have faced a rollercoaster of unforeseen circumstances. Firstly Brexit, then COVID-19 which have both proved challenging. Things got off to a great start because we were very fortunate to be able to announce on Windrush Day 2019, that the Committee had chosen the main concourse of Waterloo Station as the location for the Windrush Monument. The purpose of the Monument is to commemorate the thousands of Caribbeans who arrived in Britain, not just on the Empire Windrush itself,
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but over the period between the 1940s and 1970s. Thousands of Caribbeans passed through this central London iconic heritage location, before dispersing across the UK. The Monument will also contain a digital time capsule, documenting British Black history. The station itself has a wonderful archive of photographs of this Windrush era which will be included. Waterloo station is about to undergo a £200m transformation and the Monument will be central to it which means millions of visitors will see it. It’s also planned that each year there will be spectacular Windrush Day celebration at the station.
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When the Covid-19 crisis has passed, the Committee will set about appointing a sculptor to create a significant Monument for the nation to be proud of, to celebrate the Windrush Generation.
Goodwill Windrush 2020 Messages page 2
Message From Prime Minister Boris Johnson Windrush Day is a chance to say thank you to the Windrush generation, their children and grandchildren for everything you have done to make Britain the country it is today. When the Empire Windrush first docked at The Port of Tilbury in June 1948, the men, women and children who disembarked that day, the many thousands who followed and their descendants, have helped to build this great nation. You served in the armed forces – as many valiant Caribbean heroes had done in the two world wars of the 20th century. You helped to run vital transport services – the arteries that nourished a domestic resurgence across Britain.
You worked in manufacturing, and construction, literally helping to rebuild parts of Britain that had been bombed and turned to rubble during World War Two. And you gave your all in one of our most precious institutions, caring for the sick, bringing new life into the world, and helping to build this country’s greatest asset, our NHS. And today, that legacy of service, devotion, care and personal courage is an integral part of our national fight back against coronavirus. And I want to say a deep and heartfelt thanks to all those in our NHS and other key sectors for everything you are doing – particularly those of the Windrush generation. We will not win this battle without you.
Our country is stronger, greater, and culturally richer because of the incredible Windrush contribution made over decades. I want to ensure that it is remembered for generations to come – which is why we have committed in our manifesto to a Windrush memorial in the heart of London. Your energy, your vibrancy, and your dedication are an inspiration – and one we can all draw on as we look to restart our country again. Thank you to the pioneers, nurses, doctors, public servants, musicians, artists, business owners – who are all part of the legacy of this most extraordinary generation. This Windrush Day, we celebrate you.
Message From H. E. Seth George Ramocan, Cd High Commissioner For Jamaica I am honoured to be given the opportunity to warmly greet readers on the occasion of the commemoration of Windrush 2020. This year’s celebration will be quite different from any other, as the United Kingdom, Jamaica and indeed the world, grapple with the unique and unprecedented challenges wrought by the novel coronavirus. Sadly, we lost a number of our nationals during this period, including community stalwarts and members of the Windrush generation. I wish to use this opportunity to convey heartfelt sympathies to those who have lost loved ones, have been ill, or have otherwise been affected by this deadly pandemic.
Despite the priority attention being given to the current health crisis, it is important that due attention is given to the valuable members of the Windrush generation and their contribution to the development of British society. In this regard, I am pleased to note the recent release of the “Windrush Lessons Learnt Review Report” by Ms. Wendy Williams. We are committed to ensuring that the important findings and recommendations made in the report are not overshadowed by prevailing events. We will continue in our diplomatic, as well as community interactions, towards a unified resolution.
I am pleased to advise that our Mission has been actively working behind the scenes, together with various organisations and individuals to provide well needed consular support and advice to our community, including our elderly nationals. I invite you to email or call us if you require our services via email at jamhigh@jhcuk.com or telephone #s: 0207 823 9911 or 0207-581-0063 / 6679 / 0067
Message from Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP Britain would not be the strong, vibrant and diverse nation it is today without the immeasurable contributions that the Windrush Generation have made to our country. These are men and women who built their lives and made their home here in Britain, enriching all spheres of our society as a result. From supporting and leading community networks and public services, to elevating our arts and culture, this generation has contributed so much to our society and our economy.
We approach the second annual National Windrush Day at a difficult moment for this country. Whilst we may not all be physically together; Britain’s social fabric could not be any stronger during this national emergency. I would like to encourage readers of Windrush Review to unite and use technology connect with loved ones and share your celebrations online, marking the day in a way that it deserves from your home.
You are the true heroes working on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus: a battle that we are winning thanks to your efforts. There are no words to truly express our gratitude for all that you are doing for your country. Thank you.
And finally, I want to say a deep and heartfelt thanks to all those working in our NHS, councils and all other key sectors – including children and relatives from the Windrush generation.
Home Office Windrush Helpline Freephone 0800 678 1925
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Millie Small (1946-2020) A great one hit wonder of all time, both Millie Small and her hit song My Boy Lollipop became an overnight sensation in 1964 and continued to be popular at parties in the decades that followed. Even more significant was the uplifting impact she had on the Caribbean communities in those early days as with
Ladies!
Every Windrusher’s mother would have taught her daughter “A lady is never dressed without tights.” Tahlia Gray of Sheer Chemistry does not let us forget it with sumptuous colours to suit all shades of Black. To view more visit www.sheerchemistry.com
pride they would watched her perform familiar music on national television, an extreme rarity in those days. She was a true ambassador of the day for her people.
Did You Know? Turmeric contains “curcumin” which has strong antiinflammatory properties and is a good anti- oxidant which has been associated positively with anti ageing processes and depression. Curcumin is not easily absorbed in the blood stream but aided with black pepper which contains “ piperine” enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000% according to Dalgety Teas, the largest Jamaican tea manufacturer in the UK, which is why they are launching a new tea to their existing extensive range of teas. Dalgety’s Turmeric and Black Pepper tea will be launched later this month in supermarkets. A bit of black pepper to the curry goat might be an idea!
A True Windrush Pioneer with a Legacy Gifted textile designer Althea McNish became internationally renowned for her fashion and fabric designs in an era when West Indians were still not fully integrated into British Society. McNish moved to Britain from Trinidad in the 1950s and she studied at The Central School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. From there she was commissioned to design for Liberty’s and later went on to design furnishing fabrics at Heal’s. A founding member of the Caribbean Artists Movement she organised exhibitions and seminars in the 1960s to promote Caribbean arts to a British public. Her work is represented in collections at the V&A, the Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture and Smithsonian Design. Her clients included high end fashion houses such as Dior, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Givenchy. She also designed fabrics for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s official wardrobe for her visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 1966.
WINDRUSH REVIEW
Swarzy Macaly Bright Young People & Rising Stars
TV/Radio Presenter Swarzy Macaly won the KISS Chosen One competition in 2016 at just 23 years old and she now presents KISS Breakfast every Saturday morning from 6-9AM. She is the official young voice of BBC Sounds, a regular contributor to BBC Radio 5Live, and the host of 4Music’s TV Show, The UK Music Video Chart. Known for her effervescent character,
Swarzy celebrates Black History Month every year by hosting and curating an event called Too Much Source which is an exhibition celebrating creatives from the Black British community who are all making history today. A wonderful testimony to the descendants of the original Windrush Pioneers.
Health is Wealth Award winning Lifestyle Coach Michael Williams’ tip for Windrush Day is
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Health is Wealth. Use the lockdown as an opportunity to invest in your health. Eat moderate portions, take time to exercise, and manage stress to help you sleep better.
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Tribute to Designer Althea McNish
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Making A Difference! The Lignum Vitae Club, a charity which supports Jamaicans in the UK and Jamaica was founded in 1969 by Lady Lindo, wife of the then incumbent Jamaican High Commissioner. Today, under the chairmanship of Angela Newby, the Club is a landmark hub within the UK Jamaican community, providing a social backdrop for the diaspora whilst carrying out vital fundraising for selected charities. They provide crucial services to neglected and disadvantaged communities, including relief aid for disaster stricken regions throughout the Caribbean. If you are interested to know more or get involved visit their website: www.lignumvitaeclub.org.uk
Blue Plaque to Honour Dr George Alfred Busby
In March 2020, Dr George Alfred Busby, who came to England on a scholarship in 1919 (pre Windrush), was finally acknowledged for his great contributions to the community of Walthamstow at a time when there was yet no NHS. A true pioneer originally from Barbados Dr Busby’s daughter, Margaret Busby OBE said,
“He allied himself with the residents of East London and in particular Walthamstow, when times were hard.”
It should be remembered in those days many poor people could not afford to pay a doctor and he would at times accept payment in other forms such as meat from the local butcher. It is thanks to Jak Beula, founder of Nubian Jak Community Trust, who actively seek to promote and honour stalwarts of the Black community for their contributions to society that this honour was bestowed.
100 Great Black Britons
Weddings
Home School Competition for Children
1959
Rarely mentioned are the number of weddings that took place in the early years following the arrival of the Empire Windrush. Many men would send for a wife from “home” - sometimes people they knew before, other times purely on recommendation from a family member or friend. The West Indians in a particular area were a very close-knit community in those days and usually all were invited to the wedding. Many of these people remained life-long friends.
With Sadness Covid 19 has taken many lives from our communities and 2020 has been a most difficult year for many. The Windrush descendants have been disproportionately affected and whilst we welcome investigations as to why this the case, we can but only remember all whose lives have been cut short. The Midlands being a region overrepresented in the toll, we make mention of Bishop T.A. McCalla and Ronald Beckford as a representation of a long line of prominent selfless people who have made life-changing contributions to the wider community.
Wonderful opportunity to explore Black British History and Multicultural Britain. With online resources and aids to help inquisitive young minds, the closing date is 31st September 2020. Winners will be judged at each Key Stage Level and prizes will be awarded at each level. The winners will be announced during Black History Month 2020. Sponsored by The NEU (National Education Union) there is also a competition for teachers to develop resources that can be shared as part of a permanent online teaching aid to celebrate Black history. Entry details for both competitions can be found on their website: www.100greatblackbritons.co.uk
Legacies and Rising Stars Kingsley Johnson, founder of Kinetic People Development prides himself and his success on the influence of his parents and grandparents who were first generation Windrush pioneers. His company, applies the principles and psychological characteristics of elite sportsmen and women to business in order to drive high performance behaviour patterns and attitudes in the workplace. Kinetic PD’s workshops and sessions improve resilience, self-awareness and emotional intelligence to organisations that wish to invest in their staff.
For more Windrush stories visit our website www.windrushreview.com or editionbhm.com
Published by Editions Media Limited© Editions Lifestyle Black History Month Magazine® Editor: Joy Sigaud, Assistant Editor: Serena Lee, M.Franke Contributors: Baroness Floella Benjamin, Margaret Busby, Thalia Grey, Patrick Vernon, Jamaican High Commission, Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, Michael Williams, Keith Taylor, Mark Dalgety, Errol Drummond. Design by Far’n’Beyond. We disclaim any and all liabilities including damages or loss that may result from your use or misuse of the publication, its website or any of the content. No reproduction is permitted as a whole or in part. All rights reserved. ISSN 2732-4435