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Windrush Review 2021
An Editions Lifestyle Black History Month® Publication
NHS Commonwealth Nurses & Midwives Statue A lasting monument is a fitting tribute to the Caribbean and African nurses whose vocation framed the NHS from its foundation on 5th July 1948. The statue will be unveiled at the Whittington Hospital in North London on 5th July 2021, NHS Day. It has been designed by Jak Beula Dodd of the Nubian Jak Academy. Jak Beula Dodd is noted for his extensive contribution to preserving the heritage of Black Britons through the Nubian Jak Community Trust which has erected over 50 heritage plaques. The statue itself, made of granite, depicts a mother nursing her baby, symbolising the Black nurses’ contribution to nursing the British nation.
This coincides with the launch of the book Nursing A Nation which is an anthology of NHS nurses’ stories in their own words. The book will be available from 10th July. To find out more, get involved or contribute to the projects, visit their website at www.nubianjak.org or www.crowdfunder.co.uk/nubian-jak
The Black Farmer See feature on page 2
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Windrush Day 22nd June commemorates the Windrush Generation who arrived from the Caribbean on the HMT Empire Windrush on 22nd June 1948 and those who arrived subsequently until 1972, as well as their descendants.
Windrush Legal WHO ARE THE WINDRUSH GENERATION WITH AFFECTED STATUS ISSUES? People who came to the UK between 1948 and 1972 as British subjects either as an adult or child and have been disenfranchised as a result of the Government’s “Hostile Policies” and or do not have documentation such as a valid passport to prove their right to remain in the UK. People who have been here for some time who originally came on a visa (there are many types) and have overstayed. In other words, the visa is no longer valid and out of date. Legal advice is advised as these people have no right to be here. Children born here cannot be removed unless part of an application; part of a family unit in deportation proceedings; if they commit a serious offence and the subject of a deportation order or if their presence here is deemed not conducive to the public good. They will be eligible to register as a British citizen when they reach the age of 10, if it can be proven that they were born in the UK and have lived here continuously since birth. Continued on page 4...
COMING SOON! Contact jamhigh@jhcuk.com to order a copy of the book.
Windrush Day Message
FROM H. E. SETH GEORGE RAMOCAN, CD HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR JAMAICA I am pleased to join with you in observation of Windrush Day 2021. As we celebrate the arrival of our ancestral countrymen to the shores of the United Kingdom some 73 years ago, we reflect with pride on their contribution to building a positive future not only for their children but also for future generations throughout Great Britain and around the world. At present, we face an uncertain future. The COVID-19 pandemic carries within its wake much damage and destruction but, today, we have cause to celebrate and to be hopeful. Windrush Day is a time for commemorating our humanity and the positive and far-reaching impact of a single generation of selfless pioneers on the social, economic and cultural development of British society. In our reflection we must also acknowledge their struggles and their indomitable spirit; their firm resolve to never give in to the negativities that surrounded them and to never give up on their dreams and hope for a better tomorrow. Like them, we must persevere. We must lend our voices and energy to ensuring that the history of the Windrush generation be that of victors and not of victims. The Windrush Scandal is a blight on the UK’s history, but it has also pulled into sharp focus the challenges faced by the Windrush generation and their descendants. I, therefore, implore all those who have been affected by this injustice to apply for their documentation through the Windrush Scheme and for compensation from the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Cook-in or Cook-out! British businessman Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE wasted no time in following his dream to live in the beautiful county of Devon where he has a successful farm producing an array of tasty quality foods. Known to locals as The Black Farmer, he set up a brand using the same name and proceeded to market his produce both from his farm shop and through all the mainstream supermarkets nationwide. www.editionbhm.com
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Famously known for his delicious sausages, seasoned in a variety of flavours and with a good helping of Jamaican style herbs, it is no secret that Emmanuel-Jones has invested in projects to encourage young Black people to explore all the British countryside has to offer. His online farmshop offers good quality free-range products from the West Country including grass-fed meats, groceries and local deli produce. There’s nothing like a good old fashioned British banger alongside a jerk chicken sausage to spice up that long awaited summer BBQ. For more information contact www.theblackfarmer.com
How The Tide Turns…
THAMES RIVER POLICE Founded and originally run by West Indians
The West India Committee (WIC) evolved from a lobbying group formerly known as the London Society of West Indian Planters and Merchants founded in 1735. Initially formed to represent the interests of the plantocracy of the West Indies, Did you predominantly Jamaica, today the tide know? has turned and the organisation is largely run by those of Caribbean descent promoting ties and trade between Britain and the British Caribbean.
John Kent, the son of a Caribbean slave became Britain’s first Black police officer in 1837. The West India Committee are the forefathers of the Thames River Police. In 1839 it merged with the ‘Peelers’ (named after Sir Robert Peel who had created a London police force in 1829) to form the London Metropolitan Police. The Thames River Police was originally founded by West Indians and run by West Indians. During the Did you 18th Century they patrolled the bustling know? river, at the time a highway of activity - including piracy and crime. Charles Dickens once commented on the “effectiveness of the force.”
Superintendent Robert Branford was the London Met’s first Black Police officer in 1838. Today the WIC strive to harness good relations between the Caribbean Community and the current police force, now known as “bobbies” hoping to improve relations.
WIC founded the oldest continuously serving police force in the world in 1798. Courtesy WIC
Composer Errollyn Wallen CBE
Belize-born British composer Erroyllyn Wallen CBE has won the prestigious 2020 ISM Distinguished Musician Award. With a host of other awards and accolades to her credit, Wallen’s music transcends time and space, literally. From her lofty retreat in Scotland the composer, pianist, singer-songwriter has seen no let-up, even through the pandemic, as she churns out symphonies and haunting songs. On receiving the distinguished award, Errollyn Wallen has joined the ranks of the very few to receive such an accolade including Jacqueline du Pré OBE, Dame Sarah Connolly and Sir David Willcocks to name a few. Errollyn was the first Black woman to have a work performed at the Proms in 1998 and her solo album Errollyn completed 186 orbits around the earth on NASA’s STS 115 Mission. No hidden figures here!
BLACK EATS LDN is a comprehensive directory of Black-owned restaurants and bars in the UK.
Anyone can apply for an approved listing but more importantly, you can now browse through an extensive list of Black culinary outlets and make a choice of where you wish to eat before setting out on a journey. With Windrush Day coming up Black Eats LDN have a great selection of eateries to choose from. From Roger’s Kitchen in Camden to yam fries and fish in Hendon or Nutrition Kingz - as the name suggests no junk food here - or why not try a delivery service for tantalising rare exotic fruits and vegetables. To view the directory visit: www.blackeatsldn.com/directory
SUNRISE BAKERY:
55 Years, 3 Generations And Still Going Strong
Founded by Herman Drummond and William Lamont in 1966, the bakery had humble beginnings. Their first site behind a shop in Smethwick Birmingham provided the much welcomed West Indian breads and buns to the delight of the growing local West Indian community. Today Sunrise Bakery boasts extended premises having acquired the original site and more. They have expanded to become the largest Caribbean bakery in Britain supplying all the major supermarkets
as well as over 150 independent stores. It is run by the second and third generations of the descendants of Herman Drummond - the Lamont family having left the business in 2009. Managing Director Errol Drummond says “By 1980 we were in a position to purchase the entire site where we are now and introduce updated manufacturing processes whilst expanding our reach nationwide.” Indeed by the 1980s Sunrise Bakery delivery vans were a common site even in London.
Legacy Extra Gary Stewart, CEO of Recognize - a forum for the preservation of Windrush history in Birmingham - says: “as a child, Saturdays we had fried fish and hardough bread as a ritual and every Saturday morning I went with my mother to queue at Sunrise Bakery to buy delicious warm fresh bread.” Today the tradition continues for many and long may it be so!
The Windrush Caribbean Film Festival (WCFF) 2021 is set to launch on 22nd June. This year it will run until 29th August in collaboration with the BFI and Arts Council. The theme is Carnival in Britain.
Following the success of last year’s WCFF, which in spite of the pandemic, through a series of online events and screenings, 2021 promises so much more! Virtual screenings including Q&A sessions, the film festival will draw on the artistic and cultural influences of Carnival in Britain, beginning with the first indoor celebration organised by Claudia Jones in 1959. It will also explore the creative and educational legacies of Carnival. For further details contact: www.windrushfilmfestival.com
TILBURY DOCKS LONG-AWAITED EXHIBITION TO FINALLY OPEN Following months of anticipation, Evewright Arts Foundation is delighted to announce the Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories Exhibition will open on 22nd June 2021 in honour of the Windrush Generation. The Tilbury Cruise Terminal is where those who arrived in the UK on board the SS Empire Windrush in June 1948 disembarked.
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The difference between Windrush Victim and Deportee: WINDRUSH VICTIM: came to the UK legally but now their documents have been destroyed or lost. This category has the right of abode in the UK with rights to all the benefits that the British enjoy. Government and voluntary organisations are working hard to rectify this huge problem with compensation being granted for the victims. DEPORTEES: this group have committed a crime, or their presence is deemed not conducive to the public good and are not British Citizens. In other words, to avoid being deported after committing a crime if you believe you have the right to be in the UK it is best to seek legal advice.
Did you know? People with settled status ie indefinite leave to remain in the UK can lose this right by staying out of Britain for more than 2 years unless they can demonstrate that they maintained strong links with the UK during that period. Once out for 2 years or more and wish to return, they will be issued with a visitor’s visa. It is therefore advisable to become “Naturalised” if you intend to leave the country for more than 2 years. A selection of advice clinics and vital links including direct Home Office links providing free information and assistance can be found at www.editionbhm.com See article Windrush Legal Advice Clinics and Tips. www.editionbhm.com/2021/04/11/windrush-advice-centresrights-useful-information-tips/
Rising Star! Music Scholar and part-time student at Trinity Laban, young Adrianna Forbes-Dorant has already made her stunning solo debut at the prestigious Garsington Opera. Pianist/ violinist 15 year old Adrianna has also made appearances at the Royal Opera House. She has received excellent reviews in the broadsheets and seems set for a very bright future indeed!
Editions Lifestyle Newsletters© are sponsored by the community for the community. Published by Editions Media Limited. Editor Joy Sigaud, Assistant Editors: Serena Lee, Marinella Franks, Sybil Kretzmer and immigration expert Vendy Henry. We extend our thanks to all our contributors and sponsors. We disclaim any and all liabilities including damages or loss that may result from your use or misuse of this publication, its website or any of the content. No reproduction is permitted as a whole or in part without the written consent of the editor. All rights reserved. ISSN 2732-4435.
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WINDRUSH FAMILY EVENT Authors will be reading from our brand new Windrush children’s book! Q&A sessions for children with our Windrush elders! Fun Windrush fact trail: follow clues to find objects, photos and info about the Windrush journeys. Saturday 26th June 2021, 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm 1 Windrush Square London SW2 1EF www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/windrush-family-event-tickets-156654540949