EDITIONS BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023 & Windrush 75

EDITIONS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023 & WINDRUSH 75

Black History Month 2023 has much to celebrate. It is a landmark year with numerous milestones. There is much to commemorate and this issue explores some of the seminal moments.

We continue to celebrate 75 years since the arrival of the first significant wave of pioneers who arrived on the HMT Empire Windrush amidst a media flurry on 22nd June 1948. It is the voices of those 20th Century pioneers and their descendants that have brought to the fore many of the struggles and triumphs of Black Britons.

1963 Bristol Bus Boycott

60 YEARS HEROES

A core group of Jamaican campaigners Owen Henry, Roy Hackett, Audley Evans and Prince Brown founded the West Indian Development Council (WIDC) in the face of and to tackle the blatantly racist apartheid style polices of the Bristol bus services whereby no “coloureds” were allowed work as bus conductors or drivers.

The WIDC teamed up with Paul Stephenson, an eloquent Black Youth Officer, who strategically brought the bus company’s racist policy, which had been backed by the local Union, to public attention. Stephenson had the WIDC call for a boycott of Bristols buses on the premise that Guy Bailey, a student at the time, had applied for a post and on arrival at the interview was openly refused on account of his colour.

The boycott attracted national attention and a host of prominent figures entered the ‘fray.’ The Bristol Omnibus Company was forced to end its ‘colour bar’ policy in August 1963.

It is to be noted that whilst this was an era of colour bars in many civic and social areas, most people from the Caribbean had never been exposed to blatant racism until coming to England. The indignation alone would have prompted a response, although they were in a minority compared to the population at large. This historic victory shone a light on many racialist practices that had become endemic and prompted great changes across the nation culminating the The Race Relations Act of 1965.

ROYAL REVIEW

• Seminal Moments/ Anniversaries

Inside This Issue:

WINDRUSH 75 NETWORK EVOLVES TO WINDRUSH 100

Following the huge success of the Windrush 75 Network

The Windrush 100 Network will continue to bring together individuals and organisations to celebrate and commemorate Windrush. It will seek to deepen the public conversation about the past, present and future of race in Britain – and help to deliver the centenary vision of a fair and equal Britain that the Windrush Generation would have been proud to see.

Keep up to date with Windrush 100 by signing up to the Windrush 75 Network, which will evolve into the Windrush 100 Network as the 75th anniversary year comes to a close. All individuals and organisations related to the Windrush Generation are invited to join and attend open Zoom meetings. Visit https://www.windrush75.org/

Did you know?

HMT Empire Windrush was formerly a Nazi troopship called the Monte Rosa. It was captured by the British as a prize of war in 1945. The British continued to use it as a troopship until 1954 when it sank in the Mediterranean Sea following a fire.

It has been a year of recognition for the Commonwealth diaspora, the Windrush Generation and their descendants. The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6th May 2023 cemented their place in the annals of British History. Watched by 20 million people in Britain and an estimated 400 million worldwide, there was no shortage of representatives from the Afro-Caribbean and Commonwealth communities. The following month in the lead-up to Windrush Day, King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted another glittering event at Buckingham Palace bringing the Windrush Generation on the 75th Anniversary of their arrival and their descendants to the forefront. A series of paintings that had been personally commissioned by the King was unveiled to much acclaim. The paintings, which now form part of the Royal Collection (see pages 2 & 3) were also posted on billboards nation-wide.

• Notting Hill Focus

• Nottingham Race Riots Vanley Burke - A True

Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Migrants

The Caribbean migrants were not the only ones to come to Britain post WWI and WWII. People came to Britain in their thousands from all over the Commonwealth, not least Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that more than half a million people from these regions came between 1948 and 1973. Their contributions and influence to the edification and enlightenment of British Society in all spheres, particularly in urban areas has been unrivalled. Several major cities have become a melting pot of ethnicities and home to many of these people and their descendants.

From left to right: Professor Ann Walford, Joy Sigaud (Author and Editor Editions Media), Queen Camilla (centre), Linda Haye OBE (sitter), Vanessa Wren-Haye, Shannon Bono (Artist) Photo Credit: Ian Jones The Queen with sitter Linda Haye OBE, family, friends and artist.

Photo Credit: Hardt Antoine Westbourne Grove London. The Notting Hill Carnival attracts 2m people annually.

Editions Media BHM & Windrush Newsletters are supported by the Community

1948 Arrival HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks

On 22nd June 1948 the ship carrying 1029 people (including 2 stowaways) docked at Tilbury. Almost 500 of them had come to Britain to begin a new life. Some intended to stay permanently, others for “5 years” then return “home.” The name Windrush became symbolic and synonymous with the migrants who arrived on various ships and by planes from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1973.

£1.2 BILLION NEW LOOK FOR KENSAL CANALSIDE

Adjacent to Ladbroke Grove and home to Portobello Road, these streets and their environs have been the beating heart of this West London enclave since the arrival of early migrants from the Caribbean in the late 1940s. A “New Look” has been proposed. Almost 19 acres of this largely underused space is presently a meeting point for Carnival floats and home to a Sainsbury’s superstore. It is hoped that the 3500 new homes proposed will provide a boost to the area. Landmark surroundings include the tragic Grenfell Tower which was all but annihilated in 2017 by fire resulting in 72 deaths.

Since the 1950s, Notting Hill itself has been a hotspot for racism and antagonism towards Black residents. Once an extreme right-wing stronghold, during the 1950s a racist incident culminated in racial violence on a scale never seen which shocked Britain and received worldwide media coverage. The area has deep roots in activism for change, equality and inclusion, and has borne prominent Black activists.

Alongside many heritage plaques, including one to acclaimed musicians Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, as well as Kelso Cochraine and the activist Frank Chrichlow, founder of the Mangrove restaurant in All Saints Road. It typified the ultimate “Notting Hill Cool” as we know it today. With a mixed clientele base, Caribbean food and music it attracted customers from all walks of life, including well-known celebrities. Local resident Jacqueline Jones-Henry, born in 1963, aptly described the area ‘as home to an eclectic, inclusive, bohemian community of international residents.’

The British Black Panther movement gained national recognition reaching its pinnacle in 1970 as a result of the famous Mangrove Nine trial, following a protest against constant harassment by the local police. It included, amongst other notable names, the late Darcus Howe - activist, editor, broadcaster and avid racial equality campaigner. He was at one-time Chairman of

the Notting Hill Carnival. This significant West London area, once known as “The Front Line” became a proud melting pot of races, ethnicities and cultures.

A far cry from the days of the notorious Rachman Landlord, some see the Ladbroke Grove area, now world-renowned for many positive factors such as inclusivity, diversity and cultural awareness, as an opportunity for a state-of-theart development in-line with many other urban areas that have been developed in the 21st century. A multi-faceted collaboration, including input from local residents, the project, is known as Project Flourish.

Aside from new housing and a new Sainsbury’s store, the Project will include new social facilities, encourage new investment to co-exist alongside the new streets, parks, cafes and restaurants. This may well be just what is needed. Time will tell!

Comprehensive details of the proposed development will be available for public view and scrutiny from October 2023.

For more information visit: www.projectflourish.co.uk

1948 BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

The National Health Service (NHS) was a new concept designed to facilitate equal and vital medical/health and wellbeing services to the masses. Until that time, good medical care for most people was not accessible. Many of the those who travelled to Britain from the Commonwealth gained employment as nurses and auxiliary staff within the newly founded NHS. They became the backbone of the NHS as is widely acknowledged today.

1958 Notting Hill Race Riots

An unsettling era of discontent amongst residents of the area with Teddy Boys (a dangerous right-wing sect) roaming the streets, often attacking lone Black men. Fuelled by extremist groups and some residents who were disgruntled at so many Black people moving into this low-income area amid growing mixed relationships, fed into a simmering rhetoric which blew-up to gargantuan proportions culminating in violent race riots between 29th August and 5th September 1958. The area used to be called Ladbroke Grove after the main avenue, however Notting Hill has today earned world-wide recognition as a culturally diverse and very sought-after area in London.

65 Years

Did you know?

The Nottingham Race Riots in the suburb of St Ann’s began on 23rd August 1958 following a period of rising post war racial tensions in the area as a direct result of the influx of Caribbean immigrants. These went on sporadically for two weeks and many people were injured.

THE 10 PORTRAITS WHICH NOW FORM PART OF THE ROYAL COLLECTION AS A TRIBUTE TO THE WINDRUSH GENERATION

Legacy WINDRUSH 75

Alford Gardner by Chloe Cox

Edna Henry by Amy Sherald

Gilda Oliver by Clifton Powell

Linda Haye OBE by Shannon Bono

Delisser Bernard by Honor Titus

Kampala, 3 Ronaldo, 5 Nyerere, 8. Asantes, Down: 1. Karenga, 2. Mandela, 5. Ailment, 7. Atoners

THERESA ROBERTS JAMAICA’S NEW AMBASSADOR FOR CULTURE & ARTS

It comes as no surprise that Theresa Roberts has been appointed Jamaican Special Investment EnvoyAmbassador for Culture and Arts in the UK.

She has been an avid art collector for 3 decades with arguably the most comprehensive collection of works by Jamaican artists in the UK. Her collection has been exhibited in London, notably the Cork Street Gallery and more recently had a 6 month run curated by Liverpool University at the Victoria Gallery.

Proud of her heritage, Roberts is keen to promote and educate through her endeavours, all things that relate to her heritage, benefitting the diaspora and wider community. She founded the first Jamaica Patty Co in New Row in bustling Central London’s Covent Garden in 2013, serving freshly baked authentic Jamaican Patties. Eaten in authentic Jamaican street food style they were so popular with the locals, passers by and tourists alike, that she opened a second store in Liverpool Street, City of London. Both stores continue to thrive whilst spreading the culture – in very tasty fashion.

Known as the “Godfather of Black British photography,” multi-award winning photographer Vanley Burke has been capturing the essence of the Black British community since 1967. These early ‘historians’ along with Neil Kenlock, Charlie Philips and Armet Francis to name few, were instrumental in documenting, in true artistic form, the lives and significant events in the Black communities in Britain since the 1950s from an unparalleled perspective.

For more information visit website: vam.ac.uk or see Vanley Burke in conversation with Diane Louise Jordan at the National Portrait Gallery 6th October 2023. Visit the website for tickets: npg.org.uk

1966 Birth of the Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival evolved from an outdoor festival/street fayre organised by local activist Rhaune Laslett, of immigrant descent herself, who was also President of the London Free School - an adult education project. The school was founded in March 1966 and run a by a group of local activists and underground artists. Keen to promote cohesion between the various ethnic groups in the area, Laslett set up the Children’s Play Group that was visited in May 1966 by Mohammed Ali. The London Free School Fayre first took place in 1966 and evolved into what we know today as the Notting Hill Carnival.

A selection of Vanley Burke’s archived work which has been used in documentaries, television, on books and record sleeves are held at Birmingham City Council. Now in his 70s, he continues to inspire, innovate, record and inform the nation through the lens. His exhibition Blood & Fire: Our Journey Through Vanley Burke’s History will run until 4th November 2023 at Soho House Birmingham Museum Trust and you can hear him speak in London at the V&A Exhibition “Between Two Worlds Vanley Burke and Francis Williams” exhibition on 13th October 2023.

The Carnival is inextricably linked to the Black Community in Britain and it’s evolution to what it has become today - a melange of people, music, dance, cultures and mutual respect. Although there is still much to be done and much to learn, a culture of genuine interest in the history and formulation of multi-cultural Britain has emerged. The vibrant Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street party in Europe attracting over 2m visitors each year.

To learn more about the Notting Hill Carnival visit: https://nhcarnival.org/

Book: A Long Read

Jamaicans in Britain: A Legacy of Leadership, co-authored, curated and edited by Joy Sigaud, is still available. The book is packed with over 500 biographies, back stories, information and commentaries, plus a list of all who boarded HMT Windrush at Kingston Jamaica. Limited editions of specially embossed Windrush 75 copies are still available for purchase.

Contact: debbie@lawrenva.com

Laceta Reid by Serge Attukwei Clottey

Jessie Stephens MBE by Sahara Longe

John (Big John) Richards by Deanio X

Professor Sir Godfrey (Geoff) Palmer OBE by Derek Fordjour

Carmen Munroe OBE by Sonia Boyce OBE

King Charles famously said “…in this special anniversary year, I wanted to pay my own heartfelt tribute to the role they have played in our nation’s story.”

Vanley Burke - Handsworth Park - Africa Liberation Day 1977

Westbourne Grove during Notting Hill Carnival

FROM THE HEART OF CORNWALL -

Celebrating Black History Month & Beyond!

CORNWALL resident Beverly Fitzgerald-Bevington has lived in the county for the past 3 decades. She has wasted no time in educating the county about her heritage and culture through events, talks and visits to schools. On the agenda are facts about Windrush and Black History Month. She founded the Rice and Peas Community CIC which collaborates with various social groups and organisations around the county. Black History Month has truly reached Land’s End. On Sunday 22nd October there will be a re-enactments event of Black People Through the Ages at the Visual Arts Flamm Festival in Redruth. She will also be presenting at Exeter University in Devon at the Beyond Black History Month event in November.

For more information visit: https://riceandpeascommunity.org/

FASHIONISTAS!

The Missing Thread Exhibition at Somerset House extends far beyond the realm of the catwalk. It explores and contextualises the profound impact Black creativity, in all its forms, has had on British culture and the fashion industry in the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibition runs until January 2024. https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/the-missing-thread

WOLVERHAMPTON MP

Enoch Powell was spectacularly cast out of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet in 1968 for his highly inflammatory racialist “Rivers of Blood” speech to the West Midlands Area Conservative Political Centre. The speech, which opposed the Anti Race Relations Bill and criticised the level of immigration from the New Commonwealth divided the nation, sadly giving rise to an escalation of racial violence. He was dismissed within 24 hours of making the speech. Wolverhampton has come a long way since those days. Powell’s former office in Wolverhampton is now The Heritage Centre - a community centre for the African and Afro-Caribbean community. It was recently featured on the popular TV series Great British Railway Journeys as part of the nationwide Windrush 75 celebrations.

BLACK IN DATA

ACCELERATING THE PACE OF CHANGE IN DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY

Black in Data (BiD) was founded in 2021 by Sadiquah Musa and Devina Nembhard after realising they were not alone in some of the experiences they were encountering in their professional lives. Along with Kim Yen Nguyen and Aisha Sanusi, they launched a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting data professionals - particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The initiatives which include networking events, career development workshops, mentoring programmes, podcasts and

EDITOR’S PICK!

community outreach have proved highly successful. They now have an impressive core base of 16,000 data professionals and in 2023 they successfully hosted their inaugural in-person event at Coutts.

During Black History Month they will be host an event in collaboration with their partners The Guardian and J.P. Morgan. To learn more about BiD, or attend an event contact:

hello@blackindata.co.uk

75 Ways to Celebrate Windrush 75 in Just One Day!

As Windrush 75 Celebrations continue to mark this milestone anniversary head over to Woolwich Works on 14th October for an interactive fun-packed day. A sumptuous Caribbean lunch and entertainment - including classical renditions by members of the Chineke Orchestra, a gospel choir sing-a-long, flash readings, art and a variety of performances are planned. Spend some time reminiscing lovingly restored classical cars then indulge in a High Tea. There will be lots to do as well as a children’s activity area with their own picnic boxes. For further information contact the organisers: https://www. woolwich.works/events/75-waysto-celebrate-windrush75-in-justone-day

Seventh

CROSSWORD

Drummond, Windrush 75 Network, Patrick Vernon, Primrose Granville, Jak Beula and Vanley Burke. We also extend thanks to all our 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. Reproduction is not permitted without prior written consent of the editor. Sharing in its complete format is permitted with full acknowledgement to the editor. All rights reserved.

Nigeria became home to a number of former slaves from South America, who after the abolition of slavery, returned to their ancestral homeland. Some of the descendants of those people migrated to Britain during the Windrush Era.

AND... IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

The Bank of England has, in the past year released from their archives extensive information on Britain’s facilitating role in the economies of the Slave Trade. The exhibition will continue to run until February 2024. To know more visit https://www. bankofengland.co.uk/ museum/whats-on/ slavery-and-the-bank

From left to right: Aisia Sanusi, Kim Yen Nguyen, Sadiqah Musa, Devina Nembhard

1. Ugandan Capital

3. Affectionately known as R9

5. Surname of first president of Tanzania

8. Akan speaking people of South Central Ghana (Plural)

1. Surname for the person who coined the phrase Kwanzaa

Surname of Madiba

A minor illness

People making amends or reparation for a crime or sin