WESTMINSTER CELEBRATES WINDRUSH 75

With our commitment to being a Fairer Westminster, our focus is on working together with our communities to both celebrate and champion good causes as well as provide practical support. We are concentrating on how our communities can have more equal and equitable experiences, and we have been working hard with those communities to respond effectively to their needs. On Windrush Day, we take a moment to reflect on those from that generation and their descendants (particularly from the Caribbean) who answered the call from ‘the motherland’ to come and help.

For many in the Windrush generation, their contribution has gone by in a quiet and ‘matter of fact’ way. The experiences they had as they arrived and settled here 75 years ago, working tirelessly in the service of others and raising their families, hasn’t always received the attention it deserves.

Worse than that, we know that the challenges faced back then surrounding racism and discrimination in employment and housing (to name but two) have pervaded into the modern day – with the effects of the Windrush scandal still being felt by many. On this most auspicious of celebrations, it is important that we remember and do all we can to ensure support is realised by those most in need.

This year, Westminster City Council wants to celebrate our communities in the loudest possible way. Windrush in Westminster has always been an important milestone. From ensuring a green plaque within Paddington station to cement the legacy at such an important transportation hub, to our community documentary ‘And Still We Rise’ capturing stories of real experiences within Westminster, to hosting the first Windrush film festival in the city and working with the Maida Hill Maestros Dominoes Club on their campaign to make Dominoes an international sport. This year we are going bigger to celebrate and acknowledge 75 years. Visit our website to find out more https://www.westminster.gov. uk/windrush

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Public Protection and Licensing, Cllr Aicha Less said: