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We salute the Windrush Generation and their families. We celebrate their resilience, dignity and creativity. We acknowledge and thank them for their contribution.

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CELEBRATE AND REFLECT The Windrush Generation who shaped Britain SEE INSIDE

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WINDRUSH DAY SHOULD BE A TIME TO CELEBRATE Leading figures call for Britain to recognise this generation’s many great achievements

‘Our society has been made stronger’ Theresa May, Prime Minister “I’M HONOURED that one of my final acts as Prime Minster of this great nation is to support the first National Day Windrush celebrations, which I announced last year, backed by funding and a Windrush Commemoration Committee to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. “We know that Britain today in the 21st Century is a diverse multi-ethnic democracy, and it is one I’ve been immensely proud to lead. “It is now 71 years since some of the first arrived in the UK aboard the Empire Windrush and we have a chance to celebrate the enormous contribution people from around the Commonwealth – and their children and grandchildren – have made to Britain over seven decades. “Our culture has been enriched and our society has been made stronger because of the people who travelled here to build new lives in the UK. “While we’ve made great strides to improve equality of opportunity, I know there is still more work to be done to ensure our society works for everyone. That’s why, on becoming Prime Minister, one of the first things I did was commission the Race Disparity Audit to shine a light on how people from different ethnic

backgrounds are treated across our public services. We are the first country in the world to do this and I have been clear that if these disparities cannot be explained they must be tackled. “We have made a start with a £90 million programme to help tackle youth unemployment, a review of exclusions in education, and a commitment to take forward a number of recommendations in the David Lammy Review of the criminal justice system. PROMISE “I’ve been determined to deliver on my promise to root out injustices wherever they occur in our society. “That includes the Windrush scandal last year, which made many Commonwealth citizens feel unwelcome in this country – their home – for which I am still genuinely sorry. “Once again, I’d like to thank The Voice for taking this opportunity to mark the many ways in which black British men and women make this country great – and for reminding us that black history is British history, and belongs to us all. “I want to thank all those from the Windrush Generation for their contribution and want them to know, Britain has always been – and will always be – their home.

‘This event promises to be a significant moment’ Lord Bourne, Communities Minister “THE PEOPLE who arrived on the Empire Windrush, their descendants and those who followed them have made an enormous contribution to Britain. “This is not just in the vital work of rebuilding the country and public services following the Second World War, but in enriching our shared social, economic, cultural and religious ways of life. We are stronger because of them. “From Bristol to Birmingham and Liverpool to Leeds, their legacy lives on in their children

and grandchildren and the communities they have built. “Over the coming weeks, those communities and the country as a whole will have the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the British Caribbean community’s key role in Britain’s history as we celebrate the first ever National Windrush Day. “It promises to be a fantastic and significant moment, and one that I am proud to be a part of. “As we mark Windrush Day 2019, I’d encourage everyone to take part and learn about a vital part of our shared history and heritage.”

SO GRATEFUL: Theresa May is proud of the Windrush Generation

‘A time to come together’ Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee “THIS SATURDAY marks a proud moment in our nation’s history, as the country celebrates the first ever national Windrush Day. “Windrush Day is a time for everyone to come together to learn about and celebrate the outstanding contribution of the first Windrush migrants from the Caribbean and their descendants. “Like many, I travelled to Britain from the Caribbean many years ago as a child, unsure of what the future would hold. “The challenges I faced along the way helped make me the person I am today. “It fills me with pride and happiness to think that children around the country will be learning about this journey and the resilience, strength and courage required of the Caribbean pioneers as they went on to play an important role

in Britain’s history. And for all connected to the Windrush story, Windrush Day 2019 will rightly provide an opportunity to reflect on the enormous impact our community has made. “As Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, I am leading work to build a fitting, permanent monument to the Windrush Generation and their descendants. TRIBUTE “Alongside Windrush Day 2019, this marks a turning point in the national consciousness as we finally pay tribute to the British Caribbean communities who have shaped British society for the better. “These are exciting times indeed, and I am proud to be playing such a central role. “But it is up to all of us to honour the sacrifices and contributions made by the Windrush Generation, and I encourage everyone to take part and make Windrush Day 2019 one to remember.”

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

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A JOURNEY TO NEW HORIZONS HISTORIC MOMENT: The Empire Windrush arrives at Tilbury, June 1948

Passengers on the Windrush were excited at the prospect of a new life, writes Tony Sewell

N WEDNESDAY, June 23, 1948, The Times reported the arrival of the Windrush under the headline “Jamaicans arrive to seek work”. The article said: “Of the 492 Jamaicans who arrived at Tilbury on Monday to seek work in this country, 236 were housed last night in Clapham South deep shelter. The remainder had friends to whom they could go with and prospects of work. The men had arrived at Tilbury in the extroopship Empire Windrush. Among them are singers, students, pianists, boxers and a complete dance band.” This began the biggest movement of Caribbean people to Britain. Black workers came to Britain for three main reasons: 1. The desperate need for labour, particularly within the London Transport and Health Services. World War Two left

behind a large gap in the labour market. 2. The years of imperial Britain had impoverished most of the British Caribbean. The result was terrible poverty and unemployment. This was not helped by a devastating hurricane in 1944. The hurricane tore Jamaica apart, every parish was hit and thousands were made homeless. IMAGE The 1944 storm not only destroyed the crop of small farmers but completely flattened the economy of Jamaica. 3. The third factor was that new immigration laws in America had banned seasonal workers from going there to find jobs. Another reason for the exodus can be found in the image of Britain and the way it was embedded in the minds of the Caribbean people as the ‘Mother country’.

In other words, the rest of the world was on the margins and England as centre-stage. It was also helped through direct advertising and campaigns that persuaded the local that Britain was a warm and friendly country with plenty of work and lots of opportunities. West Indians had served in the First and Second World Wars and this meant there was already a network of demobbed soldiers and airmen living in Britain before 1948. Alford Gardner was one such person. Born in Jamaica, he joined the RAF after he left school. When he was demobbed he returned to Jamaica but found “not enough jobs, bad pay, tough conditions”. So he left for England, in June 1948, aboard the Empire Windrush. For him, life on the ships was relaxing. Most were young men in their 20s who were looking forward to this new

adventure. Also on board was the late Sam King, a former Mayor of Southwark who became one of the most prominent members of south London’s black community. He recalls: “As we got closer to England there was great apprehension in the boat because we knew the authorities did not want us on land. I got two ex-RAF wireless operators to play dominoes outside the ra-

dio room on the ship so they could keep us informed of the messages coming in. “We heard on the BBC news that if there were any disturbances on the immigrant ship HMS Sheffield would be sent out to turn us back. “But being British, once we arrived at Tilbury everything humanly possible was done to help us. “For those who had no-

where to go the deep air raid shelter at Clapham Common was made available for accommodation and the authorities helped in finding work. Within three weeks each person had a job.” The above is an extract from Keep On Moving: The Windrush Legacy by Tony Sewell (published by Voice Enterprises)

6 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26 2019

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WAY WE WERE: John Richards by the bunks in the Clapham shelter; below, the arrivals settle in – John is on the far right

Many Windrush arrivals spent weeks in a Clapham air-raid shelter before finding a place to live. Now the tunnel has been opened up again to the public By Glen Munro

“T

HE WINDRUSH Generation probably expected something different when they arrived at what was described as the Motherland, but they were clearly very resilient.” Communities Minister Lord Bourne was speaking after a recent visit to the former Clapham South air-raid shelter, where Caribbean migrants were offered short-term accommodation on their arrival to the UK in 1948. LEADING Lord Bourne, who is playing a leading role in this year’s Windrush celebrations, added: “Visiting England must have been an extraordinary experience for the people from the Caribbean. “By visiting this site, their descendants will be reminded how their parents and grandparents helped to build-up England after the Second World War and will be extremely proud of their part in England’s history.” Lord Bourne’s visit was organised by the Hidden London tour, which is run by the London Transport Museum. Hidden London aims to shine a spotlight on unusual and little-known stories surrounding some of London’s underground stations. The lack of housing after the

Second World War meant that accommodation for British citizens from the Caribbean was in short supply. When authorities became aware that more than 200 migrants had nowhere to stay, Clapham South was used as a short-term base for them until they could find homes. Within four weeks of arriving, all the Windrush migrants had moved out of the site. One of those resilient travellers on board the Empire Windrush that the minister referred to is 92-year-old John Richards, who arrived in England from Jamaica.

white sheets. They had a tea cart at the station… pie in the evening.” Approximately 236 Caribbean economic migrants spent up to four weeks living in the subterranean tunnels because of the acute housing shortage after the Second World War. Chris Nix, assistant director of collections and engagement at London Transport Museum, stressed that it was normal for underground shelters to be used for accommodation in post-war Britain. After the air-raid shelter in Clapham South was opened in July 1944, it was mainly used

“Their descendants will be extremely proud of their part in England’s history” The former British Rail worker was invited to tour the former bunker in Clapham, where he lived for three weeks before finding alternative accommodation. As Richards made his descent down the spiralling flight of stairs to the former bombshelter, he recalled the quaint noises and sights encountered, while living in the mile of subterranean passages. He told The Voice: “The train that ran overhead in the morning woke me up. There were beds all around with crisp

for travellers seeking one night of shelter. Speaking to The Voice, Nix said: “What distinguished the Windrush travellers was that some spent up to a month in the tunnels, while they sought employment and found accommodation, often in areas close to the shelter, such as in Brixton.” According to Nix, it was common procedure for travellers to be directed to the Clapham South shelters when arriving at Tilbury Docks, even before Windrush arrivals from the Caribbean in 1948. Written records reveal that Corporal Baron Baker, a former RAF policeman who had lived in Britain after the war, frequently organised temporary accommodation for the newcomers from the Caribbean. Not all the temporary residents at the subterranean shelter were as complimentary as Richards was about their “first homes” in the UK. Alongside one tunnel is a quote from a former Jamaican

resident George Brown. Located above a picture of suited men queuing for work at an underground labour exchange, it reads: “During the week of the shelter… I had lost one stone in weight and had very little sleep.” SHELTER For many of the Windrush arrivals, daily life in the Clapham South shelter was basic, cramped and noisy. In the windowless underworld, residents slept in bunk beds as Tube trains rattled overhead. Despite its primitive surroundings, the shelter continued to be used as accommodation by new arrivals to Britain from all over the world, until the coronation of the Queen, on June 2, 1953. After eight air-raid shelters across the capital were sold by the Government to London Transport, the Clapham South shelter was used as an archive

and from summer 2015 for historic tours. According to Lord Bourne, the shelters are well worth a visit for anyone who wants to know more about what life was like for the new arrivals during their early days in Britain. EXPERIENCE He said: “I would recommend that anyone visit these tunnels. It is part of our national life and part of the experience of the Windrush Generation. This is the sort of experience we should be promoting as part of the annual Windrush celebrations. I feel very privileged to

be at this location and I hope ther people can see the tunnels and understand what life was like here.” A forthcoming book, Hidden London, will focus on the stations included in the Hidden London tour. A section of the book will focus on the post Second World War years, with an emphasis on the Windrush Generation. Nix, commenting on Hidden London, said: “The book gets under the skin of the fascinating stations in London like Clapham, which have stories to tell, and discusses how they might be best used in the future.”

PEEK INTO THE PAST: Left, Windrush arrivals eating together; Lord Bourne at the exhibition; Chris Nix and John Richards look at pictures (photos: TopFoto and London Transport Museum)

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

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GET YOUR CLAIMS IN ADVICE: Martin Forde QC is encouraging people to pursue compensation regardless of whether they believed their experiences were addressed in the guidance

Adviser on Windrush Compensation Scheme urges victims not to be put off by ‘misleading’ media reports By Alannah Francis

HE INDEPENDENT adviser to the government on the Windrush Compensation Scheme has urged victims to submit their claims and not to be put off by ‘misleading’ reports in the media. Martin Forde QC, who worked with the Home Office on the design of the scheme, told The Voice it was “not as appalling” as the scheme was being made out to be. One particular area that initially provoked the ire of critics was the £10,000 compensation for deportation. Forde stressed that would not be the entire amount an individual would receive because they would also be eligible to claim compensation for lost earnings, the impact on their life and more. Explaining the scheme, Forde said: “If when you were deported you were earning £15,000 a year net and you

can’t get back for five years, you get £75,000 loss of earnings as well as your £10,000. If you were on benefits, you will get the equivalent of your benefits back.” He added that there are further avenues for those not in work or receipt of benefits to be recompensed. “If you were unemployed and you were not in receipt of benefits, you still have the impact on your family life, which is uncapped,” he said. Forde encouraged people to pursue compensation regardless of whether they believed their experiences were addressed in the guidance. The scheme explicitly covers 13 categories of claims but the Home Office can use its discretion to address an individual’s suffering if it falls outside of these. Forde said: “The reason there’s a discretion to pay

“If you were on benefits, you will get the equivalent of your benefits back”

things outside of those identifiable heads of loss is because... I said to the Home Office, we’re bound to have missed something.” NEGATIVE The negative press coverage of the scheme was having a detrimental impact on those who it has been designed to help, according to Forde. Of the victims, he said: “They’re not expecting to be properly compensated. “They say, ‘Martin, what have the government ever done for us? They’re not going to be fair to us, we’re not going to bother’ and I’m going, please claim.” In addition to those who

were directly affected by the Home Office’s errors, children and grandchildren of those affected can also submit claims. If a Windrush scandal victim is deceased, their estate can make a claim, as can close family members of eligible claimants where there has been a significant impact on their life – financial or otherwise. People in the UK or overseas are entitled to claim and can receive compensation for financial losses in relation to employment, immigration fees, housing, health, education, banking and driving licences. They can also be awarded money for the impact on their life and health, for detention and removal.

While Forde stands by the scheme, he is also aware of its limitations. “Compensation is never enough I don’t think, ever. It’s a very crude way of just trying to put a monetary value on people’s suffering,” he said. CONCERNS Aware of concerns over the involvement of Citizens Advice – many victims initially sought help from them when they encountered issues over their British citizenship and did not receive the help they needed – Forde has encouraged community groups to help. “I think people will find it much easier to go and talk to another black face who is

part of a Caribbean community,” Forde said. He discouraged claimants from seeking assistance from no win no fee lawyers who can take excessive cuts and appealed to black lawyers to mobilise and offer their services pro bono. The Home Office is holding a number of events around the country to raise awareness. A full list can be found on the Windrush Compensation section of gov.uk. To find out more about the Windrush compensation scheme and how to make a claim visit gov.uk/guidance/ windrush-compensationscheme

‘Time for a celebration but let’s not forget those still suffering’ THE UK is preparing to celebrate the first official national Windrush Day on Saturday, June 22. An extensive programme of events focused on honouring the Windrush Generation and educating people about their contributions to society have been planned by individuals, community groups and councils across the country. Activities, many of which are free, range from film screenings to heritage exhibitions and food festivals. Catherine Ross, founder and director of Museumand, told The Voice that she hoped to see the country uniting and encouraged people to fall in love with their community once again. “It should be a massive coming together of people,” she said. Museumand has three major activities organised and will be setting

CELEBRATION: Women outside last year’s thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey marking 70 years since the arrival of the Empire Windrush up displays in Sheffield, Nottingham and Brighton. Celebrations on the day will culminate with a massive party. On Saturday, it will also launch Windrush Street, an online exhibition profiling the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Aware of the controversy around Windrush Day, a result of the ongoing fallout of the Home Office’s im-

migration scandal, Ross sees it as an opportunity to push back against the negativity that has surrounded the issue. She said: “They should counter all this negative press, all this rubbish about we should be sent back because we haven’t got papers. “What about the massive contribution we’ve made? This day for

me, from now on and for eternity, for everyone, should be stating what we’ve done, showing all the positives and when there are negatives, drumming up people we can lobby. So let’s have a party but let’s also make sure in the next 12 months there will be an improvement in the things that are not going right.” SOMBRE Like Ross, those campaigning for justice for the Windrush Generation, including Operation Black Vote and Lawyers 4 Justice, are also conscious of the more sombre themes that the day represents. For Zita Holbourne, co-founder of BARAC UK, celebrations on Windrush Day are secondary. Holbourne told The Voice it is crucial the community uses the event to send a message to the government

and urged people to demonstrate first and then celebrate. She said: “Of course the contribution of Caribbean people to all aspects of British society and life should be acknowledged and marked but, for me personally and many others [that I] work with campaigning against the hostile environment including Windrush injustice, it feels rather insulting to truly celebrate when so many people of the Windrush Generation plus their multi-generational families are experiencing injustice, pain, misery, stress and racism and have not been compensated for the injustice they have experienced.” Nationwide protests have been organised as part of Windrush Day of Action. In London, protesters will gather outside Downing Street and march to Westminster Bridge for a banner drop.

8 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

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OUR LASTING LEGACY Many members of the Windrush Generation faced discrimination when they tried to find places to live. But the determination of one couple to overcome barriers and find their own opportunities has had a lasting impact on later generations of their family, writes Yana Johnson

AM THE product of Windrush Generation parents whose hard work and willingness to seize opportunities has transpired into a legacy that has spanned three generations of our family. My mother, Cynthia Daley, was sent to England to pursue a better life at the age of 14. She left St Ann’s, Jamaica, and came to England in 1967, alone and without the comfort of her parents, or a chaperone. Arriving in the UK and seeing the fog of an industrial Birmingham, feeling the cold weather and seeing the smoke bellowing out of chimneys for the first time, she recalls: “I thought that the houses were on fire.” CHIMNEYS Cynthia joined her mother Mavis, who like many other parents, had gone ahead of their children to establish a base in the UK. Not long after, I was born in September 1969 and my sister Angela followed in September 1970. Soon, the whole family, including my dad Keith, also from St Ann’s, moved to an 11th floor flat in a 13-storey tower block in Balsall Heath. Times were hard for my parents raising two young girls in that block of flats. They often needed to use the stairs when the lift broke down. You can imagine how tough it was struggling up 11 flights of stairs with groceries, children and pushchairs because someone had put a lit cigarette in the disposal chute causing a fire and making the lift out of order. Years earlier my mum had met a man known as Mr Lee. He had pioneered a selfbuild scheme for the local African Caribbean educational charity ACAFESS in response to discrimination in the housing market and the struggle many black families faced in finding suitable housing. However, she had forgotten to tell my dad, Keith about it. When she eventually did it was not long before they and others signed up to the scheme

and began building on the land ACAFESS had acquired. The 13 men who signed up pooled together and formed a labour force that completed the building project with a collective of efforts, skillsets and a unified mindset. All 13 houses took about three years to build, an amazing achievement for these families. The homes are still standing but survived by only four

“My parents’ legacy gave me the confidence to grow my creative instincts” of the original family members today. With a sense of accomplishment, the families moved into their houses – no more broken lifts, no more feeling stuck in a flat and gardens for the children to grow up. News of the great work that ACAFESS was doing in the community spread far and led to a visit from Prince Charles in 1986. Growing up in this community had a huge impact on me and my generation. We were raised by aunts and uncles who were tradesmen, hairdressers, cake makers, seamstresses and construction workers. I remember thinking ‘Everyone’s family dynamics were the same as mine’, as I ran through our soon-to-be new home and played with my dad’s tools or helped him maintain the garden. My sister and I had access to a wide set of skills through our aunts and uncles without realising one day how valuable such a skillset would be. On my 13th birthday I was

given a sewing machine. My aunty Bess from London taught me to sew when I visited her in the summer holidays. I loved creating things, and would follow her lead, just like I did with dad. I thought everyone had access to creativity. I would sell my designs as we were not always allowed outside. On hearing Benjamin Zephaniah and Linton Kwesi Johnson for the first time, I understood how rhythm worked with words and I began writing songs and poems. POETRY I won a poetry contest and later joined Ebony Arts theatre group in Small Heath, Birmingham. This inspired me to start songwriting. I was later signed to Warner Chappell publishing. I wrote two songs on the In Return album with Shola Ama that won a Brit Award. My parents’ legacy gave me a lot of confidence and a great platform to grow and trust my creative instincts. I never understood their struggles but rather benefitted from them. I think that’s what legacy does. It creates a platform for the next generation. In 2001, after moving to London to study BSc Environmental Science, at Greenwich University, I pioneered the UK’s first black-owned cosmetics company, Yana London, and also launched millenial online.com for which I was awarded an MBE for services to cosmetics in 2009, 23 years after Prince Charles visited the ACAFESS building scheme. In 2011, I received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University of Roehampton. It has been wonderful to hand down the legacy of my parents to my daughter Gabriela, aged, 20 and nephew Makai, aged 16, who both have their own businesses, Gabriela with ela-london.com and Makai with @makai_ streetwear. The Windrush legacy is that we were invited to the UK to create impact and make a change – and we are doing just that.

BIG DAY: Clockwise from main, Yana’s sister Angela, mum Cynthia, Yana and daughter Gabriela after receiving her MBE; Yana with the awards she has won; Yana as a young girl with her parents; Prince Charles is given a tour of the ACAFESS premises (photo: Mick Turner); and Gabriela

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10 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

NORTHERN NEWS

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by Abigail Reid

THE BIG MATCH: Left to right, Wesley Johnrose, Lancashire Football Association Advisory Inclusion Group; Tom Drake, Preston North End Community and Education Trust; and Ashley Gibson. Lancashire Constabulary

ADRIAN’S BIG PRESTON GOAL Murrell hoping North End football fixture will help raise the Windrush Initiatives profile and unite the city

HE CITY of Preston may not be renowned for its diversity. But it does, in fact, have the largest BME group in Lancashire and prides itself on its multicultural roots. It was the place where Adrian Murrell, who co-founded Windrush Initiatives, spent the first years of his life. At the age of 11, however, he returned from Montserrat — where his family had moved to for a couple of years — and faced the harsh reality of overt racism which made growing up as a teenager in Preston pretty tough. Determined not to have his life mapped out by the limitations that professionals such as teachers and career advisors placed on him, Murrell’s goal was always to carve out a career working within the community; making life a better place for people of African and Caribbean descent. How poignant then that for the first-ever day of recognition for Windrush pioneers and the Caribbean diaspora, Preston will kick-off celebrations with a football match that aims to unite the city. “Growing up in Preston, I witnessed many of my peers and older migrants making a significant impact in the Preston community,” said Murrell. “They did this through sport, education and employment, and I felt immensely proud of their achievements and how

MAKING AN IMPACT: Windrush Initiatives co-founder Adrian Murrell

they overcome racism and discrimination as a black person arriving in Britain. This event creates an opportunity for the younger generation to understand what the elders had to endure and what they achieved and gives them the opportunity to meet some of our heroes.” HEROES Joining forces with Preston North End Community and Education Trust and Lancashire Constabulary, the management team at Windrush Initiatives have worked hard to ensure that the commemorative match between Windrush United and Preston United (made up of staff at Preston North End Community and Education Trust staff and former Preston North End player Graeme Atkinson) will be a momentous mark for the occasion

and bring everyone together. The match takes place on June 22 at Preston Cricket Club, and there will also be entertainment on the day from father and daughter duo, Geno and Hayley Eccles, who auditioned for The Voice; Andy Quick Draw and Not So Famous DJs. The free event also ties in well with the objectives of Preston North End Community and Education Trust. The charity is the community department of Preston North End Football Club and, in addition to encouraging diversity at their football matches, it also works in partnership with local communities to improve their lives and environment. The trust’s assistant head of community, Ashley Gibson, said: “It was evident that Adrian was as passionate

as me about breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone can benefit from Preston North End and the activities we deliver. “We are working tirelessly to build a reputation and trust so people from any background attend our activities and matches. We work in a very diverse community and we need to ensure our programmes are inclusive, regardless of someone’s age, gender, race or ethnicity. Unfortunately, we still live in a world where discrimination is happening in football and day to day life.

numerous projects, including an exhibition at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston and the annual Windrush Festival. “I would like the Caribbean and Preston Community to work together to honour the legacy of our forefathers and collectively acknowledge the Windrush day, which we were the first to establish, and celebrate the traditions and culture of the African Caribbean community,” added Murrell. “Windrush Initiatives is embarking on a long-term strategy that aims to empow-

“Football is a powerful tool that can bring people together from different communities” “But football is a powerful tool that can bring people together from different communities and we thought what better idea than to organise a football match between the two organisations to solidify what is a blossoming relationship.” Now in its seventh year, Windrush Initiatives was established to become the heart of a diverse, multi-heritage community and has delivered

Do you have a story for the Northern News page? If so, contact Abigail Reid on 07958 542 777 or email info@abigailreidwriter.com

er, educate and train members of the African Caribbean Diaspora. We want the younger generation to acknowledge that all they achieve was because of the struggle and perseverance of our forefathers.” Wesley Johnrose, an invaluable member of the Windrush Initiatives management team, is also making an impact as a member of the Lancashire Football Association Advisory Inclusion Group. Wesley’s uncle is former English professional football player, Leonard Johnrose, who played for several clubs including Burnley, Bury and Swan-

sea City. Despite living with motor neurone disease, Leonard has been managing the team, making this game quite an emotional one for all. And Wesley has high hopes for the community he loves, and aims to ensure the African Caribbean population of Preston continues to be recognised for the contributions they make. “Whilst Preston has always had a reputation for holding such events, Windrush Initiatives has taken it to the next level,” said Wesley. “We have been able to maintain our extremely high standards but we’ve also managed to submerge entertainment with culture and education, despite not receiving much financial support. “We want to continue to provide events whereby our community members who have an eye for music, education, sport and business have the experience to progress.” In true community spirit, Preston North End have sponsored the kit for Windrush United, a team of men from the African Caribbean community. “Windrush do some excellent work across the community. By providing them with the kit we have empowered them to get involved in football and lead healthier and more active lifestyles which links in with our aims and objectives and this will hopefully leave a lasting legacy between the two organisations,” concluded Murrell.

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019 THE VOICE | 11

by Veron Graham

@thevoicenews

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MIDLANDS FOCUS

REMEMBERING OUR HISTORY Community groups line up series of events paying tribute to a brave generation whose legacy will never be forgotten

HILE THE word ‘Windrush’ has become synonymous with the outrageous status scandal over the past year, a series of community events have been planned in Birmingham by a diverse collective of groups that will seek to put the focus back on the impact of the moment in history it was originally named after. One such event will take place in Birmingham on the 71st anniversary of the SS Empire Windrush’s arrival at Tilbury Dock, in Essex. The ship carried 498 Caribbean migrants, and marked the beginning of a generation of people arriving from countries that were colonised within the by-now ailing British Empire. Their arrival in this country helped rebuild ‘the Mother Country,’ which was itself on its knees after the damage it suffered during World War Two. The event – The Windrush Public Services Day – will be held at Holford Drive Community Sports Hub at 101 Holford Drive, Perry Barr, Birmingham, on Saturday June 22, 2019, be-

tween 10am and 4.30pm. The day is among a series of events that have been organised in conjunction with members of the local communities — the Windrush Celebration Weekend will conclude with a concert and service on Monday June 24. Marcia Francis, of the Windrush Consortium organising group, said: “As part of this week we, as public servants, along with the forces – the Army, Navy, RAF – the NHS, ambulance and fire services, and the police to name a few (others are coming on board daily including the buses, miners) to remember the legacy of the SS Windrush and the contributions made to public services across the United Kingdom. Those that sailed aboard SS Windrush helped to build the UK to what it is today. “This is an excellent opportunity for all public services to speak to veterans and elders who have been part of, or are descendants of the Windrush Generation, and celebrate with the community of Birmingham diversity and inclusion at its highest with information from

“This is an excellent opportunity for all public services to speak to veterans”

LEGACY: The Windrush Generation arrive; top right, comedian Devon Morgan, and, right, singer Winston Reddy will perform all of the public services on possible career options along with real-time knowledge and experience.” The anniversary weekend will kick off on Friday night with the Windrush Elders’ Cruise Night, billed as ‘a night of good Caribbean food and entertainment’, at The Hudson Hall, Pannel Croft Village, Newtown, Birmingham, between 6-11pm. Comedian Devon Morgan and vocalist Winston Reddy will be the stars of the show at The Windrush Annual Dinner & Ball at Villa Park, on June 22, from 6pm til late – another in the series of events planned by the Windrush 1948 Central. The Assemblies of the First

Born Church, on Lozells Road, Birmingham, will continue the celebrations with its Annual Service, which will feature a performance from its 70-member choir, on Sunday June 23. Across the city on the same day at Soho House, Soho Avenue, the Windrush Garden Party will bring the anniversary weekend celebrations to a rousing conclusion. Taking place between 12pm and 9pm, this family friendly event will offer a range of activities to educate, inform and enjoy including the ‘Here to Stay Exhibition’, poetry, black heritage walking tour, food, music and the opportunity to meet some of our Windrush Generation. “This event is a glimmer of

sunshine arriving later this month,” said Dawn Carr of the Windrush Steering Committee. “In addition, there will be an opportunity to see a showing of an award-winning independent film Fire in Babylon, which will feature candid interviews with players from the West Indies cricket teams from the 1970s and 80s.” The planning of the Windrush celebrations have seen a range of community, voluntary and statutory organisations and groups pool their resources to improve the quality and variety of the events on offer. For example, the Windrush Steering Group is a network of partners in Birmingham, which includes South West Birmingham Health Trust, University

of Birmingham, Ladywood Arts Forum, Recognize Black Heritage & Culture, Black Heritage Walks Network and Legacy WM. The Garden Party, which is also being supported by NHS Sandwell & West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, will also feature the Black Heritage Walks Network, which organises walks to uncover little-known venues within Birmingham and the UK that are of black historical significance. For more on the Windrush Garden Party, contact Garry Stewart via Garry @recognizeonline.com For more event details, visit www.windrush1948central.uk

Fight goes on for victims of scandal WHILE THE celebrations proceed, the furore kicked up by the Windrush scandal remains and is being countered by activism across the Midlands. Organisations such as Birmingham-based Windrush Movement (UK) and The Pilgrim Church in Nottingham, led by Reverends Desmond Jaddoo and Clive Foster respectively, are hosting surgeries and conferences to hear the views of the concerned, supporting their applications and relay-

ing their findings to statutory bodies, including the Home Office. The next Windrush Movement’s Compensation Conference will take place on Thursday June 27 at Coventry Council House, Earl Street, between 6-9pm. PROMISES Rev Dr Jaddoo said: “It is essential that the Windrush scandal and arising matters are not just swept under the carpet and the promises made by the Government must be

delivered and they must be held to account. The historic nature of this scandal has been exposed and we all must play our part to ensure that this is never repeated.” Rev Foster added: “There still needs to be more engagement with affected communities and going forward we would like to see more support from the Home Office for grassroots organisations to help people access the compensation scheme.” The Windrush Compensation Scheme is uncapped. Ap-

plications can be made by or on behalf of those who meet the qualifying conditions and have been impacted financially or emotionally. Claims can be made by the children and grandchildren of those impacted, by an estate if they have passed away and from overseas. Enquiries can be made to the Windrush Movement (U.K) by email to thewmuk@yahoo.com and thepilgrim_church@yahoo. co.uk

ADVICE: Rev Clive Foster of Nottingham’s Pilgrim Church addressing a meeting on the Windrush Compensation scheme

Got a story for West Midlands News? Contact Veron Graham on 07954 572 988 (call or text), email veronpgraham@gmail.com or direct message @verongrahamUK on Twitter.

12 | THE VOICE

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

VIEW FROM

Dotun Adebayo

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WHAT IS WINDRUSH? We would all do better to remember the spirit and sacrifices of intrepid ancestors

CELEBRATING THE PIONEERS WHO CHANGED BRITAIN AS THE UK prepares to mark the first annual Windrush Day and celebrate the generation who helped shaped Britain, a series of events will take place up and down the country to pay homage to those who set sail on the Empire Windrush. The Windrush Generation fought for and supported Britain in wartime, and then went on to help rebuild the country and turn it into the prosperous multicultural nation it is today. They are the story of modern Britain, and learning about their contribution is a vital part of our shared history and heritage. The Windrush Generation’s legacy lives on in their children and grandchildren and the communities they have built. Those enterprising young people from the Caribbean who stepped off the Empire Windrush on June 22, 1948 are part of a historic movement of people that has demonstrated resilience and faith in building a future for themselves, their communities and this country. As well as celebrating the day itself, we should look forward to keeping this rich Windrush legacy alive for years to come. THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE VOICE

HAT HAS the expulsion of a contestant from Love Island under dishonourable circumstances got to do with the heroic exodus and endeavours of the socalled Windrush Generation?, I hear you ask. Less puzzling is where Windrush sits in the Tory leadership race to see who succeeds Theresa May as prime minister. Or how Chuka Umunna flipped and flopped his way out of any hope of becoming Britain’s first black incumbent at Number 10. But let us take these issues one by one. It seems that the grandchildren of Windrush are forgetting the sacrifices of their ancestors in coming to this country to take advantage of some of the opportunities it afforded them post-war. We know from our parents and our grandparents that they didn’t come here to settle. We know from their very own words that they were com-

ing here to make something of themselves and earn a little change so that they could return to their native countries and try a ting back home. ENTERPRISING We know that. Those from West Africa came here to get an education (at least, that’s what they told their parents, who mainly funded their European expedition) and those from the Caribbean were mainly looking for work in the Motherland and clocked on at the old Coldharbour Lane dole office in Brixton the day after they arrived on the Windrush. We know that. It is documented fact, as you can read in Peter Fryer’s amazing book Staying Power (which is still the definitive bible of the Windrush Generation). But we also know that their enterprising spirit and their longing for home made them strong in the face of the adversity they were to meet on an almost daily basis in England.

SACRIFICES: Perhaps a stronger connection to the Windrush Generation could have made Chuka Umunna”our Obama”

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019 THE VOICE | 13

With that and God on their side, they had nothing to fear but fear itself, as Nelson Mandela would have put it. Or so they must have thought. On reflection, their biggest fear should have been for their children and their children’s children who, over the course of time, would lose that connection with Windrush. WEAKER That connection had been enabling and enriching and enduring throughout the ‘50s and the ‘60s and the ‘70s. It is a truism that the further and further we have come from Windrush the weaker we have become as a people here in Britain. Just like that resilient generation of Englishmen and women of the wartime that Her Majesty the Queen spoke of on the 75th anniversary of the DDay landings the other week, the Windrush Generation are our resilient generation. When they got licked down they picked themselves up, dusted themselves down and got on with it – triumphantly. When they couldn’t rent homes (“no blacks, no Irish, no dogs”), they built their own houses. When they were discriminated against in the workplace,

they built their own businesses. And when they were rejected from Catholic and Anglican worship, they built their own churches, even if it was in the living room. Have we forgotten that? Just like the children of that wartime generation, we – the

the stage as “our Obama”. It was on the night of Barack Obama’s first presidential victory in the United States. We genuinely believed that Britain was ready for a mixedrace boy from south London (via Nigeria) to be its leader. What we didn’t really con-

“The further we have come from Windrush the weaker we have become as people” children of Windrush – are comparative snowflakes. We think we are hard but we’re not. We think we’re cleverer than those 491 men and one woman who left their paradise islands in the sun for the grim snow and grey-tinted misery of Britain. But we’re not. We think we’ve got it made, like we’re in heaven when we are living in hell. And some of us even sing “Britons never, never, never shall be slaves”. And where’s the Windrush spirit with Chuka Umunna? I remember when Sir Simon Woolley introduced him onto

sider was that Chuka was as far away from Windrush as is Boris Johnson, and that the historical, cultural and spiritual connection to the Windrush experience was simply absent – and that Chuka was fundamentally weaker than Obama as a result of it. Crucially Obama found ‘his Windrush’ after being lost in the wilderness of youth where he flapped around without roots calling himself “Barry” and perhaps hoping O’Bama sounded more Irish than Kenyan. Thankfully for him, Michelle came into his life and became the prism through which he

connected with the history of African-American struggle – civil rights, etc – their Windrush equivalent. Umunna, on the other hand, has become a laughing stock in the media, having represented three different parties in as many months and taking the good people of Streatham (who sent him to parliament as a Labour MP) for joke. I’ve been down to Streatham recently, and I tell you this: they cannot wait for a general election. WINNERS As for that fool from Love Island, what can I say? Apparently he was kicked off the programme for breaking the rules. One of the papers hinted that he had been kicked off the programme for spending long periods in the shower on his own... I wonder if he can even spell W-I-N-D-R-U-S-H? As he returns to the obscurity from whence he came, please ensure that your children know that it’s got a ‘D’ in it. D for determination. And for those who don’t know: The ‘W’ is for Winners – the Wonderful Winners who paved the Way. The ‘I’ is for Inspirational

Dotun Adebayo presents Up All Night on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings (1am-5am) and the overnight programme on BBC Radio London Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings (1am-4am). He also presents the black-interest debate programme Dotun On Sunday on BBC Radio London on Sunday evenings (8pm-10pm).

– how they Inspired and continue to Inspire us. The ‘N’ is for the No that they refused to accept in “no coloureds/no blacks” signs. The ‘D’, like I say, is for Determination to succeed. The ‘R’ is for their Resilience in the face of adversity and the Responsibility that they felt towards their family, the community and mankind in a better world that they had the vision for, at a time when Britain was not interested in their vision. The ‘U’ is for Unity – which brought with them from the

Caribbean and elsewhere and which held them together like a bond for the rest of their lives. The ‘S’ is for their Solidarity, their Success, their Selflessness and their Sacrifices. And the ‘H’ is for the Hope in their eyes when they saw land after weeks at sea. The Hope that this land represented a better opportunity and the Hope that one day their children and their children’s children will benefit from their sacrifices. That is what Windrush means to me.

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JUNE 20 - 26, 2019 THE VOICE | 13

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14 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

MADE BY HISTORY

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‘WINDRUSH GENERATION’S STORIES MATTER TO US’ BIG DAY OUT: The group of budding writers outside Number 10; right, overall winner Judah Hibbert reads his poem with the help of his mum Sorraine and teacher Renee Clarke

Hundreds of pupils took part in Made By History, The Voice’s annual writing competition. The theme was the Windrush Generation’s contribution to the UK. Here are some of the winning entries... By Vic Motune

AST YEAR, the Windrush Generation hit the headlines after it emerged that hundreds of Caribbean migrants who were British citizens and had arrived in the UK before 1973 had been wrongly detained, denied access to healthcare and legal rights, and threatened with deportation. In approximately 63 cases, Windrush Generation members were wrongly deported from the UK by the Home Office. The issue was the focus of this year’s Made By History, The Voice’s successful annual writing competition for primary and secondary school students. Entrants to this year’s competition, the theme of which was ‘Celebrating the Windrush Generation’, had to complete one of three options: 1. Create their own poem about Windrush. 2. Interview a member of the Windrush Generation and report on this. 3. Give their own personal view on what they believe members

of the Windrush Generation have contributed to UK society. More than 360 young people, their parents and teachers gathered at London’s City Hall for a special reception, where the winners in each category were presented with their prizes and all entrants were presented with a certificate of participation. RECEPTION The pupils were welcomed by City Hall’s community engagement manager Jeanette Bain Burnett, celebrity chef and Reggae Reggae Sauce founder Levi Roots, The Voice’s director Paulette Simpson, and chief representative officer for Jamaica National Bank UK Leon Hamilton. Following the reception, the young writers were invited to a special reception at Downing Street hosted by Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Nero Ughwujabo, who was also one of the guests of honour at the City Hall event. Here, we publish some of the winning essays...

Windrush Generation By Alfie Regan, winner in the 13- to 14-year-old category At the time of 1939, The English were running out of time, When WW2 broke out in the country in Poland. Hitler was after all the land, To snatch it out of everyone’s hand. At the dawn of 1945, Only a few of the English were still alive. There were not enough men to repair the town, All the remaining soldiers were lying in their gown. All of them in their hospital beds, Crimson blood gushing from their heads. At the time of 1948, It was getting a bit too late. They were in a bit too much debt, They did not want this to be kept. The Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks, 492 Caribbean passengers all work-

ing for our country, and in return got shelter, keys and lock. They helped rebuild our little world over a period of time, For the first few years, it was all getting on fine. But when the job was complete, People treated them as if they were obsolete. They stopped arriving in the UK in 1971. This is because all their work was done. They were labelled the Windrush Generation, They were and will always be a part of the nation, Their numbers may be starting to become a ration. Despite living and working in the UK for decades, They were given the ace of spades, Time was running out for our formidable comrades. Due to lack of official paperwork, They were all forced out of work. They were told they were living here

illegally, This was until quite recently. Prime Minister Theresa May has apologised to Caribbean Leaders over deportation threats made to the children, of Commonwealth citizens in the UK, But it was still not OK. Some injustice was given out to the Windrush Generation, Dealt across the nation. This story could not be unwritten, This is part of history in Great Britain. It is important in every reality. Every thought, dream and possibility. The Windrush Generation is here to stay. Back in their home of the UK. This isn’t just their home, It’s their palace where they’re free to roam, In this world of hate and decreation, There are some people that have hearts of co-operation, They bring together the people of this nation, Who are these kind hearted people? They’re in the Windrush Generation

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019 THE VOICE | 15

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Windrush Scandal By Judah Omari Hibbert I look at the pic of ‘Pops’ and him bredrin, Pops, Neville, Dennis and uncle Shem. Handsome and distinguished, Jackets, top hats and ties, dem looking real dapper, for real, dem looking real fly. So once again, as I do every year, I ask Pops to tell me bout how him come over here. ‘Tell me the story of Windrush, Pops, ‘Tell me bout arriving at Tilbury docks.’ Pops picks me up and I sit on his lap, This time he takes off his ‘Jamaica nice’ cap. ‘This year the story kind different,’ he say. ‘It involve Amber Rudd and Theresa May.

The Windrush Generation ‘Saved’ Britain By Lara Torkar Festenstein, joint winner in the 11- to 12-year-old category In 1948 the British Government welcomed people from the Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago) to come to England. They arrived on a ship called The Windrush. On this ship were 492 passengers. These people were employed in many jobs to help rebuild the UK after the war. It is not very clear how many people belonged to the generation, because many of those later arrived as children travelling on their parents’ passports and never applied for travel documents – there are thought to be thousands! There are now about half a million people thought to be descended from the Windrush Generation in the UK. A model of the Windrush ship was constructed for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

How the Windrush Generation ‘Saved’ Britain By Sara Abu-Sala, winner in the 10-year-old category In 1948, Britain was struggling as they were recovering from World War II. Thousands of buildings and homes were destroyed and Britain clearly needed help. A lot of Caribbean people had served in the British armed forces, because at the time, many Caribbean countries were still under British rule. After the war, some of these people answered an advert to come to Britain to apply for different jobs in the UK. They got on a ship called the Empire Windrush, which arrived at the Tilbury Docks in Essex, with 492 Caribbean passengers. This was

The Windrush immigrants contributed not only their hard work in the newly formed National Health Service, construction industry and public transport (buses, underground trains) but also enriched our culture with music (calypso and reggae), poetry (Benjamin Zaphaniah) and food. The Windrush Generation first arrived at a time where many of the cities in in the UK had to be rebuilt. They provided a vital workforce to undertake this task, often working in low-paid jobs. Their culture is celebrated every year in London at the Notting Hill Carnival, which now attracts many people from thoughout the UK and beyond. Shockingly, recently there was a scandal when the Home Office (which controls immigration) threatened to send people from this generation back to the Caribbean as they didn’t have proof of the right to stay in the UK. There was a public outcry, where hundreds of thousands of people signed petitions demanding that they should stay, which led to the Government saying that these people should be treated sensitively as they are an important part of our culture.

on June 22 1948. The Windrush Generation have contributed to the UK society tremendously and have made a positive change in the United Kingdom. They sacrificed their homeland to make a better living in Britain, but were unfortunately treated very badly. They had bad living arrangements and poor food quality, but remained positive and continued to work hard. They were mistreated and sometimes not given opportunities in jobs and schools to advance in their position. What amazing role models they are! They did not give up but continued to fight for their right and achieve amazing careers. Some of the Windrush Generation came to the UK to continue and enhance their study. They went to schools and colleges, even though they were bullied because of the colour of their skin. This didn’t stop them. We now have many people

‘It’s a British political scandal,’ he begins to explain, Bout people who come here but them wrongly detained, He say, ‘some been denied legal rights and get threat with deportation, But many is British-born subjects of the Windrush Generation’. He say he very sad and disgruntled, He say he can’t understand why, Some good West Indies people help build up this country, And now they wanna run dem out like fly. He mention Paulette Wilson, aged 61, A former kitchen worker, in the House of Commons, Threatened with removal to JA, Since she can’t prove she have stay. He show Anthony Bryan, his image in The Guardian, Was in detention for five weeks and his car removed by bailiffs.

from the Windrush Generation in professional jobs. Imagine the NHS without the Windrush Generation. I think it will be hell! The Windrush Generation are nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, porters, admins, cleaners and others. We are so lucky to have free healthcare in England and I think it is because of the amazing contribution of the Windrush Generation. They withstood many challenges, but continued to make an invaluable contribution to building a healthier nation. Isn’t it amazing that the first black Mayor of Southwark was from the Windrush Generation? He was called Sam King. He also helped to create the Notting Hill Carnival to try and improve race relations, which is now held every year. It does not just end there about Sam King. I could go on about him, but he is one out of thousands that have contributed

to the development of today’s Britain. Just imagine all the hard work and challenges they had faced. We currently have the luxuries of the British Rail service. We should not forget the Windrush Generation played a big part in this, with limited tools and pure hard work. They worked in all different areas of Britain: health care, railway service, post office, cafes, schools, clubs, shops, music and more. They tackled racism and bullying to gain equality, which has now given Britain a multicultural identity. Britain wouldn’t be able to flourish without the people that lived and worked from the Windrush Generation, and I thank them for all their hard work and providing us, the new generation, with excellent services and amazing job opportunities. Thanks to the Windrush Generation, we have a brighter future.

MADE BY HISTORY He incurred a whole heap a debt, since dem tell him he can’t work Pops is vex when he tell me, this come like a JOKE! So I say, ‘What happened to the Immigration Act of 1971? It’s supposed to help migrants from the Caribbean.’ Pops says ’yes’, and then he say, ‘Well, you know the Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May? ‘Before she was leader of the country ‘She worked in Home Office, as Home Secretary. ‘Is she introduce an Immigration Bill, ‘And so Amber Rudd was doing her will, ‘The Bill they say make the “environment hostile”, ‘And now it’s affecting every Windrush child.’ I feel so upset as I feel Pops’ pain. And I wonder, what if the Home Office selects Pops’ name? Will they send you back home, Pops? Will they come for you next? Pops laughs and says, ‘na worry yu self man, ‘Everything well secure, ‘Amber Rudd, she resign, ‘She couldn’t take the pressure no more.’ He say, ‘David Lammy, give dem a piece a him mind, ‘He fix them business good this time!’ Mr Lammy called the treatment ‘cruel and inhumane’. He called it ‘a day of national shame’. So this year, Pops tells me, ‘the Windrush story get a new profile’. He say, ‘this year dem a guh know how many still a suffer and bawl, ‘This year, the story is not just how we travelled the sea and all, ‘Coz this year the Windrush bring a big scandal!’

Windrush: Moving to Britain By Valerie Ameyjaw, joint winner in the 11- 12-yearold category Past I moved here only 11 I was, in hope for a better life, I was told Britain was home to freedom. Yet I came to meet threats, discrimination and separation. I came here by ‘Empire Windrush’, Travelled a thousand and so miles. What a joy it was, 22nd June 1948. It was when I set foot in Britain, Tilbury Docks in Essex, I recall. Days, weeks searching

for jobs At last did I find one, As what you’d call a cleaner. Sooner was I stopped at work from using the same toilet. The story of my sister Rosa was just nerve-racking. Same month did I hear my niece was prevented from going to a mixed school. Only five did she cry, for she loved to learn with a mix of children. Present Now I am 81 with three children and four grandchildren. Today is a different separation and racism is rare, and everywhere is open to any race. I am very glad this world developed.

16 | THE VOICE JUNE 13 - 19, 2019

CLASSIFIED

JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE VOICE | 17

Windrush:

Looking Back, Moving Forward From 22 June to 14 September 2019 Black Cultural Archives presents Windrush: Looking back, Moving Forward, a series of events that explore the concept of belonging and raises questions about Britishness, citizenship and identity. Our dedicated exhibition focuses on key legislation from the 1940s, 1980s and 2010s and how their existence has impacted on the lives ‘Windrush Generation’ forever. We demonstrate how successive Governments have used legislation to define who is, or is not British - often along the lines of race. We are also hosting a series of panel discussions, events, activities and displays Black Cultural Archives Windrush Square that will allow you to hear the untold stories of the ‘Windrush Generation’ 1firsthand, Brixton, SW2 1EF experience the power of their legacy and discover the impact that this important piece of living history has on all Britons. www.bcaheritage.org.uk

Visit blackculturalarchives.org/windrush for more details. Windrush Square, Brixton, SW2 1EF

@bcaheritage facebook.com/bcaheritage instagram.com/bcaheritage Registered charity no.1051087 @Nigel Davies Photography

18 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

FILM

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BIG SCREEN HOMAGE TO ULRIC CROSS

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INSPIRED: Film director FrancesAnne Solomon quickly realised Ulric Cross’s life was a story worth telling

Film honouring WWII gains wide acclaim By Vic Motune

ILMS INCLUDING Red Tails and Wings For This Man have popularised the exploits of the Tuskegee Airmen, the African American pilots who fought in the Second World War. These films have captured the imagination of millions of people around the world. But relatively less is known about the heroism of the hundreds of Royal Air Force (RAF) crew recruited from the Caribbean to fight for Britain during the same war. Overcoming the legacy of the official British colour bar in the armed forces, they not only served as pilots but also as navigators, flight engineers and air gunners. Among these pioneers was a young man from Trinidad called Ulric Cross. With the outbreak of the conflict, Cross made the decision to leave his home on the island, where he worked on the railways, to train as a navigator with the RAF. Cross rose through the ranks to become an officer and was selected to join the elite Pathfinder Force, a group of personnel responsible for marking targets prior to bombing raids. He emerged from the war as the RAF’s most decorated Caribbean pilot, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order. Now a new film sheds

A LIFE REMEMBERED: From left, Nickolai Salcedo stars as Ulric Cross in Hero: Inspired By The Life and Times of Mr Ulric Cross; Commonwealth RAF pilots – Cross is third from right in the front row; Cross, right, with Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere

light on Cross’ heroism and war service. Hero: Inspired by the Extraordinary Life and Times of Mr Ulric Cross not only tells his inspiring story but helps reveal the contribution made by Caribbean armed forces personnel to Britain’s efforts to defeat Hitler and the role they played in helping members of the newly arrived Windrush Generation to get a foothold in this country. DISTINGUISHED However, the film doesn’t just focus on Cross’ distinguished RAF record. His life and work after the war spanned key moments in 20thCentury history. In the 1950s and ‘60s, Cross was one of a generation of Caribbean professionals who worked to support African leaders liberate their countries from colonialism. He was a key ally of people like Kwame Nkrumah, the first prime minister and president of Ghana and Pan Africanist journalist and author George Padmore who were passionate about creating a united Africa. After leaving the RAF, Cross trained as a barrister. He would go on to work in Ghana, arriving there one month after it gained independence he eventually became a judge. Continuing his journey on the continent, he became an Attorney General in Cameroon and a High Court judge in Tanzania. Filmed across the UK,

Trinidad, Ghana and Canada, Hero features a host of celebrated black British actors, including Joseph Marcell of Fresh Prince of Bel Air fame, who plays the role of writer CLR James; Fraser James, of Terminator Salvation, who plays George Padmore; and British-Nigerian actor Jimmy Akingbola, of BBC’s Holby City, who plays Nkrumah. After the film premiered in Trinidad, Cross’ birthplace, it met with international acclaim. And it was recently shown in London to rave reviews. However for the film’s director Frances-Anne Solomon it wasn’t a story she was interested in at first. “I was recruited onto the project by my mother” she explains. “A friend of hers called her the night before he died and told her he wanted to get a film made about Ulric Cross. “Ulric was a friend of our family and my mother took his request very seriously. She raised money to make the film and I, as the film maker in the family, came on board to help her get it done. “Originally, I knew Ulric was highly decorated in the RAF and I knew very vaguely that he had spent some time in Africa. But, to be honest, it wasn’t a story that would have grabbed me initially until I began to research his life. “I interviewed him and this narrative emerged of these Caribbean professionals who were recruited by people like George

Padmore to go to Africa to help with the emerging independence movements. I just found it incredibly compelling for a number of reasons. COMPELLING “I am myself a child of independence. My grandfather was one of the architects of independence in Trinidad and Tobago. “There was also this idea that we in the Caribbean who have been taken from Africa in chains would return hundreds of years later to help liberate the continent. “But ultimately Ulric’s story is one of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Anybody can identify with Ulric’s journey. He threw himself into some extraordinary situations and was always putting himself where the action was and taking the right decision.” Making Hero turned into an eight-year labour of love.

But for Solomon the effort has been worth it, especially as the film is achieving one of her aims which was to highlight Cross’ story to a younger generation of people who may have been unaware of him. Critics have suggested one of the reasons for the acclaim the film has received is because it resonates with current debates about the treatment of the Windrush Generation. “The Windrush Generation’s story is very moving to me because they suffered so much,” adds Solomon. “The weight of colonialism was really pressed on them. When you look at Ulric’s story, his mother died, he had to drop out of school. He made great sacrifices to fight for Britain in the war. He left the RAF a hero and yet was unable to get a job as a lawyer. That whole generation of Caribbeans who served in the war as British citizens were then kicked in the

face and thrown to the kerb by Britain. Despite this Ulric made a success of his life. I found it very inspiring that he turned bitterness into triumph, into a great life by just getting out and going to where there were opportunities for him to grow and give and serve and have a fulfilled life even though there were obstacles.” MOVED She continues: “I was moved by [MP] David Lammy’s speech when he stood up in parliament last year and said that despite slavery and despite colonialism, 25,000 Caribbeans served in the First and Second World Wars, and this is what they get in return. I found those words incredibly powerful. We came with so much goodwill, so much to give, so much optimism and loyalty, despite slavery and colonialism, and we were still treated terribly. We are amazing people.”

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JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE VOICE | 19

PRESENTS

Born with a Dream. Destined for Freedom. A Builder of Nations.

THE WORLD TOUR

Inspired By The Extraordinary Life & Times Of Mr. Ulric Cross

LONDON WINDRUSH SCREENINGS Picture House Ritzy Brixton, June 22 Picture House West Norwood, June 23 Picture House Stratford, June 24 Peckham Plex, June 27 Rio Dalston, June 28 Picture House Hackney, June 30

20 | THE VOICE

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

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SPREADING THE WORD TO YOUNG AUDIENCES Publishers of children’s books and games are increasingly taking an interest in the Windrush Generation. Rosemary Laryea takes a look at some recent successful books while, right, Patrick Vernon tells The Voice about reactions to his innovative board game about Windrush

UNE 22 MARKS the inaugural Windrush Day, which will celebrate the pioneering Windrush Generation. Various events are taking place across the country, as Britain recognises the important contribution of those who travelled from the Caribbean to Britain in June 1948 to help it rebuild after the Second World War. It promises to be a joyous day of intergenerational educational celebrations aimed at keeping the Windrush legacy alive for future generations.

But while the event is important for this reason, there is a growing recognition of the need for all-ages educational products aimed at young people to help them understand the significance of the Windrush Generation and the role they played in helping create the multicultural, diverse Britain that we know today. Although considered an important event in modern British history, there have been, surprisingly, very few children’s books written about the Windrush Generation. It’s a need that book publish-

ers are responding to. Among the recent successful books about the Windrush Generation aimed at children is Kandace Chimbiri’s The Story of the Windrush, inset below left. PIONEERING Chimbiri, a noted author of black history books for children, combines historical fact with voices from the Windrush Generation. The book tells the inspiring story of the pioneering migrants in an age-appropriate and positive way. And the story is told through

the life of Sam King, the first black mayor of Southwark, south east London, who was on the Empire Windrush 71 years ago. “It’s important for children to see that their heritage is valuable enough to be in a hardback book,” says Chimbiri. “It shows that their history is important. This reinforces that the community is important and worthwhile. Children need to feel worthwhile both as individuals and as part of a wider community to fully develop themselves. RESPECT “Some young people don’t know about the experiences of their parents and grandparents coming to this country. “Many African and African-Caribbean parents and grand-parents find it hard to talk about their experiences with the younger generation. The Story of the Windrush can help because books like this take away the pressure. “You can discuss your family’s experience indirectly through the stories in the book. It helps to explain things in a calm yet honest and open way. That helps our children to understand and respect their family and community more and ultimately themselves.” War to Windrush, by film and social historian Stephen Bourne, is another book about the Windrush Generation that has proved popular with young readers.

Bourne explores our country’s diverse history from the Second World War to the arrival of the Empire Windrush and beyond, told through the experiences of black British women. Alongside key figures such as wartime heroes Lilian Bader, Nadia Cattouse and Norma Best, and pioneers in the arts and media Una Marson and

The Voice in 1984, says: “War to Windrush will inspire young readers – a much-needed book in today’s political climate.” Meanwhile, Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff’s Mother Country: Real Stories of the Windrush Children, inset left, reminds us that for the Windrush Generation, Britain was “the Mother Country”. They made the long journey

“Books like this take away the pressure... you can discuss your experiences indirectly” Winifred Atwell, War to Windrush pays homage to the unsung heroines who were integral to the post-war effort. It acknowledges those ordinary black women who contributed significantly to rebuilding post-war Britain and creating a home for later generations, through their everyday lives. Through strong imagery and evocative prose, including many rare and previously unpublished photographs from Bourne’s private collection, War to Windrush retraces the history of the black women whose role in helping build the multicultural Britain we know today remains somewhat unacknowledged. Bourne, who started his writing career contributing to

across the ocean, expecting to find a place where they would be welcomed with open arms; a land in which they would be free to build a new life, eight thousand miles from home. This book explores the reality of their experiences, and those of their children and grandchildren, through 22 unique real-life stories. Contributors to the book include David Lammy and Lenny Henry. The lack of diversity in books published for children has been evident for a number of years. But hopefully that situation is changing. And as social media has the attention of our children, I will be using #Windrushbooksforyoungreaders in my posts this Windrush Day.

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

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THE VOICE | 21

ENTERTAINMENT INTERGENERATIONAL EDUCATION: Clockwise, from main, Kandace Chimbiri uses historical facts in her book about Windrush that has been written for children; the author Stephen Bourne’s book War to Windrush tells of key black female figures in British history; which includes Una Marson, the first black woman employed by the BBC; MP David Lammy contributed to a book about Windrush children

Learning about history is child’s play with this game By Patrick Vernon AS WE approach the first national Windrush Day on June 22, it is an opportunity to reflect on the contribution and legacy of the Windrush Generation. We now need a national narrative of intergenerational learning and recognition of migration as part of our DNA. That’s why I developed an exciting storytelling board game, Every Generation Game: Windrush Edition, to help young people, families and communities share their heritage, history, identity and culture through the telling of stories. The beginnings I have had a long-standing interest in researching my own family history from Wolverhampton, Jamaica and Senegal using historical records and DNA testing. I have also spent much time as a mentor to young people in Brent and Hackney. I realised that the young people, mainly boys, that I supported were disconnected from learning, their families and the wider the issue of identity and belonging. This encouraged me to share and promote family history and intergenerational dialogue for the African and Caribbean community and in 2002 I established my website Every Generation to help me

spread the message. I then began to run workshops to engage the community around family history and reminiscing. I worked in partnership with the National Archives, local museums and community organisations in promoting awareness of family history and over the past 17 years I have delivered more than 200 public events, plus various articles and blogs. In the background I also had a passion for collecting ephemera – especially picture postcards covering different parts of the world from the 1870s to modern times and I’ve built a large personal collection of cards. Developing the game All of these things simmered away until I realised that a board game would be a great way to get young people and families around a table talking to each other and my card collection could provide the visual prompts they need to begin a story. I didn’t really know how to develop a ‘proper’ board game and spent lots of time tinkering with paper, scissors and glue. I then did some basic prototype work with Universal Board Games in Hackney. Then, by happy accident, I met Melvin Bell and Andy Yeoman of Focus Games Ltd at an NHS conference and I discovered that they have developed more than 60 educational board games since 2004. I described my ideas for the game to them and they happily agreed to

LEARNING AND UNDERSTANDING: Storytelling is at the game’s heart work with me to develop and commercialise a new version of the game. After two years of redesigning, formulating and testing, Every Generation Game: Windrush Edition was launched in time for the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush. It is now almost a year since that and while it’s still early days, the feedback we’ve had from celebrities, members of the public, schoolteachers, museums and heritage organisations has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive. I hope the game will contribute to greater learning and understanding for everyone as a fun and engaging look at our shared family history – past, present and future. How does the game work? The Windrush Game is a fun and in-

spiring activity for events celebrating Windrush Day, or a games night at home with family and friends. Picture and timeline cards detailing key moments in recent British history are used to spark storytelling, with players sharing stories of their own experiences, or using their imagination to create exciting stories inspired by the people and events depicted. Players are encouraged to add their own photos to the game, to spark stories about their own family members, friends and experiences. Where is the game being used? The game can be used as educational resource for schools, youth clubs and in care homes as an educational resource to inspire creativity, learning and research around the historical facts provided on the timelines.

Photos and timelines can also be used as stimuli for creative writing tasks after playing the game. But we always intended for the game to be used by lots of different people in a variety of situations and not just for young people or family get-togethers, such as: • Team-building and social networking: The game enables people who do not know each other well to learn a little more about one another. By listening to the experiences of others, it offers a non-invasive way to talk about your own memories and learn about other people’s. • Older people in care settings: The photos and structure of the game give an opportunity for older people to reminisce and recall memories. You can introduce personal photos into the game and develop personal timelines as part of a reminiscing experience. • People with mental health problems or learning disabilities: Social care staff can play this game with service users as a social activity and an opportunity to get to know each other. It could also be played by groups of service users, facilitated by staff. As we approach the first national Windrush Day, I hope the game will contribute to greater learning and understanding for everyone as a fun and engaging way to share our history. To learn more about the game, visit windrushgame.co.uk, or follow the game on Twitter @TheWindrushGame.

22| THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

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A LIFE FULL OF SPIRIT

CELEBRATED: Guests at an event at Lambeth Town Hall paid tribute to Allan Wilmot’s (seated) achievements. Also in the picture are Arthur Torrington (left), the co-founder of the Windrush Foundation and (right) Lambeth councillor Sonia Winifred; (below) the specially made cake presented to Wilmot during the event

As Allan Wilmot’s 94th birthday approaches, Alannah Francis looks back at his incredible achievements and contributions to the UK

E MAY NOT have arrived in the UK from Jamaica on the Windrush, instead coming over on a different ship and at an earlier time. But Allan Charles Wilmot embodies all the attributes assigned to the Windrush Generation. His life is an example of the power of resilience, achievement against the odds and the extraordinary contributions people from the Caribbean have made to this country. Born in 1925 to Charles Augustus and Alice Matilda, Allan, the youngest of five, left Kingston, Jamaica to join the Royal Navy during the Second World War, aged 16-and-a-half. He served on a patrol ship and later volunteered to join the Royal Air Force, where he

was a member of the air sea rescue unit and one of very few black personnel. Allan was often subjected to racism and discrimination from those who underestimated his abilities and questioned how he was able to gain acceptance into the RAF because of his race. UNDETERRED He remained undeterred by the negative responses to his achievements and said focusing on his goals, regardless of the obstacles he faced, helped him get through. “It’s just the thought, I must achieve what I’m doing. Just never give up,” he said. “Just say, well look I’m going to get this object and you have things coming your way and don’t give up.” Like many people that

came from the Caribbean to fight for and rebuild Britain, Allan’s love for the country was not matched by how he was treated. “Before the war started, people here didn’t know about the West Indies. You say you’re from Jamaica, West Indies, and they say, ‘What part of Africa is that?’” he added. “I got quite a few shocks when I came to this country, because in the West Indies you feel, well, England is your home, England is the mother country and everybody knows about you, but nobody knew about us.” Allan, who turns 94 this year, returned to Jamaica after being demobbed, a fate served to thousands of other service personnel from the Caribbean, but came back to England to gain work in 1947.

Shortly after his active armed forces career came to an end, he entered the entertainment industry. He was a member of vocal group The Southlanders, whose career launched with the record Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine). The group is well-known for

their song I Am A Mole And I Live In A Hole. The quartet’s successful career saw them tour the UK and Europe and collaborate with the likes of Shirley Bassey, David Frost, Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele. Continued on page 37

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JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE VOICE | 23

ADVERTORIAL

Gloria Mills, National Secretary Equalities UNISON

ne year on from the Windrush Scandal, UNISON, the public services union, continues its campaign for Justice for the Windrush Generation. The Union has launched its membership awareness raising work to ensure that it’s members caught up in the fiasco can obtain the settled status to which they are entitled. UNISON has played a prominent role in calling for full compensation and redress for the Windrush Generation and have submitted evidence to the government’s consultations on the Windrush Compensation Scheme and the lessons learned from this scandal. On this 71st Anniversary to celebrate the Windrush Generation contribution, the Union is calling for

an end to the UK’s Government hostile environment policy on immigration and is challenging the racism of immigration legislation and it’s impact on the descendents of the Windrush Generation. The Union is campaigning for fair treatment that respects the dignity and humanity of people from immigrant and migrant backgrounds. In 2018, UNISON was proud to celebrate the contributions of the Windrush generation’s 70th Anniversary of long, hard working and dedicated service to rebuilding post-war Britain. Many were and are members of UNISON, working in the public services and the newly created NHS, also celebrating its 70th Anniversary. We thanked them for their magnificent work and we celebrated their legacy in enriching British Society. We are outraged by the Government’s callous and shameful mistreatment of them. They deserve better.

UNISON joined the campaign to protect the Windrush generation, with Dave Prentis, General Secretary condemning the “Kafkaesque immigration system that demands impossible evidence from those who rightly consider themselves to be British citizens.” UNISON will be campaigning for justice for the Windrush generation, defending their right to be treated with dignity and respect, protecting their British status, full compensation and restoration of their rights both individually and collectively and will provide support to members facing deportation or immigration issues. We are also pleased that UNISON member, Michael Braithwaite had the courage and strength to speak out, challenging this injustice and turned to his branch and union, UNISON for support. Together we are stronger.

Any UNISON members who are affected by the Government’s immigration policy, including retired members, can contact the union for assistance at: Policy@unison.co.uk.

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Kafkaesque immigration system that demands impossible evidence from those who rightly consider themselves to be British citizens

24 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

FAMILY

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THE LIVES THEY LIVED After losing both of her parents, Susan Pitter found a way to use the elements of a funeral to not only celebrate their lives, but all of those from the Windrush Generation who came to Leeds By Vic Motune

ARIBBEAN FUNERALS have always been about celebrating a person’s life. Whether it’s at the wake or the funeral service, family and friends gather to reminisce about the one who has passed on, share stories and enjoy traditional food and drink. But when Leedsbased PR professional Susan Pitter’s parents passed away, followed by one of her father’s best friends, an idea was sparked to not just celebrate their lives but those of a generation of Jamaican migrants who had made the city their home after arriving in the UK in 1948. “I lost my mum in 1995 and I lost my dad in 2017. So that’s twice our family have had to pull together information for eulogies and organise funerals,” recalls Pitter, inset above. “And it hit me recently when we had to put together the hymns and photographs for my dad’s funeral order of service, and speaking to people who grew up with him, that this was his lifetime in a booklet. “Almost exactly a year after

we buried my dad, one of his best friends died. And again I was looking through the order of service at his funeral and his eulogy and the amazing pictures that they took when they arrived here in this country, when they were young and full of hope and dreams and prospects. “And it struck me that there is so much that my generation and those who are younger find out about first-generation Jamaicans, our parents and grandparents, on the day of their funeral or during that period of bereavement and grief. “So I figured that if one funeral programme with its eulogies, its order of service and photographs tells the life story of one person then a collection will tell the story of a generation.”

ROUNDED VIEW: Eulogy contributors, from left, Elizabeth Johnson, Alford Gardner and Yvonne English (photo: Joanna Crawford); below left, Daniel ‘Sunny Man’ Bloomfield who came to Leeds from Jamaica in 1954 (photo: Gerald Donne Photography) the tune of £81,900. Pitter began by launching an appeal to the local community for photographs and funeral programmes of Windrush Generation members who had passed away. Typically, the funeral pro-

dience. The people who have the stories, who have kept the funeral orders of service, are – in the main – first generation. “So we had to rethink our strategy and communications and start to write letters, because not all of the people we

DEVELOP Pitter then set about exploring how she could develop a project that would capture the lives of the city’s Windrush Generation and the contribution they had made to society. She contacted close friend and colleague Dawn Cameron, who is also of Jamaican heritage and with whom she had worked with on previous arts and cultural projects. After partnering with Jamaica Society Leeds, they developed the Eulogy Project, which aims to celebrate the lives, heritage and contributions of those who made the journey from the Caribbean island and who have since passed away. They approached the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which decided to fund the project to

“If a funeral programme tells one life story, a collection tells a generation’s story” grammes include printed and read eulogies, and photos taken shortly after arrival to send home to family back in Jamaica. Like most West Indians new to Leeds, Jamaicans used Gerald Donne Photography on Chapeltown Road. Together, the photos and eulogy tell rich life stories and often reveal new details – even to family members who have known them all their lives. Pitter says: “What we set out to do was have a number of collection events. “We started to engage with the churches and with the membership of the Jamaica Society as well. I’m from a public relations and communications background and I’m used to being available 24/7 through e-mail, social media and so on. “And we quickly realised that this approach wasn’t going to work for this target au-

were trying to reach were digitally engaged or used e-mail or a smartphone. “This was wonderful and it really worked, because we had great turn-outs at these collection events where people brought along items that were precious to them. “I feel humbled to be part of the project. “We have 70 funeral programmes at the moment. “Included in the funeral programmes were the original photos of parents, grandparents, friends, and spouses, who came over between the 1940s and the 1960s and some of those photos are absolutely glorious and they really capture a moment in time.” The content that has been collected will be showcased at the Eulogy Exhibition from August 1 to September 1 at Room 700 in Leeds Central Library running alongside small-

er versions in community locations, as well as a Eulogy book, and online teaching resources at MyLearning.org. Volunteers will receive training in heritage and other skills and will help to launch a Jamaica Heritage Trail in the city’s permanent collections of Leeds Libraries. RESEARCH They will also help with the collection of photography and community interviews. Other parts of the Eulogy Project include a series of workshops by writer Colin Grant who will work with participants to help them research and write a life story and a programme called Sing A Sankey, which will explore the traditions and customs around Jamaican funerals from the Nine-Night and the wake. Another part of the Eulogy Project will explore the music around bereavement. It will feature a gospel choir and attendees will be invited to sing along to the traditional choruses that are sung. Partnering with The Jamaican High Commission in London, BBC Yorkshire and Radio Leeds, Leeds City Council’s Libraries and Museums and Galleries Departments and West Yorkshire Archive Services, the series of workshops and events that form the Eulogy project, running until early next year. Pitter says that one of the most important aspects of the project is to present what she

feels is a more rounded view of the Windrush Generation than mainstream media coverage has allowed. “What’s really important for me personally is how we see this Caribbean generation given the current media narrative. “We tend to see them as kind of one-dimensional, often portrayed as only victims of the Windrush scandal or of them having come here and given so much, which is absolutely true. “However, what is missing is showing them as multi-layered, multi-textured, ordinary people. ASPIRATIONS “They were young Caribbean people in love, going to work, raising their children, going about their daily business, working towards their dreams and aspirations.” “Eulogy will not be mournful. “It will be a touching, uplifting tribute to a generation, which includes my own parents, who left everything and everyone 5,000 miles behind to answer Britain’s call to its Commonwealth citizens. “What’s great about the project is that it crosses generations, tells stories that anyone can relate to and reflects not only the DNA of the Jamaican community, but of the city too, and I am honoured to help protect and share their inspirational stories.”

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

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SERIOUS SIDE BENEATH THE CELEBRATIONS June 22 will see a number of events honour the men and women from the Caribbean who changed Britain. But, says Arthur Torrington, the day should not just be about the good times

O M M E M O R AT I N G ‘Windrush Day’ on June 22 is not new. The individual who come up with the idea was the late Sam B King MBE, a Jamaican-born Second World War RAF serviceman, a Post Office manager and the first black mayor of Southwark. He led a 40th anniversary event hosted by Lambeth Council on June 22, 1988. A ‘Windrush Plaque’ is even on a wall at Lambeth Town Hall marking the occasion. In July 1995, he called me and invited me to help organise the 50th anniversary commemorative events for 1998. REUNITE Among the 50th anniversary highlights was a reception hosted by Prince Charles at St James’s Palace. Sam had drawn up a long list of his Caribbean colleagues who travelled on the Empire Windrush and he would post Christmas cards to them every year. Those who were still alive in 1998 were invited to St James’s Palace. Dozens turned up to reunite; most had not seen each other for 50 years. Commemorative events have been held annually since 1998, but last year the government made Windrush Day on June 22 an official date in the British calendar, with funding of £500,000 each year. The event acknowledges the Caribbean men and women who arrived on June 22, 1948, and those who settled after. However, it should be noted plenty of servicemen and women settled in Britain between the Second World War’s end and the summer of 1948. We know that those earlier pioneers even helped some who arrived in 1948 to find places to live in cities and towns. There were 236 other passengers who had made no provision for their accommodation and stayed in Clapham South Deep Level Shelter, Lambeth, south London, over the following four weeks. After the arrival of the Empire Windrush, other ships in the 1950s brought hundreds of

thousands of Caribbean settlers to the UK. Most passengers in the 1960s and 1970s travelled by aeroplane. Since its inception, the organisation I started with Sam King, the Windrush Foundation, has had the main objective of helping Caribbean youth better understand and be proud of their parents’ and grandparents’ rich heritage. The Empire Windrush sailed with more than 1,000 British subjects who were from di-

“The focus of Windrush Day will only be fun and entertaining” verse backgrounds: AfricanCaribbean, Indo-Caribbean, Sino-Caribbean, and so on. They and others who arrived in the 1950s and 1960s were among the first settlers to help rebuild post-war Britain. The UK was more multicultural and prosperous because of them. The so-called ‘Windrush scandal’ in 2018 highlighted the experiences of thousands of Caribbean people to whom Home Office officials had denied UK citizenship rights, resulting in serious injustices to individuals and families. They are children of the early Windrush Generation, considered to not have produced evidence to verify their claim of having a right to remain in the UK. The government has said it is committed to making the ‘wrongs right’ and ensuring that all those adversely affected receive justice and compensation. There will be many events over the next month that will commemorate their arrival on June 22 but it is already apparent that their focus is on fun and entertainment. This should be so, but more than £500,000 will have been spent on events that may not

educate the public about the contributions that the Windrush Generation have made. This period from the 1948 to the late 1970s saw many major changes in the UK, in particular laws that limited, to some extent, racial and other forms of discrimination. We stand on the shoulders of that generation who laid the foundation for us today. Windrush Day signifies the experiences of a people who left the Caribbean in 1948 with high hopes because the region offered little or no prospects. Britain impoverished the colonies and the way out was to settle abroad. Also, many thousands were invited here by British institutions after the war. Windrush Day is a sober occasion, not one that commemorates the 1948 arrival with a carnival, cricket, street parties, dancing or dominoes. We must consider that about a third of Caribbean settlers could not find suitable accommodation, but had to sleep in an air-raid shelter at first. When they later found places in which to stay, it was a single or double room sharing with three or more people. Children were not readily allowed. Rooms-to-let notices often said: “No Irish, no coloureds, no dogs.” Overt racism was the order of the day and many Caribbean settlers were physical assaulted because of their ethnicity. The police didn’t always act in defence of the victims. This year is the 60th anniversary of Kelso Cochrane’s murder in Notting Hill, London; nobody has been brought to justice. Quite a number of Caribbean men and women have benefited from the foundation laid by their elders, but have those people who were victimised in the recent ‘Windrush scandal’ been given the compensation they urgently need? Windrush Day must be given the respect it deserves. Arthur Torrington is the cofounder (with Sam B King) of the Windrush Foundation and The Equiano Society.

THE VOICE | 25

CELEBRATION INFLUENTIAL: Sam B King MBE played a vital role in keeping the legacy of the Windrush Generation; below, Arthur Torrington says it should not be forgotten that many who came in 1948 struggled to adapt to life in a hostile Britain

A HOME FOR EVERYONE What Legacy, What Future Cllr Tony Newman, Leader of Croydon Council

support for local Croydon residents that had been affected by those policies. Before celebrating this year, we should recognise the long history of the Black presence in Britain.

lications include Harlem Shadows (1922), Home to Harlem (1928), Banjo (1929) and autobiography A Long Way from Home (1937).

In 1501, John Blanke, African trumpeter arrived with Katherine of Aragon and becomes trumpeter to King Henry VII & VIII.

In 1932-38 C.L.R James came to Britain from Trinidad. Reported on cricket matches for the Manchester Guardian and Glasgow Herald, chaired Finsbury Park Independent Labour Party, joined the Trotskyist Revolutionary Socialist League, wrote a play about Tousaint-L’Overture, a novel Minty Ally and Black Jacobins (1936) about the Haitian Revolution, World Revolution (1937), and attended the founding conference of Trotskyist Fourth International in 1938.

Cllr Patsy Cummings, Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources & BAME Champion for Croydon.

In 1765 Dido Elizabeth Belle (African Scots) was brought to England from the West Indies and placed in the care of Uncle William Murray and his wife Elizabeth.

roydon has almost the largest population of all London boroughs, approaching 400,000, and nearly 100,000 young people, a city in all but name. It has the third largest ethnically diverse population - just under 52% of Croydon’s population (all ages) are from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and over 100 languages are spoken across the borough. With such a diverse population, Croydon has a tradition of supporting and celebrating the different communities and is home to many from the Commonwealth and across the globe.

RAISING THE WINDRUSH FLAG

On what is now known as Windrush Day, last year on it’s 70th Anniversary, Croydon was proud to raise a Windrush Flag, the only local authority to do so, and in December 2018, along with other local authorities passed a motion in full Council to call on the government to bring an end to the ‘hostile environment’ policies, and pledged

In 1819 William Daggers (Scots-Jamaican) became a certificated lawyer in Liverpool specialising in corporations and the rights of leaseholders, becoming a senior lawyer/ Sergeant-at–Mace to the Lord Mayor of Liverpool. In 1825 the first performance by Ira Aldridge (African American) at Royal Coburg Theatre (later the Old Vic). In 1855-6 Mary Seacole (Jamaican) runs a British hotel offering nursing, accommodation and food for soldiers in the Crimean War. In 1875 Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was born in Holborn, brought up in Croydon and

studied at the Royal College of Music. After completing his degree, Taylor became a professional musician, soon appointed a professor at the Crystal Palace School of Music; conducted the orchestra at the Croydon Conservatoire, earning a reputation as a composer by 1896. There are two blue plaques in his memory, one in Dagnall Park, South Norwood, and the other in St Leonard’s Road, Croydon, at the house where he died. A metal figure in the likeness of ColeridgeTaylor has been installed in Charles Street, Croydon and the Samuel Coleridge Taylor Centre in South Norwood has been left by the composer for the youth of Croydon to express their creativity and to keep his legacy alive.

In 1943 Neil Flanigan, born in Jamaica, travelled to England to join the Royal Air Force after seeing an advertisement for more people to join the RAF in the Jamaican Gleaner. A few days later he was on a ship to England, and was part of the ground crew at Bomber Command. In acknowledgement of his achievements in service and in the community, Flanigan received an MBE. When asked about the importance

In 1900 African Association ran the Pan African Congress at Westminster Town Hall, attended by among others Bishop Alexander Walters (African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church – USA), Mrs Jane Rose Roberts (widow of first President of independent Liberia), John Archer (Bajan/ Irish Liverpuddlian), Ann J. Cooper (AfricanAmerican teacher), John E. Quinlan (St. Lucia), William Meyer (Trinidadian medical student at Edinburgh), Dr W. E. B. Du Bois (USA), George Christian (for Dominica), and Coleridge-Taylor - the Conference set up the Pan-African Association. In 1907 Alain Locke (USA) became the first black Rhodes Scholar in Oxford, becoming an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance. In 1913-14 John Archer becomes Mayor of Battersea with his Black Canadian wife as Mayoress In 1914-18 First World War British West Indies Regiment loses 185 killed or died of wounds and 12,071 from sickness, with 697 wounded; awarded 5 DSOs, 9 MCs, 2 MBEs, 8 DCMs, 37 MMs, and 49 mentions in dispatches. In 1919-21 Charles McKay (Jamaican) socialist writer, helped Sylvia Pankhurst in the East End on her paper The Dreadnought, and in the Workers’ Socialist Federation. His poems Spring in New Hampshire were published. He then went to USA and was a leading figure in Harlem Renaissance. Pub-

of spreading awareness of the Caribbean’s contribution in the war, he responded: “Young people in this country would not have known that so many West Indians and Africans served in the two wars if not for history projects like this hence we need to keep history going by teaching it more accurately.” In 1948 the Nationality Act grants UK citizenship to citizens of British colonies and former colonies, with the right to come to Britain and stay here for the rest of their lives.

ALL ISLANDS TOGETHER

Croydon acknowledges and recognises so many who gave the ultimate sacrifice, fighting for Britain in the World Wars and those who came in the later wave of migration in

IN CROYDON ADVERTORIAL - JUNE 2019

the 40s, 50s and 60s, who were asked to come to ‘the Mother Country’ to help rebuild Britain. With Croydon Council, All Islands Together lead by Cllr Patsy Cummings, Tony Fairweather of Fairweather Productions, Andrew

former RAF and ex-servicemen association; a Tedx talk by Councillor Patsy Cummings Windrush Past Present and Future featuring special guests, and the the new Fairfield Hall opening in September will house a Windrush Exhibition.

LEST WE FORGET

Brown CEO of the Croydon BME Forum and John Fisher who leads the award winning IDMC Gospel Choir, coordinated these events and opened Croydon’s Windrush Celebrations 2019 at the Croydon Museum with a Windrush exhibition including artefacts from the Croydon community and people from South London featuring a Caribbean Front Room, Blue-Spot Gram, Classic Bar and Glassfish.

The descendants from this generation have benefitted from their sacrifices but whilst these celebrations seek to honour our elders, many from the Windrush Generation are still being deported, have not received any financial recompense for the wrongs against them from the long awaited compensation scheme and the hardship fund which was supposed to give immediate relief for those effected is not fit for purpose. Windrush Action, the voice of people affected by the scandal who are members of the Windrush Generation supporting each other and campaign for justice, redress and to preserve the legacy, along with many other groups and organisations still fighting for justice. We must all continue to ensure this justice is achieved. Charities benefiting from funds raised from the events are ACLT, Lucy Rayner Foundation and Sickle Cell Thalassemia.

YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE WINDRUSH SCHOOLS COMPETITION

Schools in Croydon participated in a Windrush Schools Competition, learning about the contributions of people from the Commonwealth, and their amazing entries were rewarded at an awards ceremony in Croydon Town Hall.

PRESENTS

WINDRUSH CELEBRATION

Celebrations include a Dinner and Awards ceremony to honour the Croydon Windrush Generation and those from that era, a multi-faith Windrush Service at the Croydon Minster which is proud to have had the Church of England’s first Black Bishop, Bishop Wilfred Wood. Film nights; Living in London during the Windrush Era - Sapphire 1959 with a discussion with Dr Tony Sewell CBE and Fighting for King & Empire with producer and journalist Marc Wadsworth and Mr Neil Flanigan MBE

2019

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RELIGION

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CHURCH STILL GOING STRONG The Windrush Generation helped establish the black church as a bedrock of the community. But how is it responding to modern challenges, such as making church appeal to millennials? Marcia Dixon reports

THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE: Churchgoers in the 1960s; inset below, Bishop Jonathan Jackson

HEN CARIBBEAN people began emigrating to this country en masse from the 1950s onwards, noone could have envisaged that they would establish a black Pentecostal church movement with such widespread impact. Black-led churches served as a spiritual home for Caribbeans and provided comfort and support as they adapted to life in the UK. Now, they are part and parcel of the country’s religious landscape. The story of how black churches developed here is a familiar one. When the Windrush Generation arrived, many came from a religious background. Some attended traditional churches with predominantly white congregations, and were often told not to come back. Undaunted by the prejudice, black Christians started their own churches. Some migrants came here as Pentecostals, intent on sharing the gospel with fellow migrants and a wider community. “When the Windrush Generation started their churches they were answering the needs of their time,” says church leader, broadcaster and Ecumenist Bishop Joe Aldred. “I think there’s an assumption that what served them well are the values that will serve us well today. Not necessarily so. This generation needs to ask, ‘what are the needs of our generation and how can we meet them?’” Today’s ministers, greatly

influenced by those who founded the black Pentecostal church decades ago, have changed up their leadership style to serve the needs of present-day Christians. Pastor Peter Nembhard, inset below, is one of them. Saved while in prison over 30 years ago, Nembhard is a senior pastor at ARC (A Radical Church) in Forest Gate, east London. He oversees a fast-growing collective of ARC churches, with congregations based in Essex, London and Birmingham. Recently he welcomed more than 40 new members at a service, with most of them being millennials. Nembhard has good memories of growing up in Built On The Rock church in Bethnal Green, east London, which was part of Bibleway Church fellowship, founded by the late Bishop Leon White. He recalls: “When I got saved and started going to the church I thought the members were old. I was 18, but they were very engaged in the church. They’d invite you to their homes for dinner. It was like a community and it had a very strong Jamaican culture, in terms of the music. “When I came into the church the leader, Bishop McFarlane, and the elders gave me discipline, which was good for me as a young man, and they recognised my gifting.” Nembhard founded the ARC 20 years ago. But in the past three years, it has attracted hundreds of millennials. He has adopted some of the leadership style he experienced at his former church. “At the ARC we’ve created a nurturing atmosphere. When I grew up in church, people were told how to think and what to think. You weren’t encouraged to have an opinion. “I have found

with today’s young people, they have opinions. They think a lot, have access to information via Google, and ask a lot of questions. “Leaders of today’s church must be able to hear and listen to different opinions. [It] has to be more empowering and inspiring.” Meanwhile, Bishop Jonathan Jackson is a minister within the New Testament Church of God and leads The Rock in Birmingham, which attracts 350-500 people every Sunday, and is especially popular with youths. The son of a minister, Bishop Jackson was 26 when he started pastoring, and 33 when he became leader of The Rock. He has great admiration for the Windrush Generation. He says: “They were faithful to a fault with their families, their churches, their work. They had dignity and showed respect to themselves. And the most profound lesson I learnt from them is that they got on with things regardless.” FUTURE When Bishop Jackson became leader of The Rock in 2002, it had many Windrush Generation members. However, as the years passed by, and they began to pass on, he recognised the need to train up younger leaders. He says: “I operated on the principle that we needed younger pastors, because they think about the future – older pastors reflect on the past.” Jackson is a pastor who is proud of the heritage of his denomination, but also one not afraid of progress. “Modernity is not the enemy of the historical life of the church. There’s always been a modern drive within the church, and if you think about it as an enemy, you fail.” The Rock also runs a number of social projects including an after-school club, food bank and youth outreach scheme. Jackson explains: “We are aiming to fulfil our mandate, which is to be a multi-generational church, where whatever a person’s age or situation they come from, they are part of our church and are active.”

JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

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COMMUNITY

MEET THE ONES TO WATCH We take a look at the Windrush descendants changing the game in their respective fields By Leah Sinclair

HERE’S A saying I often come across on social media, and it goes: “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” There’s a lot of beauty in that statement and the idea of having the opportunity to live, succeed and go beyond what our ancestors could have even thought of . For many black Brits, particularly descendants of the Windrush Generation, this saying can hit particularly close to home. While the narrative has always suggested that later generations are often fragmented from their histories, we are seeing a seismic shift as more young people are engaging in intergenerational conversations and taking up the mantel for their elders. For many Windrush descendants, they are their grandparents’ wildest dreams, and they’re using their platforms to share their talents, passions and knowledge, while beaming with pride for where there family came from and what the future holds. Below, we’ve listed some of those descendants who are making moves in various industries, from law and theatre to education and fashion. Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff

Shakira Martin

As the president of the National Union of Students, Shakira Martin’s fiery nature and honest approach to education has been quite refreshing. Born to Jamaican parents, Martin has often used her platform to call out inequality and institutional racism within the educational sector and prides herself on saying it how it is. Watch out for this the motherof-two, as she continues to shake up the system with her unfiltered views. Lynette Linton

theatre. Her debut play Nine Night is a touching and funny exploration of the rituals of Caribbean families, as she displays her ability to create stories that speak to the Windrush Generation and their descendants thereafter. Gordon has discussed how her Caribbean upbringing inspired her work and this is evident throughout Nine Night – and we can’t wait to see more from her. Grace Wales Bonner

Born to a British mother and Jamaican father, Grace Wales Bonner uses her work to interrogate notions of race and culture through design. Her exceptional womenswear has been hailed by Vogue and even worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Yrsa Daley-Ward

While she is sometimes described as an “Instagram poet”, don’t let that definition distract

As the new artistic director of the Bush Theatre, Lynette Linton has already made history as the first black woman to hold the position. Linton uses her post to share stories of those from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as Passages: A Windrush Celebration – seven filmed monologues commissioned by the Royal Court and curated by Linton to mark seven decades since the arrival of the Empire Windrush. Jacqui McKenzie

As head of editorial for galdem, Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff has used her voice to highlight the injustices faced by the Windrush Generation, and tell the stories of black and brown girls through her writing. Her non-fiction book Mother Country, published last year, explored the Windrush Generation and featured contributions from David Lammy, Sharmaine Lovegrove, Hannah Lowe and Jamz Supernova to name a few.

This immigration lawyer has worked on a handful of Windrush cases and is the founder of the Organisation For Migration Advice & Research. McKenzie has consistently used her platform to assist Windrush scandal victims and serves as a diversity consultant and member of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review’s Independent Advisory Group. Natasha Gordon

Natasha Gordon is certainly one to watch in British

from the beauty of Yrsa DaleyWard’s writing. The West Indian and West African poet, writer and actor utilities social media like no other, and explores the beauty and hardships of the human experience. Check out her book The Terrible to get a glimpse of what Daley-Ward has to offer. Akala

The musician, author, educator and political activist continues to inspire many through his various talents and using his star power and influence to empower black Brits. From deconstructing race and class, to shedding light on the impact of slavery throughout the world, Akala’s knowledge knows no bounds.

MAKING AN IMPACT: Grace Wales Bonner, left, and Akala are among the Windrush descendants

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FEATURE

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WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THE BRIGHTEST OF FUTURES Lambeth plays a central role in the story of how the Windrush Generation changed Britain. Local councillor Sonia Winifred gives a personal perspective on why a new exhibition on the issue is so timely

N SEPTEMBER 1965, I arrived in England from St Lucia. I followed in the footsteps of my parents, other members of the Windrush Generation and those who came to the UK over hundreds of years from the Caribbean and across the globe. Although invited by the government, the experiences of black people arriving in the UK were mostly hostile: they faced racism on a daily basis in their search for housing and employment and were forced into jobs no one wanted to do.

BRINGING EVERYONE TOGETHER: Storytelling on the Cowley Estate in Brixton in 1972 (Picture: Lambeth Archives)

Last year, the tension of racism came to a head with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Windrush’s arrival coinciding with the national outcry over the ongoing horrific treatment of those members of the Windrush Generation who were denied their rights in the government’s ‘hostile environment policy’. As well as spearheading the Windrush celebrations, the Lambeth community played a key role in raising awareness of the shocking scandal and supporting residents affected. The Black Cultural Archives,

based at Windrush Square in Brixton, held surgeries to support those affected by Windrush immigration concerns. PRESSURE I have been working with residents affected for a number of years and had written to the Home Office and Jamaica High Commissioner in 2017 urging the government to take action. Councillors, MPs and community groups continue to pressure the government to ensure proper compensation for those affected and completely end its abhorrent practices.

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SOUNDS OF THE CARIBBEAN: A steel band marches through the streets during the Lambeth Festival of 1961

Black people in this country continue to face unacceptable barriers today. The National Race Disparity Audit found that black households are more likely to face poverty than other groups and black young people are failed by the education and criminal justice systems. Lambeth’s Equality Commission, designed to identify and tackle inequality in our borough, reported that black Caribbean children face disproportionate underachievement and school exclusions, which prompted interventions such as the Lambeth Schools Partnership’s ‘Raising the Game’ programme which has already supported hundreds of young people in our borough. COMMEMORATE It is important to commemorate, celebrate and fight for black communities in Lambeth and beyond. The exhibition Before and After Windrush: 350 years of Black People in Lambeth hosted in Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton continues to commemorate, educate and celebrate the historical contributions of the black community in the borough. The show will feature the work of photographer Harry Jacobs which provides an extraordinary visual record of the black community in Brixton between the 1950s and the 1990s. I am delighted to welcome

History through Harry’s lens THE FREE exhibition Before and After Windrush: 350 years of Black People in Lambeth is being held in Brixton to celebrate the presence of black communities in the borough over the past 350 years. Hosted at Lambeth Town Hall, the show will feature the work of photographer Harry Jacobs which provides an extraordinary visual record of the black community in Brixton between the 1950s and the 1990s. His distinctive studio portraits of families posed in front of an unchanging backdrop, right, were to be found in houses across South London and back in the Caribbean. More than 500 of his photos are included in the exhibition, in a reconstruction of the walls of images that used to cover all the wall spaces of his studio in Landor Road.

THE COOL LOOK: Three young men strike a classic pose in one of Harry Jacobs’ portrait pictures taken in 1982

back Harry Jacobs’ work to the town hall after the successful exhibition last year. Personally, looking at the photographs brings back memories of visiting family and friends in St Lucia some years ago and visiting one of my uncles and there, on the living room wall, was his wedding photo taken by Harry Jacobs. Despite the significance of the voyage of the Empire Windrush in 1948, black people have been living in Lambeth since the 1669. The second half of this exhibition explores the evidence for this earlier community which can be found in Lambeth Council’s historical archives. The content includes former slaves and servants who were being baptised in Lambeth

FEATURE

parish church in the 18th century, African princes and sons of chiefs who were being educated in Clapham and the mysterious, unnamed ‘Black Woman of Brixton Causeway’ who was struggling to bring up her child in Lambeth in the 1720s. The breadth of the exhibition reminds us of the vast history of black communities in Lambeth. Lambeth remains my home and that of many black communities. Windrush Square and the Black Cultural Archives are testament to their resilience and survival as we continue their journey through generations to come. Cllr Sonia Winifred is Lambeth Cabinet Member for Culture & Equalities

32 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

HISTORY

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‘I DIDN’T SEE THEM COMING’ Born in London’s East End in 1938, comedian and singer Kenny Lynch has a different view of life before and after the boats docked at Tilbury

By Joel Campbell

HE LACK of real-time anecdotal references on life as a black person in the UK can fog the wider perspective of where and when the black experience started. True, there are historical notes on black people being here since the Roman times but first-person recollections of the experience are few. Kenny Lynch, who was born in Stepney in 1938, has a surprising admission about the impact of the Windrush period, claiming he was unaware of the ship arriving until he was well into his 20s. “I didn’t see loads (of black people) until I was about 20,” Lynch told 1000londoners. com. “Then you’d notice that more immigrants were coming in and all that sort of thing. “I don’t ever remember anyone ever telling me about Windrush. So that’s why I’d

never heard of it. I didn’t know what Windrush was until I was asked to do this big show on it for the BBC at the Crystal Palace years afterwards. “I had to ask my sister what it was. I said ‘I’m doing a show for a thing called the Windrush, what is that?’. She said, ‘oh, it’s a boat they all came over on’. That was the first I’d ever heard about it and by that time I was probably about 26.” Sharing some of his earliest memories, Lynch said: “I was born in the East End of London in 1938. “I love it down there, I love the people, I still like it down there – the only trouble is, I don’t go down there too much now, because I get lost. The war started I think about 18 months after I was born. For kids, when you got to about

three or four, although there was bombs dropping all of the time, it was fun, you just thought, ‘oh look, there’s another house on fire’. “Obviously during the war, everybody is close together and all that, it’s only the day after the war stops that they start fighting again, like they do now.” Of CaribbeanIrish heritage, Lynch says he has fond memories of his father, who came here in the 1800s. “My father was here because he was in the Merchant Navy. My dad came over from Barbados in the late 1890s. A very nice man, he made me what I am. He was very gentle, never had a row with me, he never hit me, and I loved him. “My mum’s from an Irish background. My family was 11 kids, I was the last one of the and in fact now I am the

only one left out of all of them, they’re all brown bread now. “It was a very fun family, no rows or anything, there was obviously kids’ rows and everything. We never had any racial problems or anything, because we were probably a novelty. ENTERTAINER “People would probably say, ‘We’ve got some black people living next door to us, you should come round and see them, they’re almost the same as us’. That sort of thing must have been going on.” An entertainer at heart, Lynch was a comedian and singer who toured with the Beatles and appeared in Carry On films. Summing up his attitude to life, he said: “Everything is funny to me, everything is musical to me, everything is readable to me and that’s how I go through life. And that’s how I shall go through the next few weeks that I have got left.”

NOW AND THEN: Kenny Lynch and, inset, as a young man

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34 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

JOURNEYS

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WHAT ABOAT THE OTHERS? The Windrush gets all the praise, but there were other ships that made the pre- and post-war Transatlantic journey By Joel Campbell

O IF the Windrush brought over 492 people from the Caribbean in 1948, how did the rest from the region that descended upon these shores get here? There were other ships that helped to shape the landscape of Britain, but few of them are known. The increase of immigration at that time came about due to the British Nationality Act being passed in 1948. The Act conferred the status of British citizens on all Commonwealth subjects, recognising their right to work and settle in the UK. The Ormonde: Liverpool, April, 1947 Suggestions that those who harboured ambitions of getting to the UK before the Windrush touched these shores had little or no money to do so are debunked by this advertise-

ment from The Sunday Gleaner, March 2, 1947, which read: “Passengers Who May Want to Travel on HMT Ormonde.” “The following press release has been made by the secretariat: ‘Persons awaiting direct sea transport to the United Kingdom who would wish to avail themselves of passages on the HMT Ormonde ... are asked to register their names with the Office Superintendent at the Secretariat, Kingston before the 5th of March, 1947 ... the amount normally charged for passages in Troopships is in the vicinity of £48 ... the probabilities are that it will be necessary for such persons to remain in the United Kingdom for an indefinite period while awaiting return passages.’”

Not a lot is known about where each of the 108 recorded passengers ended up living once they got to the UK, but quotes in the media from immigrants at the time claiming to be seeking better opportunity in the ‘Mother Country’ are a recurring theme. The Almanzora: Southampton, December 1947

By the time the Almanzora docked at Southampton, stowaways had become an issue. Bringing 200 West Indian passengers, including 31 stowaways, into the region sparked a local furore. Unlike previous dockings in the north of the country, the Almanzora didn’t attract

any national media coverage, but the notion of West Indians who hadn’t secured the proper permission to make the trip, let alone stay here, wandering up and down the country had begun to startle. The Almanzora was an ex-troopship and, like the Ormonde, it carried a number of ex-troops from the West Indies who had fought for Britain in the Second World War. One of those, Allan Wilmot, wrote in his memoirs, Now You Know, about the difficulties soldiers like himself faced during the time. Even worse, Wilmot described the circumstances that led to him regularly sleeping on an overnight train in order to get a good night’s kip. The Georgic: Liverpool, June, 1949 When this ship berthed at the docks in Liverpool, an article numbering the amount of ‘coloured’ folk on board had already been run in the

Times newspaper the day before. The story, which went into specific detail about where the 224 Jamaicans and 30 Trinidadians would go on to stay while they were in the UK, gave an insight into the attitudes the new arrivals would face. Over 150 of the Caribbean people who had made the journey from Kingston, Jamaica, already had somewhere to stay with the biggest contingent making their way to London. What was interesting for the time was the ‘hope’ that none of those who disembarked the Georgic would stay in Liverpool as the level of unemployment in the area at the time would have been made worse. The Reina del Pacifico: Liverpool, 1954 By the time the Reina del Pacifico docked in Liverpool in the 1950s, the dynamic of those who were emanating from the Caribbean had changed. Men were no longer

in the majority of those on board. By 1958, women and children accounted for well over half of the 16,511 arrivals, leading to a Times newspaper article headlined: ‘West Indians Send for Their Families’.

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JUNE 13 - 19, 2019 THE VOICE | 35

FRANK BOWLING

TATE BRITAIN PIML ICO u FREE FO R MEMB ER S Supported by

With additional support from the Frank Bowling Exhibition Supporters Circle, Tate Americas Foundation, Tate International Council, Tate Patrons and Tate Members Frank Bowling Barticaborn I 1967 (detail) Lowinger Family Collection Â© Frank Bowling. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2019

36 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

NEWS

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SO MUCH DAMAGE TO BE REPAIRED

www.voice-online.co.uk RESPECTED: Sir Geoff Palmer about to give a lecture on the historical connections between Jamaica and Scotland; inset, Palmer, left, and his brother... just before he left for London in 1955 to join his mother

After arriving in the UK from Jamaica in 1955 as a 15-year-old, Sir Geoff Palmer went on to enjoy a distinguished career. But, as he recalls here, the Windrush Scandal has evoked bitter memories

T HAS been reported a ship called the Empire Windrush left Jamaica in 1948 with 1,027 people on board and arrived at Tilbury Docks on June 22. My mother and her cousin also migrated to London in 1948 but they sailed on the Mauretania which arrived shortly afterwards. In 1955, when I was nearly 15-years-old, I arrived at Liverpool Docks on the Ascania to work as a grocery boy to help my mother. She worked, sometimes night and day, from 1948 to 1955 to save the £86 that paid the fares that brought me here to live and work. My mother worked in dressmaking factories in London’s East End, receiving £5 per week as a ‘finisher’. Our rent was nearly half this sum. The landlord did not provide a kitchen and we used paraffin heaters for heating and cooking. My mother never took a holiday. She worked for ‘holiday pay’. In one job she was fired because she was sick. I had morning paper rounds which helped our income but they sometimes made me late for school. I also worked at a handbag factory in the East End of London called Fassbender and Evens during the school holidays. Family members who arrived after I did worked as carpenters and in factories, hospitals and in the transport system. Most of us thought we would return to Jamaica as soon as possible but after I attended my first funeral in 1958, I realised we were here to stay. Our lives as Caribbean

migrants were daily periods of working, sleeping and eating. Some of us went to church. The minister of our church was uneasy with our presence because he felt we were driving his usual flock away. We sometimes held Saturday night sound system parties which made us laugh and feel better. Ossie’s System was the best. Some neighbours complained about ‘the noise’... the music. NEIGHBOURS The white neighbours often called the police. When they arrived, they would say, ‘Turn the racket down’. This ‘racket’ later became part of popular music: ska, Ike and Tina Turner, Big Joe Turner, Fats Domino and Nat King Cole. The ‘sending home’ of money, as postal orders in blue air-mail letters, also made us feel better. However, the injustice suffered was sometimes costly. For example, we had to pay higher insurances. I remember a bus driver who had to pay higher insurance for his car because, for racial reasons, he was regarded like other

black migrants as a greater risk. We could not understand such injustices, because we were British subjects helping the ‘Mother Country’ earning small wages in difficult circumstances. By definition, my mother and I were members of the Windrush Generation because we arrived before 1971. The Immigration Act of 1971 made it necessary for migrants to have proof of their residency, such as a registration certificate or passport. To add to this, the 1971 Immigration Act granted “leave to remain” to the Windrush Generation that settled in the United Kingdom before January 1, 1973. I had no idea of these laws, even though in 1973 when

I returned from a trip abroad where I represented the UK, “Given leave to enter the United Kingdom for an indefinite period” was stamped in my passport. WRONGFUL Many migrants who came as children on their parents’ passports have no such documents. Sadly, this has resulted in wrongful deportation and detention. Since 2010, this prejudicial activity has been described as ‘the hostile environment’ and was designed to reduce the presence of people in the UK who had no documents to prove they had the right to stay or who were residing illegally. This rejection and association with illegality in a

SO PROUD: Far left, A four-year-old Palmer, left, posing for a photo with his brother Trevor on the chair and mother Ivy; left, graduating from Leicester University with a BSc Hon in Botany, 1964

country for which our ancestors were worked to death and which we called the ‘Mother County’, was disturbing to many of us. In the late 1990s my mother received documents threatening her with deportation if she did not register. She did not understand this demand... she had arrived in 1948. I helped her to complete her registration form and paid the sum requested. Although we are the descendants of British-owned chattel slaves and troops that died for the ‘Mother Country’, some people, politicians and black shirt fascists attacked us, called us negative names and told us to ‘go home’. However, when I was advised at an interview in 1964 to ‘Go home and grow bananas’ I replied that, ‘It was difficult to grow bananas in Haringey’. Like other members of the Windrush Generation this country is part of my historical sense of belonging and I am here to stay. However, the great tragedy of the Windrush Generation is what is now called the Windrush scandal. The sadness of this tragedy is that in 2018 the prime minister apologised to the ‘Windrush Generation’ for the treatment received.

The home secretary also apologised and resigned because she was associated with the appalling “complacency” which denied the rights of people who, as the descendants of British slaves, have been associated with the development of the ‘Mother Country’ for hundreds of years. As we continue to work for this society, we will continue to remind those people who discriminate against us that ‘ingratitude is the worst of sins’. Such prejudice is almost unpardonable. TERRIBLE The law was used in the past to maintain a terrible slavery (chattel slavery). The chattel slavery which the ancestors of the Windrush Generation suffered was legalised racism. This was abolished in 1838. The legislation against the Windrush Generation in 1971 was another form of legalised racism against people who have been associated with the historical development of this country for hundreds of years. The UK government has instituted a Windrush Day to be held annually on June 22. There is an English, ‘Windrush Day’ fund for projects. I hope this will help to repair the damaged caused to the people of the Windrush Generation.

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NEWS

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WILMOT’S WINDRUSH SPIRIT Continued from page 22 “When you reach a certain age, you start to think back and sometimes I say to myself, ‘have I done all these things?’” he said. Reflecting on the contributions of ex-service people from the Caribbean and the recognition they have received, Allan, who was instrumental in the establishment of the West Indian Ex-Services Association, (now the West Indian Association of Service Personnel), which he was also president of, told The Voice: “Beforehand, we never really existed because they didn’t make it known to the world the contribution that Africans, Indians and West Indians made to bring Hitler down. “By experience, I know because I worked with these people and I know the help they applied. You know, because the

Europeans couldn’t do well in the jungle, so if it wasn’t for the Africans in the jungle, they wouldn’t be able to achieve what they did.” As a member of the Memorial Gates Council, which oversaw the creation of the Memorial Gates, the first war memorial to Caribbean and African soldiers in the UK, Allan played his part in making sure that the contributions of Caribbean service personnel will be remembered indefinitely. He has also ensured that the younger generation learn these aspects of history by visiting schools and sharing his experiences with children. “I’m proud that I’m still alive and able to pass on my experience to the present population, especially the kids, because, luckily, I’ve been able to sur-

“I’m proud that I’m still alive and able to pass on my experience”

SUCCESS: Allan Wilmot, back row, left, was a member of The Southlanders, who sang I Am A Mole And I Live In A Hole vive the early days,” he said. “He who feels it knows it. I know what discrimination is, I’ve been through it and I’ve survived, and I’ve done all I could to help, to make the situation be known.” Lambeth Cllr Sonia Winifred

was instrumental in organising the event to honour Allan at Lambeth Town Hall in April. During the event she delivered a snapshot of Allan’s “brave, courageous and wonderful life”, and said: “With

the Windrush, I then realised that Allan has been very, very proactive. WAITING “Arriving here in 1947, just about six months before the Windrush, Allan was in

fact waiting at Tilbury Docks for the Windrush to meet his brother. Given his services in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, I thought we had to do something to recognise and celebrate and say thank you for his services.”

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GOING THE DISTANCE

LYMPIAN DONNA FRASER will always be remembered for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, when she clipped almost a second off her personal best to finish fourth with a time of 49.79 seconds. She is now UK Athletics vice president and equality, diversity & engagement lead. Here, she shares her story of her parents, who followed in the footsteps of the Windrush Generation: “My parents were not part of the Windrush Generation, but followed in their footsteps in the 1960s. My dad was a talented mason and carpenter, learning his trade from his father, yet he had many other skills, including midwifery and a baker; hence his nickname Baker.

“Providing for their family was extremely important to them, so when Dad made the decision to leave the beautiful island St Vincent and the Grenadines to travel to England in 1961, leaving his two daughters and girlfriend (my mum) behind, he was determined to do well for his family. “My parents always told us stories about their journeys to the UK – both were completely different. Dad enjoyed his 11day experience and spent a lot of time on deck to take in the Atlantic sea breeze and was fascinated by the mechanics of the ship. Mum, on the other hand, who left St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1962 to join Dad, had a nightmare and spent most of her journey with sea sickness. “Mum wasn’t happy with

her cabin mates, as ‘they were not friendly at all’, so found her school friend and bunked in with her for the rest of the journey. She recalls being happy to see the shores of Italy, but disappointed they couldn’t leave the ship to explore the country. “When Dad docked in Southampton, the train journey to East Croydon was exciting as he’d not been on a train before, and recalls the fog and the funny roofs. “When Mum arrived, she struggled to adapt to the cold weather and standard of living. It wasn’t the land of hopes and dreams as they were led to be

believe. They tied the knot on October 27, 1962 and shared a house with other Caribbean families and both worked hard to save and send money back home – eventually they saved up to buy their own home. “Their West Indian values and morals remained strong and they opened their home to close family and friends to live with them until they were able to buy their own properties. “Mum and Dad’s plan was

THROWBACK: Donna Fraser runs in a heat at the Sydney 2000 Olympics; inset left, Donna’s parents’ passport photos to spend a few years in the UK and then return ‘home’, but that ended up being over 50 years. They are now both in their 80s and are finally putting things in place to ‘go back home’ to live out the last years of their lives. “I commend the courage and resilience of the Windrush

Generation, who paved the way for my parents and many other Caribbean families, leaving the islands they knew as ‘home’ to venture to an unknown country thousands of miles way for better opportunities and help rebuild a nation – a nation I call home.”

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THE VOICE | 39

COMMUNITY

TAKING ON THE WORLD!

Windrush Generation feel so much at ‘home’ when there’s a game of dominoes to play By Rodney Hinds

HILE THE likes of cricket and track and field could arguably be termed as the national sports of the Caribbean, there is another less high-profile contender for that moniker – dominoes. The Windrush Generation may well have engaged in the pastime during their early years in England as they looked to partake in something familiar while in a new country. Dominoes evolved from dice. The game was introduced to the West Indies by the colonisers and plantation owners who brought the game from Europe. Considering the game’s simple rules, and easy to duplicate pieces, it quickly caught on. The slaves adopted the new game and made their own tiles with a strip of wood cut in equal pieces and the pips were burned or perforated. The

game went viral and it was soon being played by everyone and everywhere. Dominoes was once seen as a men’s game. As is the case with most sports nowadays, women are increasingly becoming fierce competitors. SKILL The game is deceptively simple, but it actually demands skill. The rules of the game vary slightly from one island to the next. It is normally played in pairs, two against two. The objective is to empty one’s hand while blocking the opponent. The score is determined by counting the pips in the losing players’ hands. The game is more than a social event, it is a very competitive game at club level. The World Conference of Domino Federation organises yearly tournaments when men and women come from all over the Caribbean to

compete. The love for the game is taken by the Caribbean immigrants wherever they go, whether it is Europe or the USA. Do not be surprised if you are walking in Brooklyn, London or Birmingham and you hear the slamming of dominoes followed by jumps and excited voices claiming a win! One Windrush passenger admitted: “Dominoes games are social events. We West Indians play a lot of dominoes. “It keeps us together. We travel all over the world and play. I have been playing for 60-odd years.” The sport’s progress was underpinned by the formation in early 2018 of the British Domino Association (BDA). The BDA works closely with other leagues to promote the educational, inter-generational, social and elite benefits of the sport. Twenty years ago dominoes

SOCIAL: The simple game of dominoes is one that keeps many people in the Caribbean community together, as they travel all over the world to play

and darts were on a par with one another and played as pastimes at many levels within pubs and social gatherings. Darts is now a national TV attraction demanding prime time slots. Those at the BDA believe dominoes is more exciting than darts and has a positive future. A spokesperson for the BDA told the Voice of Sport:

“This excitement, enthusiasm and passion of our players locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, coupled with the well-known products associated with this group, provide a good basis for a sponsor with the uniqueness of the sport. “We intend to grow organically into the national organi-

sation where governance, club development, discipline, and organisational structure will be our main focus. “For many decades we have played the sport for recreational and social purposes. We can use dominoes for educational reasons while some players have advanced to playing on the world stage.”

40 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

EVENTS

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WINDRUSH DAY EVENTS Here we list some of the events taking place across the country to mark first-ever national celebration

OMMUNITY GROUPS across the country have received a share of £500,000 to educate, commemorate and celebrate the outstanding contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. Over 50 community groups and local authorities will use the funding to lead school projects, street parties, exhibitions, talks and workshops to recognise and honour the great legacy of those who stepped ashore at Tilbury Docks 71 years ago. From Bristol to Birmingham and Liverpool to Leeds, educational workshops, cultural festivals, theatre productions, TEDxstyle talks, community gardens and intergenerational cooking sessions will form a rich and wide-ranging series of events. Communities Minister Lord Bourne, who has played a leading role in this year’s Windrush Day celebrations said: “The Windrush Generation fought for and supported Britain during the war, and then went on to rebuild Britain. They are the story of modern Britain and learning about their contribution is a vital part of our shared history and heritage. “Their legacy lives on in their children and grandchildren and the communities they have built up and down the country. “I am proud that those communities and the nation as a whole will have the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the Windrush Generation and their descendants’ key role in Britain’s history.” In June 2018, the government announced an annual Windrush Day to encourage communities across the country to commemorate the Windrush story on Windrush Day (June 22) and throughout the year. Here we list the details of some of the events organised by community groups and councils on Windrush Day: Organisation: Bernie Grant Arts Centre

Event: Rudeboy Film Screening Location: Theatre, Bernie Grant Arts Centre Date and time: June 15 and 21, 7pm More information: bernie grantcentre.co.uk/see/filmrudeboy/ Organisation: Bernie Grant Arts Centre Event: New Daughters of Africa – An Evening Of Literature, Poetry And Prose Location: Theatre, Bernie Grant Arts Centre Date and time: June 21, 7.30pm More information: berniegrantcentre.co.uk/see/ new-daughters-of-africa/ Organisation: London Borough of Haringey Event: Windrush Generation Displays Location: Highgate Library, Hornsey Library, St. Ann’s Library, Haringey Date and time: Until June 22 More information: haringey. gov.uk/sites/haringeygovuk/ files/windrush-2019-list-ofevents.pdf Organisation: London Borough of Haringey Event: Windrush Legends and Legacies Exhibition Location: Bruce Castle Museum, Haringey Date and time: June 22 – December 2019. During museum opening times (Wed to Sun, 1pm – 5pm) More information: haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sportand-leisure/culture-andentertainment/visitingharingey/bruce-castle-museum/ whats-bruce-castle-museum Organisation: London Borough of Merton Event: Heritage Exhibition Location: Merton Heritage Centre, Morden Library Date and time: Until July 20 More information: news. merton.gov.uk/2019/06/07/ three-day-celebration-

FAMILY FESTIVAL FUN: Four generations of one family at last year’s Radiate Windrush Festival, Crystal Palace Park for-windrush-generation/ Organisation: African Women’s Forum Event: The Windrush Generation - Exhibition Location: Portsmouth Central Library Date and time: Until July 5, library opening hours More information: african womensforum.org/ Organisation: Gloucester City Council Event: Commemorative Lunch Name Location: Black Elders Day Centre, Tredworth Road, Gloucester Date and time: June 20 More information: gloucester.gov.uk/about-the-council/ news/latest-news/funds-awarded-to-community-groups-forwindrush-projects/ Organisation: African Caribbean Community Initiative Event: Windrush Event Location: Heritage Centre, Wolverhampton Date and time: June 20, 10.30am – 2pm More information: acci.org. uk/

Organisation: Salford City Council Event: Windrush Partnership event including film, music, speakers and food. Location: University of Salford – Adelphi Campus Date and time: June 20, 6pm – 8pm More information: To book visit Eventbrite or phone 0161 778 0315 Organisation: London Borough of Hackney Event: Open Knock Out Domino Club Tournament Location: Unit B7, 3 Bradbury Street, Dalston Date and time: June 21 from 3pm More information: hackney. gov.uk/media/13670/Windrush-GenerationsFestival/pdf/ windrush-generationsfestival. pdf?m=636929978118730000. To book: 020 3875 9352 or email a.beinroth@hcd.coop Organisation: Bradford City Council Event: Windrush Generations Flag Raising Civic Ceremony Location: Centenary Square, Bradford

Date and time: Friday June 21 2019 10am – 10.30am More information: bradford. gov.uk/browse-all-news/pressreleases/funding-granted-forwindrush-celebration/ Organisation: Bradford City Council Event Photo and art exhibition – From War to Windrush Location: City Hall, Bradford Date and time: Friday June 21 – July 5, 10am – 4pm More information: bradford. gov.uk/browseall-news/pressreleases/fundinggranted-forwindrush-celebration/

Organisation: Preston Black History Group Event: Presentation to the University Community Location: University of Central Lancashire, Corporation Street, Preston Date and time: June 21, midday – 2pm More information: eventbrite.co.uk/e/refug e e - w e e k - 2 01 9 - c a r i b b e a n lunch-andlecture-windrushday-celebrationblack-peoplein-britain-tickets62355119842 Organisation: London Borough of Croydon

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-day-2019/ Organisation: Culture& Event: ‘The Memory Archives’ launch Location: London Metropolitan Archives Date and time: June 22, 11am – 3pm More information: https:// cultureand.org/events/ the-memory-archives/. To book: http://tinyurl.com/the memoryarchives Event: The Windrush Dinner Awards and Dance Location: De Vere Selson Estate Hotel Date and time: June 21, 2pm – 6pm More information: croydon. gov.uk/sites/default/files/ WINDRUSH%20FLYER%20 %282%29.pdf. Pre-booking only. Contact aitwindrush@ gmail.com

More information: arts-bridge. co.uk/windrush-stories

Organisation: Gloucester City Council Event: Podsmead Fun Day and Windrush Ship Location: Scott Avenue Green and The Melting Pot Café, Scott Avenue, Podsmead, Gloucester Date and time: June 22 More information: gloucester.gov.uk/about-thecouncil/news/latest-news/ funds-awarded-to-communitygroups-for-windrush-projects/

Organisation: Medway Council Event: Windrush Culture Fest Location: Chatham Library, Medway Date and time: June 22, 10am - 4pm More information: allevents. in/chatham/windrush-culturefest-windrush-remembered -chatham/200017429772156?re f=internal-event

Organisation: Reprezent Radio Event: Specialist Windrush Day Programming Location: Pop Brixton Date and time: A full day (8am - 3pm) of specialist broadcast programming on June 22. More information: reprezent. org.uk

Organisation: SoCo Music Project Event: Street Party Location: Outside Black Heritage Southampton Building, Northumberland Road, Southampton Date and time: June 22 More information: soco musicproject.org.uk/

Organisation: The Vine Community Centre Event: Pioneers 492 Project Location: The Vine Community Centre, Nottingham Date and time: June 22, 10am – 4pm and activities on Saturdays until October 19 More information: news.merton.gov.uk/2019/06/07/threeday-celebration-for-windrushgeneration Organisation: The Way, Wolverhampton Youth Zone Event: Windrush Celebration Event Location: Wolverhampton Youth Zone Date and time: June 22, 11am – 2pm More information: theway youthzone.org/

Organisation: Arts Bridge Charity Event: ‘Windrush Stories’ Community performances Location: Bernie Grant Arts Centre Lambeth Town Hall Windrush Square Date and time: Three Community Performances on Windrush Day June 22. Timings TBC.

Organisation: Essex Cultural Diversity Project Event: Windrush Day Celebration Event Location: Essex Record Office, Chelmsford Date and time: June 22, 11am – 3.30pm More information: https:// essexcdp.com/event/windrush

Organisation: Preston Black History Group Event: Presentation to the wider community Location: The Seventh Day Adventist Church (P.S.D.A.), Preston Date and time: June 22 More information: preston blackhistorygroup.org.uk/

EVENTS

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Organisation: Oxford City Council Event: Workshops, talks, tours and exhibitions Location: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Date and time: Saturday June 22 12pm – 4pm More information: https:// ashmolean.org/event/ windrush-day Organisation: London Borough of Croydon Event: Family Day, Talk and film with Ms. Saleah Location: Museum Croydon Date and time: Saturday June 22 12pm- 1pm More information: https://croydon.gov.uk/sites/ default/files/WINDRUSH%20 FLYER%20%282%29.pdf Organisation: Bernie Grant Arts Centre Event: Windrush on the Square Location: The Square, Bernie Grant Arts Centre Date and time: June 22, 12pm – 6pm More information: https:// berniegrantcentre.co.uk/see/ windrush-on-the-square/ Organisation: High Oak Youth and Community Centre Event: Windrush Day celebration Location: Black Country Living Museum Date and time: June 22, 12pm - 4pm More information: bclm. co.uk/events/ Organisation: London Borough of Hackney Event: Windrush Tea Party Location: Stoke Newington Town Hall Date and time: June 22, 12pm – 4pm More information: http s : / / h a c k n e y. g o v. u k / m e d i a / 1 3 6 70 / W i n d r u s h GenerationsFestival/pdf/ windrush-generationsfestival. pdf?m=636929978118730000 To book: 020 8356 3261 tara. hudson@hackney.gov.uk Organisation: London Borough of Haringey Event: Windrush Day Special Events Location: Bruce Castle Museum, Haringey Date and time: June 22, 12pm – 5pm and 5.30pm – 7pm More information: haringey.gov.uk/librariessport-and-leisure/culture-and-

entertainment/visitingharingey/bruce-castle-museum/ whats/activities#special Organisation: London Borough of Croydon Event: Windrush Street Party and Caribbean Cookout Location: North End Road, Croydon Date and time: June 22, 12pm – 5pm More information: croydon. gov.uk/sites/default/files/ WINDRUSH%20FLYER%20 %282%29.pdf. Organisation: Reading Borough Council Event: Reading Windrush Sports Day Location: South Reading Leisure Centre Date and time: June 22, 12pm – 8pm More information: http:// rva.org.uk/article/readingswindrush-day-eventsannounced/ Organisation: Bradford City Council Event: Carnival of Roots and Culture Location: Centenary Square and City Park, Bradford Date and time: June 22, 12pm – 8pm More information: https:// bradford.gov.uk/browse-allnews/press-releases/funding -granted-for-windrushcelebration/ Organisation: Bradford City Council Event: Windrush Local Stories Project Location: Bradford City Centre Library & City Park Date and time: Saturday June 22 1pm – 4pm More information: https:// bradford.gov.uk/browse-allnews/press-releases/funding -granted-for-windrushcelebration/ Organisation: London Borough of Haringey Event: A Tottenham Celebration of Windrush Heritage Family Fun and Celebration Location: Living Under One Sun Community Hub and Café, Haringey Date and time: June 22, 12.30pm – 9.30pm More information: https:// www.haringey.gov.uk/sites/ haringeygovuk/files/windrush2019-list-of-events.pdf Organisation: London Borough of Merton Event: Community Celebration Location: Morden Library Date and time: June 22, 12.30pm - 4.30pm More information: https:// news.merton.gov.uk/2019/06/ 07/three-day-celebration-forwindrush-generation/ Organisation: Black Cultural Archives Event: Windrush: Looking Back Exhibition launch

Location: Black Cultural Archives, Windrush Square Date and time: Exhibition launch June 22, 1pm – 6pm to run until September 14. Special viewings 7pm – 9pm June 25 and July 2, 18 and 31. More information: https:// blackculturalarchives.org/ windrush Organisation: The Oxford Windrush Group Event: Black Voices Singing Workshops Location: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Date and time: June 22, 11am – 1pm More information: Junie James 07542976470 or ackhi03@gmail.com, Euton Daley on 07483011023 or edaley2@oxford.gov.uk

play, pop-up bookshop, creative sessions, mini dance area, yummy kid’s meal-deals and creative face painting. This event is for all the family and not to be missed. Location: Crystal Palace Park, Upper Terraces, Ledrington Road, London, SE19 2GA Date and time: June 22 - 23 June 2019, midday – 8pm More information: Please email info@radiatefestival.com Organisation: Alive and Kicking Theatre Company Event: Windrush Reading Event Location: City Hall, Bradford Date and time: June 22, 1.30pm – 2pm More information: https:// www.aliveandkickingtheatreco mpany.co.uk/project/eh-kwikehkwak-windrush-day-eventsbookingnow

Organisation: The Oxford Organisation: Hadhari Project Windrush Group Event: Short pieces of theatre, Event: Dominoes Tournament dance and song transforming Launch Location: 350 Burton Road, the museum, including: Black Cenotaph – Saluting The Derby Unknown Soldiers: an interac- Date and time: June 22, 2pm - 6pm tive lecture Family activities: A drop-in More information: https:// session to discover, make and www.thehadhariproject.org/ do things together I-Creative installation: Stu- Organisation: Brighton and dents explore the stories of the Hove City Council Event: Windrush Tea Party feaWindrush Generation Uncomfortable Oxford: explore turing Colin Grant in conversaOxford’s shared history in the tion with Bert Williams MBE Ashmolean Museum’s collec- and Shirley Williams Location: Brighton Museum & tion Church Cowley St. James: An Art Gallery exhibition by Year 6 pupils on Date and time: June 22, 3pm the theme of Windrush and mi- - 5pm More information: https:// gration Oxford Windrush The Story So b r i g h t o n m u s e u m s . o r g . u k / Far: An area set aside to relax d i s c o v e r / e v e n t s / e v e n t / and take in the Windrush jour- windrush-teaparty/ neys Location: Ashmolean Museum, Organisation: London BorOxford ough of Croydon Date and time: June 22, 11am Event: Windrush Poetry Jam – 1pm and midday – 4pm Location: The Front Room, More information: Junie Croydon James on 07542976470 or Date and time: June 22, ackhi03@gmail.com, Eu- 6.30pm – 9pm ton Daley on07483011023 or More information: https:// edaley2@oxford.gov.uk c r o y d o n . g o v. u k / s i t e s / d e fault/files/WINDRUSH%20 Organisation: Radiate Win- FLYER%20%282%29.pdf drush Festival Event: Radiate Windrush Fes- Organisation: Oxford City tival features Windrush Exhibi- Council tion, billboard-sized art, main Event: Racism, Repression & stage dance performances and Resistance - The Windrush Memusical acts, Cultural work- morial Lecture shops, village markets, garden Location: Pitt Rivers Museum, games, dominoes, sound sys- Oxford tems, silent shubeen, debat- Date and time: Saturday 22nd ing in the community hub and June 6.30pm – 9pm more. Children will also get a More information: https:// chance to experience an open www.eventbrite.com

42 | THE VOICE JUNE 20 - 26, 2019

SPORT

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A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION Statue unveiled in honour of West Brom trio who silenced racists with their stunning performances on the pitch to football and equality for time immemorial.” Jim Cadman, who has led the campaign for the Celebration Statue, added: “Cyrille, Laurie and Brendon were true pioneers of the game who made genuine football history in West Bromwich.

Rodney Hinds

HE CELEBRATION STATUE of three legendary West Bromwich Albion players has been unveiled in the town. The 10-foot bronze statue by sculptor Graham Ibbeson represents ‘art in action’ as Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson – who were known as the ‘Three Degrees’ – celebrate a goal. Family, friends and associates of the legendary trio were present at the unveiling. Batson is the only surviving member of the three who did so much for West Bromwich

PASSION

Albion during their careers. The statue, however, symbolises more than just one goal – it is about the ground-breaking influence the trio had in overcoming racist taunts and prejudice at football grounds throughout England. They responded by playing attractive football, scoring spectacular goals and winning matches. The location of the

statue – the New Square Shopping Centre – is also of significance, as it is wsited in the heart of a multicultural community where it will be seen by a large audience, with around 200,000 people visiting the centre on a weekly basis. Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “The PFA has been determined to get this important tribute to the ‘Three Degrees’ over the line and mark their great contribution

“The statue will convey passion, strength and achievement to a global football audience and support the fight to remove all aspects of racism from our beautiful game. I would like to thank Gordon Taylor and the PFA for their support over the past six years.” Cadman also wanted to note the contributions of Sandwell Council, the FA, the League Managers Association, the New Square, Kick It Out, the 1979 Club, the West Bromwich Albion Supporters Club, WBA Former Players Association, businesses throughout the Black Country and West THREE DEGREES: The Celebration Statue in New Square. Inset left, Jim Cadman, the PFA’s Gordon Taylor and Brendon Batson Brom’s fans.

CLASSIFIED

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72 | THE VOICE

WINDRUSH 70: SOUVENIR EDITION

NOTTINGHAM

JUNE 21 - 27, 2018

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