“The Windrush Generation enriched Britain” says Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy
78 years ago, Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks. Hundreds of thousands of Caribbeans embarked on a journey to the country whose streets were supposedly paved with gold, determined to rebuild Britain after World War 2– a future they hoped would be filled with opportunities for their families and generations to come.
In celebration of Windrush Day, Deputy Prime Minister, Sir David Lammy, held a Windrush Reception at 10 Downing Street. Windrush advocates, politicians, campaigners, pastors and community leaders gathered to honour the long lasting contributions of the Windrush Generation to British society and the legacy they built for their children, grandchildren and Black Britons.
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Reminiscent of sounds from the Caribbean, the garden reception attendants enjoyed a steel pans performance by Solid Steel, coupled with a plethora of Caribbean cuisine dishes to enjoy as well as an address from Sir David Lammy and Windrush Commissioner, Reverend Clive Foster.
Lammy delivered a heartfelt address, where he reflected on the adversity the Windrush Generation faced while faithfully contributing to the rebuilding of a better future for the “Motherland” England. Lammy said, “The country they came to help, failed to treat them with the dignity they deserved. Many found the promise of Briton collided with the reality of racism. Then decades later came the scandal. Telling people who had built Britain they don’t belong in the country. They were betrayed by the state and that injustice can never be undone or forgotten but must lead to justice.”
The Windrush scandal of 2018 saw thousands of legal Commonwealth residents, who came to Britain between 1948-1973 wrongfully classified as illegal immigrants. The Wendy Williams report found the scandal to be an institutional failure that magnified the ignorance towards race and the history of the Windrush generation.
As Britain’s first Black Deputy Prime Minister, Lammy believes he is proof that representation breeds a culture of belonging for Black people in Britain, providing a voice for many Black communities and serving as a reminder in Parliament that we are included in British politics and society.
Lammy said: “I stand on the shoulders of many before me and I say thank you. Windrush is not a story of immigration or justice but of humanity; of courage, disappointment and hope, struggle and extraordinary people who achieved extraordinary things. Above all, it is a British story. So, let’s honour that generation by building a country that is worthy.”
Speaking to BLK BRIT, Lammy spoke to me about the importance of honouring the Windrush Generation, Lammy said: “If you don’t know where you’re from, you don’t know where you’re going and we have to honour the generation that rebuilt this country and recognise link between Britain and the Caribbean Islands and the sacrifice of Black men and women who came from the continent of Africa. Having a moment to stand still and honour my parents’ generation. It is a story of strength and hope it’s so essential to modern Britain to honour it.”
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Windrush Commissioner, Clive spoke to BLK BRIT about how the education system needs to have a commitment to telling the history of Windrush stories, he said “It’s empowering for the descendants and informative for the wider nation and schools need to not only know about 1066 but also 1948. It’s critical we understand why we are here.”
Driven by the spirit of entrepreneurialism, Clive a second generation Windrush descendant, says he is proud of his parents’ “commitment and fortitude” to respond to a shortage in the nation and the expectation of creating a better life.
Brixton raised local to Windrush square and MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Florence Eshalomi said, “Windrush Day is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the contributions of descendants of Windrush and an opportunity to recognise their contributions throughout the year in the UK and all across the globe.”