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The murder of George Floyd & the Black Lives Matter movement makes us think about the actions we can take to address the scourge of racism.
Here’s one thing you can do today:
learn the story of the Windrush Generation.
Read our thread to begin the journey.
#WindrushDay (1/14)
Here’s one thing you can do today:
learn the story of the Windrush Generation.
Read our thread to begin the journey.
#WindrushDay (1/14)
(2/14) Today is #WindrushDay. It marks the 72nd anniversary of the day in 1948 when Caribbean passengers onboard HMT Empire Windrush disembarked at the port of Tilbury near London.
(3/14) Their arrival was a big occasion & TV reporters went to meet them.
Watch this short clip to hear what their plans were. At the end you will be treated to the most iconic part of their arrival, the moment the grand master of Calypso sings a song.
Watch this short clip to hear what their plans were. At the end you will be treated to the most iconic part of their arrival, the moment the grand master of Calypso sings a song.
(4/14) The British Nationality Act of 1948 gave citizens of the British Empire the right work and settle in the UK and to bring their families with them.
The passengers onboard Windrush answered this opportunity when they saw this advert:
The passengers onboard Windrush answered this opportunity when they saw this advert:
(5/14) The Second World War had devastated Britain. There was much work to do. The British Caribbeans who came made a major contribution towards rebuilding the country.
(6/14) Just one example of their hard work was their help building the NHS.
The health service was established in 1948 and it faced major staff shortages.
By 1965 there were as many as 5000 Jamaican NHS nurses and more were in training. https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/blogs/remembering-the-windrush-nurses
The health service was established in 1948 and it faced major staff shortages.
By 1965 there were as many as 5000 Jamaican NHS nurses and more were in training. https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/blogs/remembering-the-windrush-nurses
(7/14) The Caribbeans who came between 1948 until 1973 are together known as the Windrush Generation.
Their achievements and those of their descendants were celebrated in Westminster Abbey two years ago on the 70th anniversary of the first ship’s arrival. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/22/windrush-service-celebrates-generations-contribution-to-britain
Their achievements and those of their descendants were celebrated in Westminster Abbey two years ago on the 70th anniversary of the first ship’s arrival. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/22/windrush-service-celebrates-generations-contribution-to-britain
(8/14) Another example of the major contribution the Windrush Generation made: music.
The music made and enjoyed in Britain today is unimaginable without their influence.
Ska, reggae, drum and bass, dub step, UK garage and hip hop. The list goes on. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z6grnrd
The music made and enjoyed in Britain today is unimaginable without their influence.
Ska, reggae, drum and bass, dub step, UK garage and hip hop. The list goes on. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z6grnrd
(9/14) So why is the story of the Windrush Generation so important in order to confront racism today?
This video from 1955 called ‘Our Jamaican problem’ begins to provide the answer.
This video from 1955 called ‘Our Jamaican problem’ begins to provide the answer.
(10/14) British Caribbeans faced discrimination from the moment they arrived and sadly their mistreatment continues today. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/apr/17/home-office-destroyed-windrush-landing-cards-says-ex-staffer
(11/14) In 2018 reports emerged in national newspapers of settled British Caribbean citizens who found themselves threatened with deportation.
It was dubbed the Windrush Scandal. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/30/antiguan-who-has-lived-59-years-in-britain-told-he-is-in-uk-illegally
It was dubbed the Windrush Scandal. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/30/antiguan-who-has-lived-59-years-in-britain-told-he-is-in-uk-illegally
(12/14) Watch this moving story of Albert Thompson to see how the scandal shattered the lives of our fellow citizens.
(13/14) That's why on #WindrushDay we not only celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation & their descendants but we offer our solidarity too
We must stand together to make sure our fellow citizens are treated with the respect & dignity they deserve
#BlackLivesMatter
We must stand together to make sure our fellow citizens are treated with the respect & dignity they deserve
#BlackLivesMatter
(14/14) To mark this day, we're launching a project to help tell the history of the #WindrushGeneration in Hounslow.
Please share with anyone who might have a story
The stories will help to educate and inform others about our rich history.
Find out more http://bit.ly/37PqIUA
Please share with anyone who might have a story
The stories will help to educate and inform others about our rich history.
Find out more http://bit.ly/37PqIUA
