Dedicated to the generation who paved the way from the future generations, we hope we do you proud.
Today is a big day not just for the black community but for the Black British (Caribbean) community, as today we celebrate Windrush ‘75.
75 years ago today, more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean arrived at Tilbury docks on the ship known as HMT Empire Windrush. This moment shaped modern Britain.
Coming over to help rebuild Britain after the second World War for many families this was just meant to be a temporary stay. A lot said, “just for five years”.
“What I find really interesting is that everyone who came over, never intended to stay – but they did. Even without being welcome they still stayed, and there’s something in that.” Naomi Grossett, fellow Stepper
Being invited by the mother country, the Commonwealth, was such an honour. It was said that they’d be going to the place where the streets were paved with Gold. The United Kingdom – however that was not what they then experienced.
The United Kingdom they arrived at had posters up that read “NO Irish, NO Dogs, NO Blacks”, left them having to share rooms as there was limited spaces for accommodation and dealing with a high level of hostility daily. How could they be so unwelcome in a space that they were invited to enter?
Being apart from their families, facing the reality of the climate change and coming with very little they were still able to present exceptionally well and have large influences on fashion, food, and music up to this present day.
For 75 years we have celebrated the Windrush generation, all that they did for Britain in its time of need and all the great influence that has come after. For without them we wouldn’t have what we have today.
We ask that you please take the time to look more into understanding Windrush and why its celebrated the way it is. Please see some of our selected resources below:
They might have arrived at a place that although called United excluded them in every way but once you were black it didn’t matter what island you were from, we stood united – and still do.
Thank you Windrush generation, we celebrate you, appreciate you and honour you. Always.