National Windrush Day
National Windrush Day is on the 22nd June every year. 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush arriving in Britain on 22 June 1948.
This day recognises and celebrates the incredible contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants to the UK.
After WW2, the British government recruited African-Caribbean migrants to help restore society. On 22nd June 1948, people from the Caribbean arrived on the Empire Windrush ship. Those arriving between 1948 and 1971 are known as the Windrush Generation!
Unfortunately, in 2018 immigration laws were tightened and many of the Windrush Generation were told they were in the UK illegally. This was known as the Windrush Scandal.
Following the scandal, a series of campaigns called for the commemoration of the contribution of the Windrush Generation. Officials accepted the petition and announced the 22nd June as National Windrush Day. The Windrush Compensation Scheme was established in April 2019.
How is Windrush Day celebrated?
Windrush Day is observed not only by Caribbean communities but also by people up and down the country saying thank you to the Caribbean community!
- Annual events are held to recognise and celebrate the arrival of the Windrush Generation and their amazing legacy to British society.
- The lead-up to the events are marked with exhibitions, Church services and cultural celebrations.
- Communities come together to reminisce and honour the contributions that people from the Caribbean have made and continue to make to the UK.
- The annual Windrush Day Grant Scheme provides money to individual projects that mark Windrush Day through events and activities, including art lessons, celebrations, activities developing educational skills of young people from Caribbean Communities.
