Exploring the Stories of Windrush and Black Historywindrush70.uk
Kingsway Project is a voluntary organisation.This site provides information about work produced by
Kingsway Project and subjects of interest to the group and community.
Windrush
This sites includes details of the
Windrush 70 celebrations hosted by Kingsway Project in 2018.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE
It is important to understand the link between Britain and some Caribbean countries which led to people coming to Britain which they sometimes refer to as the ‘mother country.
Britain wanted an empire, more land overseas where it could build new colonies. The rich natural resources available in Africa, Asia and the Pacific earned the country a lot of money as goods were imported and exported. Politically, it made Britain a very powerful country and allowed the spread of their influence across the world.
Calling the West Indies
A month before the Windrush docked at Tilbury, “Calling the West Indies”, the BBC’s overseas broadcast from London to the Caribbean, captured the prevailing mood of the metropolitan centre when it reported that there might not be readily available jobs for all the newcomers.Just before the ship arrived questions were asked in the House of Commons about the wisdom of allowing the Caribbean migrants to travel.
Mixed reception for Caribbean people arriving in the UK
There were reports in contemporary newspapers with headlines commemorating the arrival of the Empire Windrush, Welcome Home (Evening Standard), “Five hundred pairs of willing hands” (Daily Worker). But remember that it was a moment of mixed reception.The arrival of the Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948 symbolises the moment at which Britain began changing and moving towards becoming a multi-racial society.The arrival of Caribbean people during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s was the first visible, black, mass migration to Britain.There has always been immigration to the UK but until then this scale was totally unprecedented in the country’s history. Black immigration was quite small and demographically insignificant.
British Nationality Act 1948
The British Nationality Act 1948 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that created the status of “Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies” as the national citizenship of the United Kingdom and its colonies.
FILMSThere are a number of films to provide information about Windrush. The flims listed below aim to give some basic background about the experience of Caribbean people coming to England during the Windrush period and an understanding of what is was like settling in a new country.
Ancestry records can be used to find the names of those who travelled on the Empire Windrush Ship 22 June 1948 and other passenger ships
Family Search Website to Trace your Caribbean Roots
Family Search is a non-profit family history organisation dedicated to connecting families across generations. Family Search believes that families bring joy and meaning to life.This site is used to trace the family history including the Caribbean. Be a part of handing on this rich and fascinating legacy to future generations; share your stories, the photographs and use the Family Search site to start the family tree. Make a start today !
SHORT FILMS AND LINKS TO WEBSITESThe experience of settling in England told as short films and website links
Windrush Book List
For more information on Windrush why not have a look at this Windrush book list
WINDRUSH 70 CELEBRATIONS IN 2018
2018 marked the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush that brought mainly Caribbean passengers to the UK at Tilbury Docks, Essex.The ship has become an iconic symbol of ‘post-war Caribbean settlement’ in Britain.
Windrush70, a project led by the Kingsway Project has highlighted the contributions that these individuals have made and continue to make to British society and the cultural landscape since the 1940s.The project has told the Windrush stories through exhibitions, producing the Windrush 70 Royal Mail Stamp, having displays across the West Midlands and UK, producing a book with over 45 stories from Windrush Pioneers, producing a Windrush activity book and conducting community engagement sessions in schools, libraries, work places, churches, shopping centres and museums.
Windrush 70th Anniversary in 2018
The Windrush 70th Anniversary celebrates the pioneering, Windrush generation that came to Britain. They have helped to shape British social, cultural and political life.Let us inform and inspire people about the legacy of the Windrush pioneers, as well as aid ensuing generations appreciate the sacrifice and contribution of their parents, grandparents, so they can understand how they can be a part of handing on this rich and fascinating legacy to future generations.
Windrush: Recording and Sharing Migration Stories
Celebrating Windrush 70 : Breakfast
Windrush70 Breakfast was held on 16 June 2018.The event was a opportunity to focus on the churches founded by the Windrush generation, the valuable contribution they have made to society and how they can continue to do so during Windrush 70 and Beyond.The host was Khembe Clarke and the guest speaker was Rev Joe Aldred.
Celebrating Windrush 70 : Concert
The Windrush 70th Anniversary celebrations involved a variety of mediums to reach the community.Windrush70 Concert was held on 9 May 2018.This concert was evening with Bazil Meade MBE who has been working in the music industry for nearly 40 years. He is the founder and principle of the World famous London Community Gospel Choir.
Celebrating Windrush 70 : Displays
Kingsway Project produced Windrush 70 displays that toured the West Midlands with community intergenerational sessions to inform and inspire people about the legacy of the Windrush pioneers.
The Journey of the Windrush 70 Stamps produced in 2018
In 2018 the initial request to Royal Mail for a commemorative stamps
to mark the 70th anniversary of the Windrush voyage was rejected
Parliament declines petition for Windrush Stamp
Windrush 70 Stamps Commissioned by Kingsway Project
In 2018, Royal mail announced they had a project for companies to design and have customised stamps. This provided Kingsway Project with the opportunity to commission the Windrush 70 Royal Mail stamps.The production of these Windrush 70 stamps in 2018 marked 70 years of Windrush, commemorating and preserving its rich and fascinating legacy for future generations. The Windrush stamps were commissioned and designed by Kingsway Project, then approved and produced by Royal Mail as part of the Windrush 70 Celebration in 2018.The official launch of the Windrush Stamps 70 and the Windrush Activity Book was held on Friday 11 May 2018 in the Chamberlain Room at The Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham. In attendance was a local Councillor, Paulette Hamilton members of the community, BBC Midlands Today and the Phoenix Newspaper.
Windrush 70 ProductsThe Windrush 70th Anniversary was commemorated using different mediums to inform and educate.
Celebrating Windrush 70 : Products
Celebrating Windrush 70 : Churchboyz
Churchboyz are a gospel tribute band. At this concert they performed the hymns and choruses that spiritually strengthened and sustained the first generation of Caribbean immigrants as they got used to life in the UK during the 1950s and 60s.Churchboyz are a part of the group who produced the show 'A Dream Across The Ocean' that brings to life the struggles Caribbean immigrants experienced during the Windrush period.
Windrush 70 : Memory Lane
Kingsway Project has held Windrush sessions with seniors with dementia using items from the past, to reminiscence generating conversation.‘Reminiscence’ means sharing life experiences, memories and stories from the past. A person with dementia is more able to recall things from many years ago than recent memories, so reminiscence draws on this strength. The goal of reminiscence therapy is to help seniors with dementia feel valued, contented, and peaceful.
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