Luton Windrush Civic Flag Raising Event was held on 22nd June 2022 at 12pm at Luton Town Hall.
Why Windrush Matters Today – an online event held nationally by an organisation called ‘British Future’, brought together expert voices of champions like Patrick Vernon, Cultural Historian and Windrush Campaigner, on race, history and social cohesion to mark the 74th anniversary of the Windrush and examine its ongoing importance and relevance today. As we head towards an important 75th anniversary of Windrush next year, the event focused on how we are connecting our younger generations with the Windrush story – and how to broaden the reach of this historic event to help deepen understanding of multi-ethnic Britain today.
Also on 22nd June at Luton Town Hall, United Luton Caribbean & African Committee (ULCAC) held its 3rd Annual Civic Ceremony in the honour of Luton Windrush generation. This event highlighted the importance and significance of Windrush Day and what it means for everyone. Soraya Bowen, Co-Chair ULCAC said “Our history is everybody’s history. From slavery to Windrush, the stories of yesterday still impact on our lives.”
Introducing ULCAC, Co-Chair Tamar Lovindeer said, “We started in 2021. Besides shouldering responsibility of organising this civic event, we also seek to assist Luton Council in monitoring its resolution to improve black lives in the town. Recognising this town wants to be built on fairness we support the equality, diversity and inclusion across Luton’s public sector agencies.
Pas Vincent Cox in his address said, “There’s need for the economic impact assessment of the Windrush Generation, its positive influence & contribution to the key recruiting sectors including health and transport and also the Church in the UK. Opportunities to do more in the future are phenomenal.”
There was a general consensus that all the setbacks must be turned into leaps forward. All we have to do is to play our little part. Individual & personal stories of people we do not normally hear about can be more impactful than big flashy & glossy statements. This is what Luton based ‘You Are Able’, a community interest company (CIC) is trying to do. Funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), one of its projects will deliver a documentary in Luton about the Windrush generation through the eyes of young people, learning a legacy through the accounts of descendants who had varying ambitions to either settle or envisage returning to the Caribbean after a period of time. Project Director Bilal Thompson said, “The documentary aims to archive the connections as many of these individuals have since passed away but have left in many cases a verbal history with their children. This intent is to leave a record that can educate future generations and a used resource.”
