The multi-agency Windrush Awards Fundraiser event by the Heritage Associates brought together poetry, storytelling, music to celebrate and honour the heritage, resilience, and the lasting legacy of the Windrush generation.
A poet, coach and author Hanifa Muhammad reflected on her African and Caribbean heritage, and shared two of her original poems. In Africa, My Africa, she explored the enduring connection between Africa and its descendants across the world, describing the continent as her "one true love" and emphasising the unbreakable bonds forged through ancestral history and sacrifice.
Her second poem, Just for Today, invited audiences to imagine a world free from war, poverty and discrimination. She called for unity, equality and peace, encouraging people to hold onto hope and collective responsibility for a fairer world for all.
Later, ‘Unbroken & Outspoken’, a creative writing collective of Black women, performed their group poem, ‘The Longer We Live’. The performance celebrated the ageing, wisdom and resilience of the elder Black women and the important role they play as matriarchs, storytellers, caregivers and community leaders. Audience members were particularly struck by the one memorable line describing the elder Black women as "superheroes... saving the world in slow motion."
The evening also recognised the contributions of Windrush advocates, including the Luton community champion Bob Baker, whose dedication was warmly applauded.
There was also an Afro-Caribbean fashion parade led by community members including faith leaders The Revd Dr Trevor Adams, who is also a Coach & Mentor, and Rose Forde, the founding director of Street Fathers Luton, a volunteer-led community initiative.
There were melodious songs sung by many reputed singers including the local Lutonian and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, Yvonne Michele.
Mariam Daniel a local activist, poet, and musician who leads the Love Music Hate Racism Luton (LMHR) chapter paid tribute to her father, Jamada Dean Daniel, from the Windrush generation who came to rebuild Britain after the Second World War and devoted his life to supporting young people in Luton. Describing his legacy as her inspiration, Mariam reminded the audience that "We must recognise our right to be here, because this is our Britain too." She said, "Never forget those who came before us. Everything we do, we must do to honour them."
An Afro-Caribbean fashion parade led by community members including faith leaders The Revd Dr Trevor Adams, who is also a Coach & Mentor, and Rose Forde, the founding director of Street Fathers Luton, a volunteer-led community initiative.
An Afro-Caribbean fashion parade led by community members including Rose Forde, the founding director of Street Fathers Luton, a volunteer-led community initiative.
An Afro-Caribbean fashion parade led by community members including faith leaders The Revd Dr Trevor Adams, who is also a Coach & Mentor.
A poet, coach and author Hanifa Muhammad reflected on her African and Caribbean heritage, and shared two of her original poems.
‘Unbroken & Outspoken’, a creative writing collective of Black women, performed their group poem, ‘The Longer We Live’.
Event organiser Bob Baker (L) of Heritage Associates, and a poet, coach and author Hanifa Muhammad (R) after a poetry recitation.
‘Voices with Sout’ also performed and entertained the audience.
Mariam Daniel a local activist, poet, and musician who leads the Love Music Hate Racism Luton (LMHR) chapter paid tribute to her father from the Windrush generation.