The 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation was marked last week with several events across Britain including a national commemoration service at Southwark Cathedral, the King attending an event for young people at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, United Luton Caribbean & African Committee (ULCAC) holding its 4th Annual Civic Ceremony at Luton Town Hall and Pastors Llyod Denny and Vincent Cox conducting special Windrush services in the honour of Luton Windrush generation.
HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex on June 22, 1948, bringing nearly 500 people from the Caribbean. They were the first of thousands encouraged to migrate and help fill labour shortages in the armed forces, transport, other industries and NHS.
HM King Charles hailed the Windrush generation’s “immeasurable” impact and “profound and permanent contribution to British life”.
HM’s representative Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada said, “The Windrush generation kept much of our transport system and our NHS functioning and became pivotal in areas of commerce, education, manufacturing, science, engineering and sports. It is my honour to pay tribute to the Windrush generation and their descendants and to thank them all for what they have done for our country.”
The Mayor of Luton, Cllr. Mohammed Yaqub Hanif said, “The Windrush generation experiences of racism and discrimination resonate with the experiences of his parents and many other migrant communities' experiences too," but applauding the Windrush Generation contributions to Luton's Vauxhall Motors, Electrolux, L & D Hospital, and the railways, he said, "You are all loved, appreciated, and valued."
Sadly, Lord Kitchener's 1951 migrant anthem, "London is the Place for Me," still captures the feelings of numerous unnamed persons arriving on unnamed boats today as they flee repressive regimes, wars, and conflicts only to discover that they are not wanted or welcomed. And many of those unscrupulously trafficked, never make it because their dreams and bodies are drowned on the way.
We pray that the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation will inspire us to stand up for justice, peace, equity and dignity for all human beings, who are created in God’s image. We must honour the Windrush generation’s resilience and determination and hold light to their experiences to strengthen our communities and build a flourishing future for all.
Luton’s oldest Windrush Generation member, 103 years old Rose Allen joined by Mayor of Luton, Beds Police Crime Commissioner, Bishop of Bedford, and Pas Vincent Cox, at a special Windrush Civic Service held last Sunday at St Mary’s