London,
22
June
2021
|
08:01
Europe/London

Windrush Day 2021

On Windrush Day 2021, Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council, Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion and Councillor Sabrina Francis, Mayor of Camden said:

“Today is Windrush Day – the anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury, near London. 73 years ago today, this ship arrived from Jamaica carrying a large group of passengers who would make their home in the United Kingdom.

“Both in Camden but all across the country, the contributions and achievements of the Windrush Generation, their descendants, and all of our British Caribbean communities have hugely enriched British life. Today is the day we celebrate and honour those achievements, which include helping to rebuild this country and our public services following World War Two, and a continued valued and vital contribution to all aspects of British social, political, and cultural life.

“Locally we have seen many of our British Caribbean residents and organisations step up to support and lead their communities through the difficult past year, and do so much for our borough. This community service in a time of crisis is one of the many contributions we are honouring today, and we are proud to work alongside some fantastic individuals and voluntary and community sector organisations doing amazing work in Camden.

“On Windrush Day we also acknowledge the many sacrifices and hardships that the Windrush generation and the British Caribbean community have had to overcome over the years, and the resilience they have shown in the face of this adversity. We urge the Government to use today's anniversary to prioritise the resolution of compensation claims from the Windrush Generation and those who were marginalised and discriminated against, and we encourage them to provide that compensation in a timely manner.

“You can join Camden Event Service’s virtual event to mark Windrush Day tonight, ‘Exploring Windrush 2021’, featuring a guest panel, live musician and pre-recorded readings. Register for a space at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/books-and-beyond-exploring-windrush-2021-tickets-158713090125 You can also keep an eye on our social media channels for other resources to learn more about Windrush Day and the Windrush Generation and their descendants.”