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Windrush 2022 Windrush Monument at Waterloo Station to be Unveiled on Windrush Day 2022 The highly anticipated unveiling of Sculptor Basil Watson’s national Windrush Monument will take place on 22nd June 2022. Four years after the Windrush Commemoration Committee, created by former Prime Minister Theresa May, with Baroness Floella Benjamin as Chair to produce a statue, their efforts have come to fruition. Notwithstanding the controversy from some members of the Caribbean community over the chosen site, the Unveiling promises to be a momentous and pivotal moment in Britain’s history. Jamaican born artist, Basil Watson, expressed his delight on being selected to design the monument - a process whereby members of the public were invited to participate. He said:
“My parents, along with a great many others, took the long arduous voyage from the Caribbean with very little or nothing other than their aspirations, their courage and a promise of opportunity for advancement. This monument tells that story of hope, determination, and a strong belief in themselves.“ The sculpture itself depicts a man and his family standing on a pile of suitcases. Waterloo station has approximately 1.9 million people passing through each week and although only some of the half a million Caribbean migrants who came during the Windrush era arrived in London via Waterloo, many will be able to view and reflect on the monument for years to come.
New Initiative
Annual Windrush Day Thanksgiving (WDT) Gatherings Dr Dwain Neil OBE founder and chairman of Reach Society has announced a new initiative for all to celebrate at home, in community groups or with friends - beginning on 22nd June, National Windrush Day 2022. Reach Society and several groups in the Black community will be taking the lead by hosting gatherings to celebrate cultural esteem as part of the WDT Gatherings which this year will be held between Wednesday, 22 June and Sunday, 26 June. These gatherings will mark the beginning of annual celebrations of the contributions and achievements of four generations of British people who descend from Caribbean migrants of the era.
Dr Neil says: “In 74 years these people have contributed to all aspects of British life and Reach Society has chosen to spearhead and build awareness of the campaign.” Reach Society is known for its pioneering events with a track record for engaging and inspiring young people to choose their own pathways to success. For more information about Windrush Day Thanksgiving Gatherings contact Dr Dwain Neil OBE, Reach Society, chairman, Call: 07949 431 992; or Email: dwainneil55@gmail.com.
An Editions Lifestyle Black History Month © Publication
Did you know?
You can attend the Southbank Centre LONDON where a large screen will be livestreaming the ceremony from 11.30am followed by Caribbean food, music and entertainment until 7pm on Windrush Day. This Event is free entry. Visit www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/windrush-commemorationcommittee for more details. Other Windrush Monument Unveilings include: Hackney, Milton Keynes, Birmingham. Visit local authority websites for more information
RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW MANGROVE NINE GARDEN A WINNER!
Silver Gilt medal winner garden courtesy RHS
A show garden with a difference at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Hands Off Mangrove by 23 year old Tayshan Hayden-Smith, founder of Grow2Know and Danny Clarke have blended politics with environmental concerns bringing attention to civil rights and issues raised by the Mangrove Nine in the 1970s - all are represented in the garden. Grow2Know explores ecology, the environment & social injustices through community-inclusive nature projects. The garden will be relocated into the community in West London. To know more visit: grow2know.org.uk/hands-off-mangrove/ www.editionbhm.com
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