Windrush Generation

By Pa Modou Faal

After World War II, the United Kingdom’s economy needed to be rebuilt to meet the much-desired demands of industrialisation and economic developments. In that regard, the British government stormed the Caribbean islands and recruited AfroCaribbean migrants and offered them jobs. These jobs included the production of steel, coal, iron, and food, and also jobs in the service sectors, such as running public transport and staffing the new National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. June 22 of 1948, the Empire Windrush ship docked on the harbour of Tilbury in Essex bringing in a labour force we now called the Windrush Generation. They were all documented and profiled to take part in the development of the United Kingdom as former colonies of the British Empire. As years went by and British legislation changed, targeting immigrants, one would now need a British passport or a legal residence and work permit to be able to work in England. Members of the Windrush generation who were brought from the West Indies with legal documentation, lost their jobs and freedoms as they were not regarded as British citizens. These people are still waiting to be compensated both in monetary value and legal documentation because they are told that they do not have the right document or are not in the system. How could someone go to school, sign up to a doctor, pay utility bills and is still not found in the regularisation system, yet the same people could be found in any system to pay such bills. For the few ones who could afford financial and legal tussles, fought for their papers and their families’ which avert them from being deported. Unfortunately, so many people fell prey to this unexplainable circumstance. Most of them Jamaicans and others from the Caribbean Islands were sent back to their ‘unknown’ countries on grounds of illegal migrants. These people ended up experiencing great deal of prejudice and hardship on the account of their colour and heritage. It is a moment we celebrate now not because of the dark side of the history it writes but in appreciation of their efforts, strides and resilience that avails us many privileges we enjoy today not just as black people but as children of humanity such as the NHS, reliable transport system and industrial developments. It is against this backdrop that June 22 is set aside to commemorate the Windrush history now called Windrush Day. We also celebrate this day to strengthen the enlightenment of the generation and to celebrate how far we have come and forge a brighter future for the younger generation. The city of Derby became home to many influential people and organisations of the Windrush generation heritage, and they continue to occupy pivotal roles in the development of the city. Among them include Professor Cecile Wright, Lloyd George Newby – MBE, Derby Windrush Action Group. This year’s commemoration of Windrush Day marks the 5th anniversary since its inception. On Windrush Day celebration, salient issues are highlighted such as the legacy, racial inequality, segregation as well as building the future for the future generation.