The Windrush Generation is named after HMT Empire Windrush ship which landed on 22 June 1948 bringing Caribbean migrants to the UK. Many of the arrivals spent their first month in rented lodgings in the deep shelter underneath Clapham South Tube station before settling in Brixton, the site of the nearest labour exchange.
This established Lambeth as the first home of the Windrush Generation who, alongside their descendants, have made a huge contribution to the borough in the fields of public service, especially the NHS, as well as music, culture and the wider economy.
To share, highlight and continue this legacy around the theme of ‘Passing the Baton’ the council is partnering with the Brixton Project and Bureau of Silly Ideas, who will lead events in Windrush Square, Brixton, on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm.
It will be an afternoon of intergenerational storytelling, performances and family activities. Local people are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy a day of cultural experiences, community bonding and a message of hope and unity.
On Sunday The Friends of Windrush Square will be holding its annual Big Caribbean lunch from 12pm to 7pm. The event will bring together elders from the Windrush Generation, and their descendants, for food, music, fun and storytelling.
Bayo Dosunmu, the Chief Executive of Lambeth Council, said: “We were the first home of the Windrush Generation and have built a proud tradition of marking Windrush Day, particularly on the 75th anniversary when we had a huge celebration and commemoration.
“For this year’s 76th anniversary we are continuing that tradition by engaging with our communities, coming together to share stories and taking the time to learn more about our shared histories.”
Further events are planned for June into July at the Black Cultural Archives which is also in Windrush Square, Brixton and is the home of Black British History in the UK.
