BCA places the legacy of Windrush at the heart of its forthcoming programme
It's been over 70 years since the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on British shores. Though British citizens, the Windrush Generation and their descendants have had their belonging wrongly challenged.
Invited to mainland Britain to be a part of the post-war rebuilding of the nation, assured that they too were Brits, men and women of the Caribbean arrived ready to meet their fellow citizens as neighbours. Instead, they experienced racism and were ostracised, told in no uncertain terms that they were not welcome.
The Windrush Scandal of 2018 speaks to a longer narrative of racism and successive governments attempting to use legislation to define who is, or is not, British – often along the lines of race.
BCA has spent the last year advocating for the Windrush Generation. We continue to do so with the announcement of a programme dedicated to the resilience, impact and legacy of the Windrush Generation.
This programme will amplify the voices of those who lived through this case of modern-day history and will acknowledge the ongoing contribution of all those that came after.
Stories past and present, and not featured in the mainstream media, will come to life, presenting visitors with the real voices of Windrush. Learn how Windrush came to be and the true stories of a people displaced, even though Britain should have been a home from home.
This programme is not only for our communities who will uncover hidden dimensions to this familiar story. It is for all people to learn about the struggles and contributions of Black British Caribbeans - and beyond - during this time.
The programme will launch on Windrush Day (June 22) at our home, 1 Windrush Square. Along with an exhibition, we will be hosting a series of events in the weeks that follow including film screenings, book launches and panel events.
Windrush is a living history. A story that deserves to be told and understood. We hope you will visit us and join our campaign to bring the exclusion of a people to an end.
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