The Windrush generation of Nottingham will come together this week as the city marks the 70th Anniversary of their arrival in Britain from the Caribbean.
Guests from the African Caribbean community have been invited to a Civic Reception Tea Party at the Council House in Old Market Square on Friday 22 June for an afternoon of celebration, remembrance and friendship.
June 22 marks the 70th anniversary of the landing of SS Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948 carrying passengers from the Caribbean; they were invited by Britain to assist with post war reconstruction.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Liaqat Ali and the Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Catherine Arnold, will be hosting the event, alongside Stella Vision Productions and the council’s Community Engagement Equalities Team.
Sophia Ramcharan, the event founder and organiser said: “My grandparents are of the Windrush generation from Jamaica and I’m very proud of their accomplishments. I am delighted that the Windrush Anniversary Tea Party is able to take place in partnership with the council and our community partners.
“The Windrush generation has enriched the fabric of British culture, their contribution to post-war Britain has been incredibly significant. I felt it was important to show appreciation and to honour the Windrush pioneers and mark the occasion with a prestigious event to celebrate the diversity of Britain’s history.”
Councillor Toby Neal, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “We are delighted to come together show our appreciation and honour the Windrush generation. Our shared purpose is to empower people to come together, making neighbourhoods and communities stronger, championing equalities, fairness and inclusion. It is important to keep the legacy alive for future generations and celebrate this vital part of shared history and heritage.”
The British Government has declared June 22 as National Windrush Day, to celebrate the contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants every year.
Supported by; Stella Vision Productions, Nottingham City Council, Nubin Link, Asda, Tesco, D-Link, Freight, Nottingham Black Archive, Mitchell Soul Food store, Althea Tomlin Organic Skin Care, Mr Nibbles and Boots Pharmacy