October marks Black History Month, which is a time when people around the world reflect on and celebrate the lives, histories and cultures of the black community.
Throughout Black History Month 2024, a range of events, discussions, and educational activities will be taking place across the country, all focused on this year’s theme: Reclaiming Narratives.
As part of LondonWorld’s series on Black History Month we’ve taken a look at the Windrush generation and their contribution to British society.
On June 22 1948 the HMT Empire Windrush arrived in Britain, with more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean on board - the ‘Windrush generation’.
In 2018, following a campaign Windrush Day was created to celebrate the contribution Caribbean migrants and their families have made to the UK.
It is estimated that around 500,000 people living in the UK are part of the Windrush Generation, who arrived between 1948 and 1971.
In 2018, the Windrush scandal came to light, which saw at least 83 British-Caribbeans wrongly deported from the UK by the Home Office.
It was the Windrush Scandal which intensified the campaign for Windrush Day to be recognised.

1. June 22 1948: The 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica
It is estimated that around 500,000 people living in the UK are part of the Windrush Generation, who arrived between 1948 and 1971. | Getty Images

2. June 1948: Jamaican men, who arrived in Britain on HMT Empire Windrush, collect a meal in a canteen marquee on Clapham Common
For two shillings and sixpence a week they get food and a bed in a converted air-raid shelter under nearby Clapham South Underground station | Getty Images

3. June 22 1948: Hopeful Jamaican boxers arrive in the UK on the Empire Windrush
From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin | Getty Images

4. New arrivals queue up at a canteen marquee on Clapham Common to get a meal
The Windrush generation arrived not only seeking work, but also the promise of a better life in Britain. | Getty Images