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.
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.
5. June 1948: Having a meal at the canteen marquee on Clapham Common
In 1948, the British Nationality Act gave people from colonies the right to live and work in Britain. The government needed workers to help fill post-war labour shortages and rebuild the economy. | Getty Images
6. May 25 1961: A man, holding 7-inch records, smokes a cigarette with another man upon his arrival in the UK
In 2018, the Windrush scandal came to light, which saw at least 83 British-Caribbeans wrongly deported from the UK by the Home Office. | Getty Images
7. Jamaican RH Smith lighting his pipe after his arrival at the Clapham Shelter in London, England, July 1 1948
Smith is among many who had travelled from Jamaica, answering the call from Britain which is suffering a labour shortage. (Photo by Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images