Sandwell appealing for Windrush stories

Sandwell Council are hoping to put on displays to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Windrush.

Author: Hannah RichardsonPublished 13th Jun 2023

Sandwell Council is appealing for stories and items from those who were part of Windrush.

It's ahead of the 75th anniversary on Thursday 22 June.

Councillors are hoping to put on several displays in the local libraries to tell the story of Windrush.

Councillor Charn Singh Padda is behind the Windrush displays. He said: "They brought their culture, music, and food, and this is a celebration.

"It's to be able to tell all the children about all the challenges that people overcame and what Windrush was about.

"It's like a history lesson to tell the stories of those who were impacted directly, people's parents and grandparents who came over.

"We want to tell all the stories."

Windrush refers to the people who migrated to the UK from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971. The name is a nod to the ship on which a lot of them travelled: HMT Empire Windrush.

After World War Two, Britain encouraged people from Commonwealth countries to live and work in the UK. It was largely to help rebuild after the war as there was a shortage of labour at the time.

Royal Museums Greenwich's website states: "The Windrush's arrival has become symbolic of the generation of Commonwealth citizens who came to live in Britain between 1948 and 1971."

Windrush Day is on 22 June.

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