Celebrating the legacy of Windrush

 

In the aftermath of World War II, Britain was in the midst of rebuilding its nation.  It called upon the help of thousands of commonwealth citizens from the Caribbean Islands, with the promise of jobs and a warm welcome. 1027 passengers boarded HMT Empire Windrush, among them were 492 Caribbean migrants, many who were veterans of the Second World War. The ship docked in Tilbury on June 21st, 1948, . Their journey was to mark the beginning of a significant chapter in British history.  Decades after their arrival, the Windrush generation's story still resonates deeply within the fabric of British society. Many of them came to Britain with the promise of better opportunities, eager to contribute to the country's post-war reconstruction efforts. They filled vital roles in sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and public services, playing an integral part in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of post-war Britain. Despite being commonwealth citizens, many  grappled with institutional barriers that sought to undermine their rights and dignity.  

We have collated a selection of books to mark this 76th anniversary of the arrival to Britain of the Windrush generation.