Windrush Day is a commemoration of the migrant contributions to the post-war UK economy. It specifically honours the Caribbean people who were invited to Britain to help rebuild the country after WW2. Having received an invitation from the British Government, on behalf of the King, many Caribbean people responded positively to the invitation and journeyed over 4,000 miles to England.
They began arriving on the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. News reports at the time reported that the number of people was 492, but the ship's records show that the ship was carrying 1,027 passengers.
‘The expectations of many Windrushers that they would be welcomed with open arms in the country they had been invited to by the King soon came face to face with a different reality’. The Windrush experience expressed in music - from 1948 to 2022 - Black History Month 2024
The first African-Caribbean immigrants in the United Kingdom were faced with extreme intolerance from many in the white population, they experienced racism in school, at work and on the streets. Despite being encouraged to settle in the UK and take up employment to help repair the damaged economy, many early immigrants were denied access to private employment and accommodation because of the colour of their skin. Black people were also banned from many pubs, clubs, and even churches.
In 2018 it was announced that Windrush Day would be celebrated annually on 22nd June. The purpose of the day is to recognise the contributions made by the Windrush generation and their ancestors, to keep their legacy alive and to honour the diversity of Britain’s History.
For more information on Race Equality work at the University of Sussex, you can access our Race Equality Application and Action plan.
You can also read our Anti-Racist Pledge.
The University’s Ethnic Minority Staff Network is for all staff who define themselves as belonging to a minority ethnic group. The network re-launched in early in 2022 and meets termly. If you would like to be a part of the network, please email EMSN-staff@sussex.ac.uk to sign up.