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- Archive 2019
- 2015 Elections: 11 new BME MP’s make history
- 70th Anniversary of the Partition of India
- Black Church Manifesto Questionnaire
- Brett Bailey: Exhibit B
- Briefing Paper: Ethnic Minorities in Politics and Public Life
- Civil Rights Leader Ratna Lachman dies
- ELLE Magazine: Young, Gifted, and Black
- External Jobs
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- Gary Younge Book Sale
- George Osborne's budget increases racial disadvantage
- Goldsmiths Students' Union External Trustee
- International Commissioners condemn the appalling murder of Tyre Nichols
- Iqbal Wahhab OBE empowers Togo prisoners
- Job Vacancy: Head of Campaigns and Communications
- Media and Public Relations Officer for Jean Lambert MEP (full-time)
- Number 10 statement - race disparity unit
- Pathway to Success 2022
- Please donate £10 or more
- Rashan Charles had no Illegal Drugs
- Serena Williams: Black women should demand equal pay
- Thank you for your donation
- The Colour of Power 2021
- The Power of Poetry
- The UK election voter registration countdown begins now
- Volunteering roles at Community Alliance Lewisham (CAL)
Windrush Day - An iconic political landmark
Calls to make Windrush Day a national holiday
Last Sunday, June 22nd was Windrush Day and was marked in Brixton by a special gathering at Windrush Square. The event began with a two-minute silence which was observed to show respect for migrants who lost their lives in World War 1 & 2. Many notable individuals attended the event to show support for this significant anniversary in Black British history.
Speakers included Councillor Adedamola Amina, the Mayor of Lambeth, Sam King MBE and Chuka Umunna MP. Speaking to OBV exclusively, Umunna emphasised the importance of Windrush Day saying:
The arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks sixty six years ago was an iconic moment in the history of our Islands. Those nearly five hundred people who came to Britain on the Windrush came to make their contribution to the rebuilding of our country, and in doing so they built a better life for themselves and for Britain and enriched the country we live in today.”
The Windrush itself is viewed as an iconic and monumental figure as it marks a significant period where BME migrants came to British shores. The celebration of the 66th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush was seen as the chance to transcend differences in ethnicity and faith, whilst acknowledging the contributions Black and Asian communities have made and continue to make to British life.
Many believe that Windrush Day should become an annual celebration, a national holiday and a petition is now circulating which has been signed by a number of senior leaders including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, Rt. Hon. Diane Abbott MP, Rt. Hon Sadiq Khan MP, Dame Tessa Jowell, Linton Kwesi Johnson and Rudolph Walker OBE .
Umunna said:
I believe we should celebrate the anniversary of that arrival every year – to celebrate the fantastic achievements that have come in Britain from the successful integration of so many diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages and religions into our country. This is why I am backing the movement to hold this celebration every year and why I was so honoured to speak in Brixton this year on the anniversary and especially to hear the testimony of one of the original Windrush pioneers, Sam King.”
With the event heralded as a success due to its recognition of the unsung heroes of BME communities, it remains to be seen whether next year’s event will be the first of many official Windrush Day celebrations.
Want to sign the petition? Information can be found here:
Adam Sinclair Charles