This milestone event celebrated the rich heritage and contributions of the Windrush generation while fostering a deeper understanding among participants, including university staff, students, and local residents. This post-events article pays tribute to the spirit of the Windrush generation within our community of Greenwich and how they have connected generations through their enduring stories of resilience and unity.
Honouring the Windrush Legacy with a Thanksgiving & Flag Raising Service
The event, held at the university's Greenwich campus, commenced on the 21st June with a moving tribute to the Windrush pioneers. Attendees were reminded of the challenges and resilience of those who came to rebuild Britain, and their legacy in shaping the nation's culture, society, and institutions.
Contributions included readings by Dr Myrtle Emmanuel and Donald Hall (Caribbean Social Forum member), musical solo by Anthony Emmanuel, worship renditions sang by The Rose Gold Choir and St Ursula’s Convent School. The service was presided over by Rev Liz Newman and concluded with Bishop Euston Copeland’s powerful message of hope, renewal and blessing for future Windrush descendants.
Bishop Euston Copeland also led the Flag Raising Service with prayers and a heartfelt Windrush pledge followed by a two-minute silence. In closing, we sang Caribbean songs led by the choirs and with attendees from the university and community partner organisations Caribbean Social Forum and Beyond Iyanola.
A Cultural Showcase, Exhibition & Book Launch
This event aimed to tell the varied stories of the Windrush Generation, highlighting cross-sections of Caribbean life. A vibrant cultural showcase featuring traditional Caribbean music, dance performances, and art exhibitions added a festive and celebratory touch to the event. Attendees were treated to a visual, auditory and gustatory journey through Caribbean culture where music, dance, cuisine, and art from the Caribbean region were on full display.
This encouraged intercultural exchanges and fostered a sense of unity among attendees from all walks of life. The event closed with a book launched by Paterson Joseph (actor, author and poet) on ‘The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho’. Joseph brought the legend of the young Sancho to life through his vivid, verbal imagination and dramatic readings.
Film Screening
In July, the University of Greenwich and our community partners held a Windrush Film Screening and Panel Discussion at the Greenwich Picture House. The film, Shantaye’s World, produced by Iyanola Pictures and directed by Mathurine Emmanuel (in attendance) is a story of love, racial prejudice, resilience and the reassuring power of cultural tradition. The film also presents a vivid representation of the experience of Caribbean people and their struggles and challenges in Britain.
Following the film screening, a distinguished panel of esteemed guests brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise on Caribbean history, culture, and social issues. Discussion included the challenges faced by the Caribbean diaspora, the significance of Caribbean cultural expression, and the ongoing efforts to promote and celebrate Caribbean heritage in the UK.
The event concluded with a pledge to continue supporting initiatives that promote cultural diversity, inclusivity, and education.
We would like to extend our thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for sponsoring this event.
GRE Windrush 75: Connecting Generations
To conclude "GRE Windrush 75: Connecting Generations" was not only a commemoration of the past but also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between diverse communities and inspire a more inclusive future. By honouring the Windrush generation's legacy and fostering intergenerational understanding, the event demonstrated the power of unity, education, and celebration in building a harmonious society.
The University of Greenwich and the local Greenwich community have taken a significant step forward in embracing their shared heritage and reaffirming their commitment to diversity and unity. More importantly, the events served as a reminder of the importance of connecting generations, learning from history, and embracing diversity. The legacy of the Windrush generation will forever serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the remarkable power of strength, perseverance, courage and determination.
Gratitude to Sponsors and Attendees: Making Special Events Remarkable
Our heartfelt thanks to sponsors, The National Lottery Community Fund and the Centre of Research & Employment at Work, and community partners, Caribbean Social Forum, Everyone’s A Singer, Beyond Iyanola, and Iyanola Pictures, for their invaluable contributions, ensuring the success of these special events.
Gratitude to all attendees for making these occasions memorable. Your support has been instrumental in making these initiatives remarkable. We truly appreciate your participation and hope you enjoyed the events as much as we did! Thank you for being part of these meaningful gatherings.
Thank you to Dr Myrtle Emmanuel, Senior Lecturer in HRM and RDI Race Business Partner, for writing this article.
