Windrush generation commemorated in new Warwickshire exhibition

Warwickshire’s Windrush migrants have been celebrated in a new exhibition, which coincided with June’s Windrush Day.

The Day marks the anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush arriving on British shores in Essex, which took place 75 years ago.

The ship carried more than 1000 migrants who took up work during Britain’s post-war recovery period.

Hundreds of thousands more followed in subsequent decades, many of whom moved to the Midlands.

Backed by the Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP), an anti-discrimination charity, 75 items have been collated as part of a long-term exhibition project. They will tour libraries and be included in a celebratory event later this year.

Commenting on the exhibition, EQuiP Chief Executive Junaid Hussain said: “We are delighted to have been supported by the Big Lottery to support our Windrush in Warwickshire 75 celebrations.”

Residents from the Windrush generation and their descendants are invited to share their words, experiences, and items relating to their culture

–Junaid Hussain, EQuiP Chief Executive

“Residents from the Windrush generation and their descendants are invited to share their words, experiences, and items relating to their culture. 75 items is our aim, and they can be anything that is significant, important, and relevant to each person involved whether a story, photo or object.”

“In 2021 we commissioned a video which is still available on our YouTube page called ‘Stories of the Windrush Generation’ based on Warwickshire resident’s experiences and this new project will build on that.”

“Alongside working with established community groups, I am very pleased to be working so closely with Warwickshire’s County Records Office and the Warwickshire Libraries on developing and showing this exhibition”.

EQuiP also aims to use the materials gathered in school curriculum training programs to support future learning.

The project follows similar attempts in the West Midlands to mark Windrush Day and honour the Windrush generation, with events having taken place in Birmingham, Coventry, and Leicester in recent weeks.

Anyone who wishes to contribute materials is encouraged to contact the organisation.