What is Windrush Lincoln?
98.5% of Lincolnshire’s population is white. The Windrush Lincoln programme is the opportunity to engage with, and acknowledge the contribution of Windrush and its children, with the greater Lincolnshire residents.
The county has significant historical connections with migration. The Windrush story being seen as the first movement of mass migration to the UK resonates with many of Lincolnshire’s residents.
Tell me more about Windrush
MV Empire Windrush arrived at the Port of Tilbury on 21 June 1948 and its passengers disembarked a day later. The ship carried several hundred Caribbean migrants, many of them veterans of the Second World War. Since then, the Windrush has come to symbolise the first movement of mass migration to the United Kingdom in the post-war era.
2020 marks the 72nd anniversary of MV Empire Windrush’s arrival. This generation, subsequent migrants, and their descendants have made a significant contribution to our nation’s cultural, social and economic life.
What can I expect to see
produced for Windrush Lincoln?
During October 2020 the UK Celebrates Black History Month. This website will be the portal to engage with Windrush Lincoln. You'll see activities such as;
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Commissioned monologues in the form of letters to and from England and the Caribbean in the 1950s and 1960s
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A new composition by Ayanna Witter-Johnson
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Personal testimonials from amongst others, David Lammy MP, Catherine Ross, Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, Patrick Vernon OBE, Kimberley Mackintosh and RAF pilot and Lincoln-based Sidney Mcfarlane, along with his son Colin Mcfarlane
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Children and young people from the UK's leading youth journalism programme, The Young Journalist Academy, will research, interview the ‘children of Windrush’ and file news stories
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A tree-planting ceremony at the University of Lincoln
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A suite of downloadable learning and educational resources inspired by the commissioned work.
The Rt Hon David Lammy MP
The Rt Hon David Lammy MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for Tottenham (since 2000).
David is one of Parliament's most prominent campaigners for social justice. David is also a regular contributor to national newspapers and publications including The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, New Statesman and others, and appears regularly on television and radio.
He recorded this special message for Windrush Lincoln.
MV Empire Windrush, best known for the arrival of West Indian immigrants at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948. Alamy.
Empire Windrush packed with West Indian immigrants on arrival at the Port of Tilbury on the River Thames. Alamy.
Women dressed to remember the contributions of the Windrush generation taking part in Acton Carnival 2019. Alamy.
MV Empire Windrush, best known for the arrival of West Indian immigrants at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948. Alamy.
"We’re all British – this is a multi-ethnic country with a long history. I will continue to assert the rights of British citizens because no one should be disqualified from owning their identity no matter what their skin colour."
Rt Hon David Lammy MP
How do I find out more?
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