A CELEBRATION of the contributions Caribbean communities have made to life in Warwickshire has been launched.
The project, launched by the county’s Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP) on Windrush Day (today, Tuesday June 22), will involve working with Caribbean communities across Warwickshire to illustrate the influences of their culture in society over the decades.
EQuIP, with the support of Warwickshire County Records Office and key community members, will hold workshops across Warwickshire to gather materials to celebrate, share and illustrate the journey, lives and stories of the Windrush Generations.
The initiative, funded by a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been designed to encourage Warwickshire’s Caribbean communities to share their stories and create a project which can be used to help educate the younger generations in schools and colleges next year.
The project, which will conclude with a final celebration in December 2021, will also provide a permanent place of reflection and inspiration and be a visible statement of shared history and heritage.
Windrush Day marks the 72nd anniversary of the arrival of around 500 Caribbean migrants at Tilbury Docks, Essex in 1948 on the HMT Empire Windrush. Over 500,000 Caribbeans living in the UK, who arrived between 1948-1971, are referred to as the ‘Windrush Generation’.
Junaid Hussain, Chief Executive of EQuIP, said: “We are delighted to work on the Windrush in Warwickshire Project with the Caribbean communities and key partners, and highlight stories from the Windrush Generation, as well as the second and third generations.
“We are keen to work with as many people regarding Windrush. If there are any individuals who would like to be a part of this project and tell their story, please get in contact with the EQuIP team.”
Sharon Foreman, Archivist at Warwickshire County Records Office, added: “Warwickshire County Record Office is very glad to be part of the Windrush in Warwickshire project.
“It is vital that we record and remember the diverse histories of all our communities, and during this anniversary year we are especially looking forward to learning more from the descendants of the Windrush generation in Warwickshire.”
Call 07377 431997, email [email protected] or visit www.equipequality.org.uk for more information, or to get involved.
