Windrush Day
June 22, Sunday
Historical context
On June 22, 1948, the ship HMT Empire Windrush arrived at the port of Tilbury in Essex, carrying about 500 citizens from Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and others. This event became a symbolic beginning of mass migration to the UK from the British Commonwealth.
Purpose and significance of the holiday
Windrush Day was established in 2018 by the UK government to:
* recognize the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to British society, economy, and culture;
* honor the memory of those who faced discrimination, injustice, and bureaucratic hardship due to the Windrush scandal;
* promote intercultural dialogue and respect for diversity.
Festive events
On this day, various events take place across the country, including:
* concerts and cultural festivals;
* exhibitions about migration and the history of the Afro-Caribbean community;
* educational seminars and school lessons;
* ceremonies honoring and thanking members of the Windrush generation.
The Windrush scandal
Since the 2010s, cases emerged where members of the Windrush generation and their descendants were classified as "illegal immigrants" despite living in the UK for decades. This led to loss of employment, denial of medical care, deportations, and ruined lives. Windrush Day also serves as a reminder of the need for fair treatment of migrants.