ON THE 75th anniversary of Windrush – Cllr Carole Williams, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Windrush, celebrates the Windrush generation’s contribution to British life and calls on the government to reverse its hostile immigration policies.

‘This year marks 75 years since 500 passengers from the Caribbean arrived at Tilbury Docks on the HMT Empire Windrush. They would be the first of many who were invited by successive governments between 1948 and 1971 to relocate to Britain from their homes in Commonwealth countries, to address labour shortages.

Many residents in Hackney today are here as a result of their parents, grandparents, great grandparents or even great great grandparents making that intrepid journey. Hackney wouldn’t be the diverse and culturally rich place it is today if it wasn’t for the many people who made the borough their home. 

Many residents in Hackney today are here as a result of their parents, grandparents, great grandparents or even great great grandparents making that intrepid journey

Hackney boasts an illustrious history, and is home to trailblazers such Diane Abbot, the first Black MP and where Baroness Amos, the first Black woman to serve as a Minister in the British government and in the House of Lords, used to head up Hackney Council’s Equalities Unit. We are also home to Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the first woman appointed to the position of Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, and the first Black woman to become a Bishop in the Church of England. Hackney also boasts one of the most diverse cabinets in the country.

Hackney takes pride in its Windrush programme and public artwork, which is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Windrush generation. Notably, Hackney commissioned sculptures of Caribbean fruit and vegetables Custard Apple, Breadfruit and Soursop by artist Veronica Ryan OBE, recognised last year when she was awarded the Turner Prize. Hackney’s second public artwork, Warm Shores by sculptor Thomas J Price, features two 9ft bronze figures, was unveiled on National Windrush Day 2022 and stands proudly in Hackney Town Hall Square.

Building on these remarkable achievements, Hackney Council is embarking on a  year-long programme of events, exhibition, and workshops to mark the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush arrival. 

The spirit of the Windrush generation has undeniably enriched Britain’s cultural identity and the academic, political and professional landscape. As elected representatives, we believe that it is paramount to recognise the profound impact, as well as the broader contributions of migrant communities.

Through initiatives like our Review, Rename and Reclaim work, we strive to support, honour, and celebrate all our Black and global majority communities

Hackney has a long-cherished history of being a destination for new arrivals in the UK, nurturing a special place that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Our borough boasts a population where 7% of Hackney’s population is of Caribbean ethnicity and 11% is of African ethnicity. Hackney is believed to be home to many more individuals from other Commonwealth countries also affected by the Windrush scandal. 

Our community has left an indelible mark on every aspect of Hackney’s fabric, from public services and civic engagement, business innovation and growth, and creating jobs and cultural expressions. Hackney Council is committed to ensuring our public spaces and art reflect our community. Through initiatives like our Review, Rename and Reclaim work, we strive to support, honour, and celebrate all our Black and global majority communities, including  the thousands from the Windrush generation who have called Hackney home. 

While we champion these values at a local level, it is equally imperative for national policies to embody this commitment. Therefore, alongside the Mayor of Hackney, we have written a compelling appeal to the Home Office, urging the Government to reverse its hostile environment policies which led to the Windrush scandal. We have repeated our call to hold a public inquiry, and to learn lessons so that similar injustices cannot arise in the future for other migrant communities.

We will tirelessly advocate for these improvements and ensure eligible residents are directed to the Windrush Compensation Scheme. Our mission is to ensure that anyone impacted by the Windrush scandal is included and received the support they deserve.’