Ahead of Windrush Day on 22 June, 30 projects have received
funding to celebrate the Windrush Generation and their
descendants.
- The money will support community-led initiatives across
England to take place this summer, creating more opportunities
for people to learn about and commemorate their contribution to
the UK
- An array of projects will receive a share of £500,000 funding
to support their activities in celebration of Windrush Day
Thirty groups have been awarded a share of a £500,000 funding pot
dedicated to supporting organisations and projects that
commemorate, celebrate and educate people on the contribution of
the Windrush Generation.
Funding will support projects to deliver an array of events
across the country on National Windrush Day, 22 June, that will
engage with people across generations to celebrate the legacy of
the Windrush Generation and their descendants and the significant
contributions they've made to the UK's social, economic and
cultural life.
The funding will support organisations in delivering their
projects, helping towards our Plan for Change mission of breaking
down barriers to opportunity and enhancing the education of our
young people.
Minister for Faith, said:
Our diversity is a great strength of our country, and the
Windrush Generation has been fundamental in creating the Britain
we have today.
Their contributions are vast and broad, extending into all
aspects of life, and I'm grateful to all the wonderful
organisations we've funded this year for their hard work to
celebrate their legacy and keep the Windrush memory alive.
We're on a mission to break down barriers to opportunity through
our Plan for Change and this funding is crucial in helping
organisations continue with their incredible work and in
supporting the education of our young people on such a vital part
of our country's history.
Among the many organisations being funded is theatre and arts
company Sudden Productions in Birmingham that is bringing older
members of the Windrush generation together with African
Caribbean Artists to revive songs that bring their memories of
Windrush to life. In doing so, they will work together to devise
a one-man show, My Songs of Windrush.
Another, production company Inspiring Audio in South East London,
is working with radio station Fun Kids to create a unique three
week radio station for children that celebrates Caribbean music
while educating the younger generation on the contributions of
the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
Gregory Watson, director at Inspiring Audio said:
Inspiring Audio is very excited to have been awarded a Windrush
Day Grant to create a special radio station – ‘Fun Kids Windrush'
– which will give children a unique opportunity to learn about
the arrival and contribution of the Windrush generation and its
descendants, and celebrate the sound of the Caribbean – from
calypso and soca to steel pan and reggae.
Between the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 and 1971,
thousands of people from the Caribbean, including Jamaica,
Trinidad, St Lucia, Grenada and Barbados, arrived in the UK to
support the county in rebuilding after World War II. In coming to
the UK, they helped to rebuild Britain by filling the significant
labour shortage as a result of the loss of life during the war.
Many had also contributed to the war effort too and were veterans
themselves, having bravely answered the call to support the
British Armed Forces.
Since then, they and their descendants have become leaders and
entrepreneurs, nurses and doctors, musicians and athletes –
contributing to and enhancing every aspect of our national life
to make Britain what it is today.
This year saw a record number of applicants to the Windrush Day
Grant Scheme, reflecting the enthusiasm in communities across the
country to celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation and
ensure generations to come are able to learn about the
significant contributions they have had to our national life.
A full list of projects supported by the Windrush Day Grant
Scheme can be found here.
Notes to editors:
- Since the Windrush Day Grant Scheme began seven years ago,
268 projects have been funded by a total £3.75m.
