Windrush 75
Pictured: GRE Windrush 75 cultural showcase, exhibition and book launch event
The University of Greenwich, in collaboration with the local Greenwich community, hosted "GRE Windrush 75: Connecting Generations", a series of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation's arrival in the UK.
This milestone celebrated the rich heritage and contributions of the Windrush generation while fostering a deeper understanding among participants, including university staff, students, and local residents. We pay tribute to the spirit of the Windrush generation within our Greenwich community and how they have connected generations through their enduring stories of resilience and unity.
Honouring the Windrush legacy: Thanksgiving and flag raising service
The first event, held at the university's Greenwich campus, commenced on the 21st June with a moving tribute to the Windrush pioneers. Attendees were reminded of the challenges and resilience of those who came to rebuild Britain, and their legacy in shaping the nation's culture, society, and institutions.
Contributions included readings by Dr Myrtle Emmanuel and Donald Hall (Caribbean Social Forum member), musical solo by Anthony Emmanuel, worship renditions sang by The Rose Gold Choir and St Ursula’s Convent School. The service was presided over by Rev Liz Newman and concluded with Bishop Euston Copeland’s powerful message of hope, renewal and blessing for future Windrush descendants.
Bishop Euston Copeland also led the flag raising service with prayers and a heartfelt Windrush pledge followed by a two-minute silence. In closing, we sang Caribbean songs led by the choirs and with attendees from the university and community partner organisations Caribbean Social Forum and Beyond Iyanola.
A cultural showcase, exhibition and book launch
This event aimed to tell the varied stories of the Windrush generation, highlighting cross-sections of Caribbean life. A vibrant cultural showcase featuring traditional Caribbean music, dance performances, and art exhibitions added a festive and celebratory touch to the event. Attendees were treated to a visual, auditory and gustatory journey through Caribbean culture where music, dance, cuisine, and art from the Caribbean region were on full display.
This encouraged intercultural exchanges and fostered a sense of unity among attendees from all walks of life. The event closed with a book launched by Paterson Joseph (actor, author and poet) on ‘The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho’. Joseph brought the legend of the young Sancho to life through his vivid, verbal imagination and dramatic readings.
Pictured: Windrush Flag raising event at the University of Greenwich
➤ As part of Windrush Day at Greenwich, Paterson Joseph made a guest appearance to launch his new book, 'The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho'.
Born into slavery, Charles Ignatius Sancho became a writer, composer, merchant and voter. In a winning first novel, Paterson Joseph conjures his voice and his world.
Windrush film screening
In July, the University of Greenwich and our community partners held a Windrush film screening and panel discussion at the Greenwich Picture House. The film, 'Shantaye’s World', produced by Iyanola Pictures and directed by Mathurine Emmanuel is a story of love, racial prejudice, resilience and the reassuring power of cultural tradition. The film also presents a vivid representation of the experience of Caribbean people and their struggles and challenges in Britain.
Following the film screening, a panel of esteemed guests brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise on Caribbean history, culture, and social issues. Discussion included the challenges faced by the Caribbean diaspora, the significance of Caribbean cultural expression, and the ongoing efforts to promote and celebrate Caribbean heritage in the UK.
The event concluded with a pledge to continue supporting initiatives that promote cultural diversity, inclusivity, and education.
We would like to extend our thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for sponsoring this event.
Gratitude to sponsors and attendees: Making special events remarkable
Our heartfelt thanks to sponsors, The National Lottery Community Fund and the Centre of Research & Employment at Work, and community partners, Caribbean Social Forum, Everyone’s A Singer, Beyond Iyanola, and Iyanola Pictures, for their invaluable contributions, ensuring the success of these special events.
Gratitude to all attendees for making these occasions memorable. Your support has been instrumental in making these initiatives remarkable. We truly appreciate your participation and hope you enjoyed the events as much as we did! Thank you for being part of these meaningful gatherings.
Pictured: Windrush film screening and panel discussion event
Join the Global Majority Alumni Community!
In the new year (2024), the Alumni and Fundraising team will be launching the Global Majority Alumni Community (GMAC) where we open the floor to the varied and diverse voices of our alumni community. Driven by the values of the university (inclusive, collaborative, and impactful), the space will highlight and celebrate our global majority alumni as well as enable action that is informed by alumni experience.
We want to be specific and supportive of the individual and circumstance, as the student experience of different ethnic groups differ from one another as well as differ from the white student experience.
Why are we using Global Majority – and what does this mean for me?
The Alumni and Fundraising Team want to celebrate our different cultural histories and individual identities and we believe the term ‘global majority’ better reflects society as well as shifting the narrative from existing narratives.
Email Carmen Tsang at Carmen.Tsang@greenwich.ac.uk if you have any questions or are interested in joining this community.
Carmen Tsang
Alumni and Fundraising Coordinator
Marketing and External Relations
