SPECIAL events have taken place in Coventry to recognise and celebrate the vast contribution the Windrush generation has made to Britain.
Last Sunday a service was held in Coventry Cathedral Square where the guest speakers were Courtney Griffiths QC and Bishop Desmond Jadoo.
Then on Wednesday, a flag-raising ceremony took place at Coventry City Council House on Wednesday to mark 74 years since the Empire Windrush docked in the UK bringing Caribbean migrants to Britain.
The flag is raised. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2522006MMR2 copyright Bullivant Media
This is the second time the service has been performed following pressure from the Septimius Severus Organisation, the local Windrush group.
Campaigners said the move was to recognise and celebrate the vast contribution made by the Windrush generation and their descendants to Britain, which gained renewed salience after the Windrush scandal in 2018.
Jean Prescod from Septimius Severus said: “The aim is to keep Windrush alive.
“The flag raising will be a constant reminder each year on June 22 that we are an integral part of this community, we suffered long and hard and our legacy of achievement must never be forgotten, our descendants must ever be proud of the Windrush Generation”.
Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana, who has backed the campaign, said: “The Windrush generation and their descendants have made a huge contribution to Britain and Coventry specifically, from helping to build the NHS at its inception, to 2-Tone music and enriching British culture.
“After the Windrush scandal and the disgraceful treatment of this generation, it is particularly important that we recognise their contribution and send a message that Coventry celebrates everything this community has contributed and continues to contribute to our city.”
