The Windrush Memorial

When The Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury in 1948, brought with her the hopes and dreams of 1027 Black People from Jamaica.

Life in the United Kingdom would never be the same again for The Windrush Generation, their off-springs and……White People.

This subject is relevant for me right now because my Mother is in a Care Home in Feltham. I have to catch the Train from Waterloo Station.

The Journey is approximately 40 minutes. As I go to the platform to catch my Train, I walk past a gigantic statue of a Black Family. This statue is a ostensibly a tribute to The Windrush Generation of 1948.

I mention my Mother because she is post Windrush Generation.

She came to The United Kingdom in 1962/63. Her Ship also docked in Tilbury - she was 22 years old.

She is now 83 and holding onto life in a Care Home gripped by the insidious impact of Dementia. My mother came to this country to work and create a “better life” for herself and her parents.

I am so proud of her.

She did it.🙏🏽

Today, I saw some charming ladies creating photographs by The Windrush Statue.

I introduced myself.

We spoke about The Windrush Generation. It turns out we were all born in the United Kingdom. We are second generation and fully integrated into the British way of life. I could tell that these ladies, like me, did not give up our identity as Black Caribbean People.

Charmaine asked me to create a photograph of her and her friends. I created my image of these lovely ladies.

They granted me permission to share their image on my Daily Journal.

This was a joyful moment for me because I realised I am not alone. There are Black People about from my generation who truly celebrate and honour the beauty of our culture.

This Journal entry is very timely; its Black History Month. This has been a perfect opportunity to acknowledge my Mother and The Windrush Generation for their courage, resilience, faith, dedication and ability to endure a culture not designed for their spirit.

Theyy fought and they won😢

I dedicate this entry to my Mother and those who came before her.

You made it possible for us.🙏🏽

Thanks for reading.x