75 years on – Join Speakers for Schools in celebrating the legacy of the Windrush generation
National Windrush Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush in the UK. This year’s celebrations are particularly symbolic given that they mark 75 years since the arrival of the Windrush Generation. Overcoming great sacrifice and hardship, the Windrush Generation and their descendants have gone on to lead the field across public life, in business, the arts, sport and more.
To celebrate Windrush 75 in schools across the country, we are teaming up with The Windrush Commemorative Committee and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Committees (DLUHC) to organise a series of in-person and virtual talks with a host of inspirational and well-known figures connected to the Windrush generation. This includes Levi Roots – musician and celebrity chef; Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE– leading mathematician; and Paterson Joseph – actor and author.
Why is it important to celebrate the Windrush generation?
People from the Windrush generation have had a profound impact on modern Britain and are the fore parents of many of today’s British citizens. From the 1940s through to the present day, their Caribbean heritage has influenced music, food, fashion, and culture, and will continue to shape Britain for future generations.
How is Speakers for Schools celebrating Windrush 75?
To mark this special occasion and help educate young people from schools across the country about the Windrush generation, Speakers for Schools has organised a series of in-person and virtual talks in partnership with DLUHC featuring a host of inspirational and well-known figures connected to the Windrush generation.
When will this talk series take place and who is taking part?
Starting on the 22nd of June 2023, this talk series will see an impressive line-up of guest speakers such as:
- Levi Roots, Jamaican-born musician and celebrity chef whose appearance on Dragons’ Den first introduced the nation to Reggae Reggae sauce, heralding the start of a successful career as an entrepreneur.
- Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE PhD HonDSc, leading British mathematician with four mathematical doctorates who is listed by the PowerList 2022 Top 100 Most Influential Black Person in the UK (5th year in a row) and Top 100 Most Influential BAME Leaders in the UK Tech by Inclusive Board.
- Wendy Williams CBE, the current HM Chief Inspectorate of Constabulary and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services. Wendy is committed to improving the criminal justice response to vulnerable people and has published a number of reports highlighting areas of concern.
- Marie Gabriel CBE, with over 18 years NHS Board experience and current Chair of the NHS North East London Health & Care Partnership. Marie’s honours include, Freedom of the London Borough of Newham; incorporation on the Health Service Journal’s inaugural ‘Inspirational Women’ list amongst many more.
- Paterson Joseph, English-born author, actor and star of Peep Show who is well-known for his acting roles in series such as Casualty, Law & Order and the film The Beach.
- Professor Geoff Thompson MBE DL, youth activist, humanitarian and a renowned expert in sports development and politics, five times world karate champion and Member of the Windrush Commemoration Committee.
- Basil Watson CD, Jamaican-born artist and sculptor (currently residing in the USA) whose 45-year international career includes designing and creating the newly unveiled National Windrush monument at London Waterloo station.