Windrush 75th Anniversary

On 22 June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK, carrying over 1,000 passengers.

The Windrush generation are the people who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971 from the Caribbean.  They were responding to a call from the UK government for people to come to the UK in response to post-war labour shortages. The Windrush generation and their descendants have made significant contributions to British society, shaping and developing the cultural landscape, economy, and various professional fields - including therapeutic practices.

The journey of the Windrush generation was not an easy one. They came to the UK with hope and optimism, but frequently faced overt racism and outright discrimination.  The British public were often unwelcoming. The same experiences were faced by those who followed over the next few decades.  Racism and discrimination still pervade our society, with black workers facing additional barriers that are often unseen by white colleagues.

We celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush because we recognise the immense contributions and resilience of individuals from the Windrush generation of 1948, the south Asian arrivals in the 1960s and 70s, and those from diverse backgrounds who continue to enrich our communities.  We celebrate, reflect and give thanks that they came.

Metanoia Institute is committed to the development of a fair and inclusive community. We stand against prejudice, discrimination and all forms of stereotyping. As an Institution, we seek to recognise, value, promote and celebrate diversity.  We understand that equality and equity can be different concepts. We accept the moral responsibility to be an inclusive, just, community.

To submit a date/event for the institute to recognise please use this form,