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Today (June 22) marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival in Britain of the ship, HMT Empire Windrush.
The vessel carried more than 1000 passengers from Caribbean countries who moved to Britain to help fill post-war labour shortages.
Among the Windrush generation, as it has become known, is the University Chancellor Sir Geoff Palmer who moved from Jamaica at just 14 to join his mother in the UK. Sir Geoff is a champion of human rights and continues to challenge ongoing discrimination and conditions endured by those affected.
It’s important the legacy of the Windrush generation is never forgotten and that their stories continue to shape our collective narrative for generations to come
To mark today’s historic milestone, a BBC documentary airs on BBC Two this evening that details the experiences of Sir Geoff and others. It will show Sir Geoff as one of 10 members of the Windrush generation honoured by The King with specially commissioned portraits. The artworks will be entered into the Royal Collection and stand as a lasting memorial to all the men, women and children who came to help rebuild a country devastated by war.
Sir Geoff spoke about the societal importance of this honour saying: “It’s very significant that The King is going to put representations of people of the Windrush Generation in the Royal Collection. It’s an acknowledgement of our history. It’s an acknowledgement that we are the same people from the past who wouldn’t have their portrait put up in this way. And the very fact that our portrait is being put up in Buckingham Palace, in the Royal Collection, to me, that reflects an understanding that we are one humanity, nothing less. And we’ve always been that.”
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, expressed his pride for Sir Geoff and for his incredible fortitude that eventually led him to become Scotland’s first black professor.
He continued: “Sir Geoff is an inspiration to this University having travelled from Jamaica to the UK as a very young boy and eventually becoming Scotland’s first black Professor. His vision and leadership qualities are unquestionable, and he remains an advocate for human rights and equality. A fact underlined by his ongoing support for our Black Voices Project, which encourages more Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) students to this University and ensure a positive experience regardless of ethnicity.
“It’s important the legacy of the Windrush generation is never forgotten and that their stories continue to shape our collective narrative for generations to come.”