The Windrush Generation
Last Thursday, 22nd June, marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks in Essex. It is symbolic of the generation of British Commonwealth citizens from the Caribbean who came to the UK in the 40s, 50s, and 60s to help with the rebuilding of this nation after the war. Promised a warm welcome from ‘the mother country’, many were met instead by hostility and racial prejudice, even in some churches. We thank God for the courage and resilience of the Windrush generation and for the significant contribution they and their descendants have made to British society. Sadly, though racism may often be less overt than it was back in mid-20th Century, we know that it is something that continues to be seen today. Let’s continue to pray and work towards seeing a more just and inclusive society.
I know that many members of King’s were involved in different events last week to celebrate 75 years since Windrush. One of those I know about was Janett Reid, Head of Operations here at King’s, who sang in a choir at The Southbank Centre in a special event marking the Windrush anniversary. If you have not seen it yet, I’d love you to watch this interview with Janett, which was part of a diversity day put on for the Newfrontiers apostolic teams a few months ago. Janett has been a fantastic addition to the King’s team since she joined us 7 years ago, and in this interview she talks a bit about her schooling in Britain and Jamaica and what she went on to achieve in her career.
