Windrush Community Day 2024
On 22 June 2024, we hosted a Windrush Community Day at Hove Museum of Creativity to celebrate the stories of people who answered Britain’s call for help to rebuild after the war.
The Jaipur Gate, commissioned in 1886 for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition held in South Kensington, provided a perfect backdrop to the metallic melodies of the Pantasy Steel Band. Visitors relaxed on the lawns in the sunshine enjoying the captivating fusions of rhythm and harmony.
Archival Artist Pauline Rutter provided photos from the Windrush era for a display area. We were especially delighted to be joined on the day by Shirley Williams, who features in one of the photographs. She came with her husband Bert Williams MBE who helps to run the Brighton & Hove Black History group.
There were arts and crafts activities, outdoor games, face painting and a Windrush Zine-making workshop led by local multi-disciplinary artist Erin James.
People shared their stories of migrating to Sussex, which are currently being collected for a digital archive at Brighton & Hove Museums. A local primary teacher brought along her grandfather’s Sea Arrival Card and a photo of him on board HMT Empire Windrush – we could see a strong family resemblance!
If you would like to contribute your family’s story of migration, please email culturechange@rpmt.org.uk.
