Discover more about Windrush Day
Windrush Day is on June 22 each year. This marks the day when, in 1948, at least 492 Caribbean people were brought to England on a ship named the Windrush Empire.
In the subsequent years, Britain encouraged many more Caribbean people to come to the country. On this day, we pay our respects to the important contribution these people and their children have made to the British economy and culture.
By the end of World War 2, Britain was in desperate need to recover and repair, both in terms of its physical infrastructure and economically. It was soon found that the country didn't have enough people able and/or willing to work traditional labouring jobs involving the production of steel, iron, coal, and food.
There were also staff shortages in the newly founded NHS, and in the transport sector. The Windrush Generation were brought to the country to help relieve this labour shortage.
The British government continued to invite and encourage Caribbean people to come to Britain to take up unfilled jobs up until 1973. The term 'Windrush Generation' refers to any Caribbean people who arrived in Britain during this period stretching from 1948 to 1973.
The Windrush Generation made an enormous contribution to Britain, both by working in demanding and essential jobs, and by enriching the country's arts and culture.
They made a particularly important impact on Britain's musical legacy, introducing the country to a wide range of musical styles and genres that were previously not very well known in Britain.
This included jazz, blues, gospel, ska, reggae, and calypso music. The influence this had on the British music scene can still be felt today.
Here are a range of resources and examples of some of the books available from the academy library if you would like to find out more about the Windrush Generation and their important contribution to Britain’s economy and culture.
Benjamin Zephaniah on new book Windrush Child: 'We have to learn from the past' | BookTrust
Benjamin Zephaniah's new book: Windrush Child - CBBC Newsround
How the Windrush Generation transformed British arts and culture - BBC Bitesize
Windrush: Statue design chosen for Waterloo Station - CBBC Newsround
Windrush Day 2021: Celebrations and storytelling - CBBC Newsround