Black History Month – The Windrush Generation with Jo Soor
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 14 Oct 2021 in Raising Awareness
October is Black History Month, the annual commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions of black people in the UK. Read our colleague story today from Jo Soor who focuses on the topic of the ‘Windrush’ generation. Take it away Jo...
Hi, My name is Jo Soor and I work in Property Compliance. I’ve worked for Midcounties for just over 10 years now and I am delighted to be part of Black History Month with my chosen topic of “Windrush.”
So why have I chosen to talk about Windrush? Well I wanted to dedicate this to my late father-in-law who was one of the 1st Jamaicans to board the Ship “Empire Windrush” and come to England in 1948, he often talked about his experiences which used to totally fascinate me.
I am from a very diverse family, with connections in Africa, India and Jamaica. I personally came from Africa to England in 1972 at the ripe old age of only 6 where like most Jamaicans left the countries they were born in, their cultures, their way of life and most of all THE SUN to make a better life for themselves and their children.
Not many of my English friends I talk to know about how and why immigrants came to England and what invaluable service they provided in re-building Britain after the devastation World War II caused.
So rather than me writing a long essay on it, what better way to show you than for you to watch a video, which shows what Jamaica was like back in the day, what Jamaicans endured and the hard work they put into this Country. For some people, parts of the video may be hard to watch but black history is a very controversial topic, click here to watch the video.
1) Did you know that there is a square in London named after Windrush? Located in Brixton's central square. It's at the heart of the area and is a venue for local events.
2) Did you know that among the Windrush passengers was Sam Beaver King, who was travelling to the UK to rejoin the RAF? He would later become part of London's West Indian community that would be the precursor to found the world-famous, Notting Hill Carnival.
3) Lord Kitchener, the King of Calypso (Trinidad)
Better known by his stage name, 'Lord Kitchener', Aldwyn Roberts was a regular presence on BBC Radio within two years of arriving in the UK, immediately building a vast following in the expatriate community of the West Indian islands, who saw themselves in his lyrics about home. His live performances were in huge demand in the UK and the US after his song London Is the Place For Me, written during his journey from Jamaica, became a hit. Lord Kitchener’s Calypso tunes would remain an important influence in British jazz for generations to come. There are many of his songs today but my favourite is Wife & Mother – I find it hilarious!
We would like to hear from you!
If you would like to share your story this month get in touch with embraceworkinggroup@midcounties.coop. Let us know what you’re Proud To Be, your experience within the local community and what it’s like being an ethnic minority working for Your Co-op. Your views are important to all of us, as they can help us continue to build a better society.