Patrick Vernon

ECA And Black Heritage Hub Came Together To Celebrate Windrush Day At Fore Street Library on June 24, 2024

About the event:
On Friday 21 June 2024, Fore Street Library in Edmonton came alive with music, poetry, and storytelling as the community gathered to celebrate Windrush Day. The event, jointly organised by Enfield Caribbean Association (ECA) and the Black Heritage Hub (BHH), brought together performances, conversations, and cultural reflections to honour the legacy of the Windrush Generation. From spoken word and song to African drumming and laughter, the evening was a vibrant tribute to resilience, heritage, and community.

Performances & Spoken Word
The evening opened with powerful performances that reflected the experiences of the Windrush Generation. Poet Belinda Everiste set the tone with her evocative piece Welcome to England, followed by poems from ECA volunteer Shirley Yoxall and bi-lingual readings in St Lucian patois and English by Dr Morgan Dalphinis. Herbie Dunnan delivered a stirring poem capturing the anger and injustice of the Windrush scandal, while dramatist Sharron Spice closed the night with a moving monologue on the life of Cislin Parry.

Music & Rhythm
Tamzin Adeshiyan-John performed a heartfelt rendition of Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come, reminding the audience of the enduring relevance of the civil rights anthem. Fifi Mensah brought the crowd together through African drumming, creating a communal rhythm that echoed the themes of unity and strength.

Reflections & Tributes
Enfield Mayor Councillor Muhammad Islam praised the Windrush Generation’s resilience in overcoming racism and helping to reshape British society. Christiania Adamu of Black Heritage Hub highlighted the often-overlooked experience of African migrants during the same period, sharing her own personal journey.

Insight from Patrick Vernon OBE
ECA Patron Professor Patrick Vernon reflected on the legacy of the Windrush Generation, the continuing injustices from the scandal, and the importance of preserving stories before they are lost. Drawing inspiration from Jimmy Cliff’s Many Rivers to Cross, Vernon reminded the audience that recognition from the community always came first, even before official acknowledgement.

Community Engagement
The event featured a lively African-Caribbean quiz, interactive stalls, and contributions from organisations including Maroon Community Media, Brent Public Health, Cancer Black Care, and Macmillan. MCM also recorded attendees’ reflections to create an upcoming audio soundscape.

The evening drew a full house. Warmth, laughter, and reflection filled the space, as attendees celebrated the pioneers who paved the way and reaffirmed a collective commitment to preserving their legacy.