Windrush Scandal 5th Anniversary Candlelit Vigil

“We will always remember the Windrush generation and their descendants.”

On Thursday, 6 April 2023, at Windrush Square in Brixton there will be a gathering to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the exposing of the Windrush scandal.

The purpose of this gathering is to remember those who have been affected by the fallout from the Windrush scandal, and to offer comfort to those who have lost loved ones, whilst not forgetting the journey ahead of us in terms of the equity in social justice.

It will be a time of commemoration, remembrance, prayer, motivation, and lighting candles for justice.

The vigil will consist of campaigners, activists, advocates, victims, faith leaders, survivors & local politicians.

It is poignant that the Windrush scandal was exposed prior to Windrush 70, and at this time of Windrush 75, we are still seeking justice for the Windrush generation.

However, currently, we see the importance of coming together in order to support each other, and also to commence, that all important healing process by uplifting each other for the journey ahead.

The organisers are Patrick Vernon OBE, Windrush Lives, Friends of Windrush Square, Justice for Windrush Generations, Northampton Windrush Generation and Descendants UK, Glenda Caesar, and The Windrush National Organisation.

The Vigil will take place as follows:

Date: Thursday 6th April 2023

Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Location: Windrush Square Effra Road Brixton London SW2 1JQ

The Chair of the Friends of Windrush Square says:

“The scandal is far from over! People who have been affected by the Windrush scandal – justice has still not been done. The Home Office has failed on key promises to ‘right the wrongs’ of the scandal. We will never stop fighting for justice for the Windrush Generation.”

Bishop Desmond Jaddoo Chair if the Windrush national organisation says:

“the ongoing challenges faced by the Windrush generation commenced on 22nd June 1948 and continues today. It is time to level the playing field and ensure that the scandal that was exposed 5 years ago never happens again. This vigil will be a time of reflection, remembrance, and an opportunity not only to unite in the call for justice, but also a united front in commencing that all important healing process.”

 

“As we approach 5th anniversary of the Windrush Scandal there is no still justice or even reconciliation with the survivors,family members affected and the wider Windrush Generation to resolve one of the biggest human rights abuses and structural racism in Britain over the last 75 years since the arrival of Empire Windrush. We call on the government to implement all recommendations of Lessons Learned Review and to establish a process to transfer Windrush Compensation scheme to an independent body or agency to build confidence and fast track payments to survivors and family members.”

– Patrick Vernon OBE