Patrick Vernon’s Poem Honouring Windrush Pioneers at UNIFY and NHG Cultural Energie’s Windrush Day Event
Patrick Vernon’s Poem Honouring Windrush Pioneers at UNIFY and NHG Cultural Energie’s Windrush Day Event
On Windrush Day 2025, Professor Patrick Vernon OBE FrHistS joined UNIFY Network and Notting Hill Genesis’s Cultural Energie for a commemorative event curated to honour the legacy of the Windrush Generation and inspire future change.
Held as part of the national Windrush 77 observance, the event reflected on the enduring contributions of Caribbean migrants to British society. From the NHS and transport systems to education and social housing, the Windrush Generation has helped shape the institutions that underpin daily life in Britain.
In his keynote remarks, Patrick Vernon shared insights from his longstanding advocacy to secure justice and compensation for those affected by the Windrush scandal, while also spotlighting both sung and unsung pioneers of the movement. He reiterated the vital importance of preserving these stories, particularly from older generations before they are lost to time.
As part of the programme, Professor Vernon delivered an original poem in tribute to the Windrush pioneers who have passed away. The reading served as a solemn and powerful reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of a generation whose impact continues to resonate.
About Unify Network:
UNIFY is a collective formed by people of colour working in the social housing sector to ensure that diverse voices are heard and represented. Established in 2016 by staff network groups from organisations such as Clarion, Notting Hill, Peabody, Genesis, and L&Q, UNIFY was created to address the under-representation of ethnically diverse staff. Since then, it has grown into a volunteer-led movement focused on cultural celebration, raising awareness of systemic barriers, and advocating for equity across the sector.
🎥 Watch the poem performance here