The Official Best Windrush Day Speakers to Hire in 2023

Windrush Day is an annual celebration which was introduced in June 2018 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Windrush migration. On this day, we recognise and thank the Windrush generation, and their families, for the contributions they have made throughout British society during its recovery from the Second World War. Alongside the celebrations, it is also a chance for us to reflect on the discrimination that this community has faced, both in the past and present.

Who Are the Windrush Generation?

The Windrush generation refers to individuals who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971 from a wide range of Caribbean countries. Having transported workers from Jamaica, Tobago, Trinidad, and other islands, the ship MV Empire Windrush travelled across seas to help fill the post-war UK labour shortages. Carrying a documented number of 492 passengers, adults and children docked in Tilbury on the 22nd of June 1948 to begin their new lives.

What Was The Windrush Scandal?

The Windrush scandal, which occurred in 2018, kickstarted the UK government’s official apology to people who were denied legal rights, wrongly detained, threatened with deportation, and wrongly deported from the UK after the migration. Despite living and working in the UK for many years, immigrants from the Windrush generation who lacked documentation were unable to continue working, utilise the NHS facilities, or even remain in the UK. In recognition of the mistakes made throughout the Windrush scandal, the government established The Windrush Compensation Scheme in 2019 which aimed to help families who had been affected by their previous actions.

How is Windrush Day Celebrated?

Windrush Day is observed annually on the 22nd of June in recognition of the MV Empire Windrush’s arrival and the wave of immigration that followed from the Caribbean countries. On this important day, we thank the contributions that the Windrush generation have made throughout British society since the migration and reflect on the discrimination they have faced as a minority ethnic group. Leading up to the event, exhibitions, church services, and cultural events will take place to educate audiences on the story behind Windrush. With a wide range of events taking place during this awareness day, a Windrush Day speaker might be the ideal addition to take your event to the next level.

Here at The Diversity & Inclusion Speakers Agency, we have selected our best Windrush Day speakers to hire for events in 2023.

The Top 10 Speakers to Hire for Windrush Day

Patrick Vernon OBE is a renowned equality campaigner and educator on Black British history, most prominently the Windrush generation. With over 20 years of experience in his field, he is a leading voice for ethnic minority communities and became the first Director of Black Thrive in 2017. As the proud Founder of 100 Great Black Britons, Patrick has utilised his career to bring heritage and family history to the forefront of society. As one of the leading campaigners for the rights of the Windrush generation, he created the Windrush Justice Fund to support individuals and families who have been affected by the Windrush scandal. An enthusiastic professional, Patrick Vernon is a popular choice for speaking engagements internationally.

Testimonial:

“Please extend our thanks to Patrick- it was a really insightful and inspirational session. We look forward to collaborating with him again in the future!”– Nina, Associate Director, Regulatory & Public Policy, Ernst & Young

Book a speaker for Windrush 75 visit Diverse & Inclusive Speakers Agency