Black in the Day: Children of the Windrush Generation

Open during Coventry Archives opening hours
Wednesday – Friday: 10.30am – 3.30pm

2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the arrival of around 492 Caribbean men and women on the MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, London on 22 June 1948.  This is a redisplay and extension of the Coming to Coventy display presented during the summer, to mark Black History Month.

Credit to Maureen Cottle for all images and biographies included in the display.

The display is located in the Coventry Archives

The aftermath of the war meant that many urban areas of the UK were left devastated after the second World War. Following a successful British government labor recruitment campaign to attract skilled workers from the Caribbean to help rebuild the ‘mother country.'   This presented an opportunity for Caribbean communities to improve their economic status and  therefore individuals sought better prospects for themselves and their families in the  UK.   This is of historical importance given the evolving relationship with the British Empire since 1625. (however, the African presence in Britain dates as far back as Hadrian’s wall) .

The arrival of the ship MV Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948, is widely considered the landmark of post-war mass migration to Britain. Our archive and local studies collections reflect the Caribbean and African community within Coventry and their contribution.  Come and discover more about the individuals who ‘came to Coventry’ during the Windrush generation [1948-1971].

This display has been created by Maureen Cottle and presented by the Coventry Archives.