SWBH Celebrates & Commemorates 70 Years of Windrush

July 4, 2018

Blog written by Donna Mighty, Co-Chair of the BME Staff Network.

Windrush Tea Party 2018

After 3 months of planning, Saturday 16th June the day we had been waiting for had finally arrived……

Following the success of our Black History Month party in October 2017, the BME Staff Network were keen to host a Windrush Tea Party to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Windrush generation arriving at Tilbury Docks, Essex on 22nd June 1948.

It is no coincidence that the Windrush generation and our NHS celebrate their 70th Birthday within weeks of each other. The Windrush generation answered the call from the motherland to help rebuild post-war Britain. We are grateful for their contribution to British Society and our National Health Service. The Tea Party was a thanksgiving event and celebration of our nurses – retired and present.

Our host for the day was the fabulous Des Coleman who was a huge hit with the audience. Our guest speakers were Beverley Brathwaite & Dr Naomi Anna Watson who shared their research findings regarding the experiences of BME Nurses. Steel band Tropical Vibes set the scene with sweet music. We heard moving stories from the WAWI Project members, were entertained by the poetry master Kokumo and listened to an original song from Mark Corbin.

Photographer Inès Elsa Dalal captured portraits of nurses during the day and these images will form part of a touring exhibition Portraits of Windrush: The Legacy Continues…during Black History Month. If you are a BME nurse and you are willing to have your portrait taken and be part of our exhibition please get in touch via email: swbh.bme@nhs.net or d.mighty@nhs.net

The Tea Party was a great success and our 250 guests enjoyed the afternoon. We ended on a high with an audience sing-a-long led by Mark Corbin – Bob Marley, One Love. Special thanks to our external sponsors, Sandwell & West Birmingham CCG and the University of Birmingham School for providing a fantastic venue and to the pupils for baking delicious scones and cakes for our guests.

We would also like to thank our partners University of Birmingham BAME Network, Recognize Black Heritage & Culture, RCN West Midlands & Unison West Midlands.

Thanks to all colleagues who attended the event and offered their support.