What Does the 75th Anniversary Mean to Leaders of Community Groups?
Dr Dwain Neil OBE, Chairman of Reach Society, reached out to his networks and colleagues and asked the question ‘what does the 75th anniversary mean to you?’
Dr Dwain Neil OBE
Chairman, Reach Society
“2023 is an important milestone for the modern Black community as it is the 75th year of our community, which began in 1948. Building Connections is Reach Society’s motto which reminds us to remain open to working with other groups especially if they are adding value to and building cultural esteem in the community. Hereby are views of some of the Society’s community contacts about the significance and meaning to them of the 75th anniversary.”
Prof. Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, chairman, Cancer Black Care and trustee, British Association of Black Surgeons
“The 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush pioneers and the establishment of the modern Black community in the UK is a significant milestone. In medicine Black doctors and nurses have contributed materially to the NHS. Their contribution has been recognised in the various anniversaries of the NHS. In the area of cancer care, over the years, many of the clients of the registered charity Cancer Black Care have been from that first tranche of migrants and the second generation. It has been a privilege to help them in their cancer journeys whilst learning of their experiences in their early days. Their resilience has been an inspiration to the subsequent generations.”
Angela Clarke, CEO of RAFFA the charity arm of the Church of God of Prophecy Trust (UK) which was formed in the UK in 1953
“The 75th Anniversary of the Windrush Community of Black people will provide a platform for acknowledging, celebrating and raising awareness of the many contributions our faith community has made to Great Britain.“
Donald Douglas, chairman, Association of Jamaicans UK Trust, based in Croydon, south London
“The AoJ UK Trust recognises the continuing challenges facing our Black community but nonetheless we have much to celebrate. As a community there can be no question about the significance of our contribution to every aspect of British society over the last 75 years; and long may that continue.”
Beverley Hillman, vice chairman, London Black Educators Network and volunteer at the Croydon Supplementary School
“The 75th anniversary will be a milestone for the Windrush generation and their descendants. It should be a time to document, celebrate and commemorate our memories and experiences as a lasting legacy to British society. As an educator, I would like to see the Windrush migration and settlement story become embedded throughout the school curriculum for all children.”
Vince McBean, chairman, West Indian Association for Service Personnel, based in Clapham Common, South London
“When thinking of the 75th anniversary of the Windrush community I feel passion, happiness and anger. It reminds me of the continuing effort to air brush people of Caribbean origin out of history, and ignore our contribution to world peace. The Windrush scandal was a sharp reminder of this behaviour. I believe that the DNA of people of Caribbean origin prepares us to confront suffering while continuing to play our part as contributors and achievers. I believe that never before, in British history, has so much being given to so many by so few.“
Oveta McInnis, chairman, Enfield Caribbean Association
“The 75th Windrush anniversary is a milestone for the UK’s Caribbean community. It should be marked and celebrated so that we all remember the pioneers who came to rebuild Britain and make a better life for themselves and their families after WW11. We all know that these pioneers overcame many difficulties to both establish themselves and leave a legacy for their children. As a child of pioneer parents, I feel deep gratitude to them for their courage to forge a better life for my siblings and me.”
Dr Joan St John, a semi-retired GP and the cofounder of the newly formed Future Black Medics Forum
“I’m excited by the prospect of celebrating the 75th anniversaries of both the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush, and also the NHS. We aim to mark these momentous milestones by inspiring more Black children and young people to consider a career in medicine. Using engaging biographies, presentations from current Black medics, and working alongside other organisations, like Reach Society, we will be encouraging children and their families to explore their potential to study medicine. At this point, we feel that this is a fitting legacy in the dual history of the Windrush generations and the NHS.”
Linford Sweeney, Black history author, storyteller and role model, based in the North West
“Next year will be the 75th anniversary of the arrival of people from the Caribbean (soon after World War 11); they came with many hopes and dreams. And with courage and resilience they faced down hostility and overcame challenges to ensure that we survived. So we are here to tell their stories. My parents were part of the Windrush generation; and in 2023 I will continue to celebrate their contributions to this country. I will continue to engage and educate the younger generations about their journey, as I believe that it is crucial that the legacy of the Windrush generation is never forgotten by their descendants.”
Paul Riddell, former chairman, Enfield Caribbean Association, based in the borough of Enfield
“As a child of the Windrush generation, the 75th anniversary will be a time to think of how much of my character is shaped by the experiences of that time. In addition, it will be a reminder of the fortitude of Caribbean people in the face of ongoing challenges. I saw that fortitude and inner strength in my parents who made many sacrifices for their family. And while I did a lot of work to become the person I am today, I also owe much of my achievements to the lessons learnt from my parents, especially in matters of endurance and sacrifice, which are an integral part of who I am today.”
Dr Emezie Okorocha, co-founder, board of trustees, African Caribbean Medical Association UK
“The ACMA is excited to see what the New Year will bring for us and for the Black community. We are proud to see what our group of branches have achieved in 2022. They have influenced and inspired young people to enter a career in medicine. In the community, they have supported campaigns to raise awareness about sickle cell anaemia and other common diseases affecting the Black population; plus encouraged blood donation and regular health check-ups. In 2023, the ACMA will continue to reflect and learn lessons from our history; and use them to empower ourselves to seek tangible and equitable changes within the medical profession and the wider Black community. In addition, we look forward to working with other groups such as Reach Society.”