On 21 June 1948 MV Empire Windrush arrived at the Port of Tilbury carrying 492 Caribbean migrants, many of them veterans of the Second World War. This marked the start of the Windrush Generation, i.e. the people who emigrated from the Caribbean to Britain between the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush and the Immigration Act 1971.
Government launched a £500,000 fund to help communities celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation on Windrush Day (22 June) and throughout the year. These commemorative and educational events will celebrate diversity and its benefits in British communities. As Communities Minister Lord Bourne stated: “It’s absolutely right that we honour the Windrush Generation and their descendants who have contributed so much to our national life, and this fund will help keep their legacy alive for generations to come”.
Local authorities, charities and community groups are eligible to bid up to £25,000. The closing date for applications is midnight on 21 January 2019. Full information about the Windrush Day grant 2019 can be found here.