The Windrush generation represents the significance of Caribbean culture and community in the UK. The catalytic event of the Windrush ship entering Britain decades ago was the beginning of a reshaping of culture and influence. This marked the start of the journeys of thousands of Caribbean women, and to this day, their stories deserve recognition.

Caribbean women laid several foundations within communities. They were the nurses, community builders, seamstresses and nurturers.

Decades on, meaningful political discussions regarding the effects of Windrush are being had, specifically relating to deportation.

Glenda Andrew BEM is a 62-year-old Writer from Preston who is a descendant of the Windrush generation. She has supported people impacted by the Windrush scandal and bridged gaps across the Caribbean community.

“I was born in the UK, I would say I’m a Lancashire lass, but my parents came from Dominica and Antigua, so I’m a descendant. Many people don’t understand Windrush, but I am a descendant of the Windrush generation myself,” says Glenda.

The impact of Caribbean people and their rebuilding of the nation is renowned, particularly for their labour and dedication. However, the role of women and the depths of culture tell a deeper story. Caribbean women played a significant role in the community, particularly as the cornerstone of culture and warmth amidst difficulties.

“About 6 years ago I started on a journey to find myself and trying to find out who I was, and while I was doing that I was part of an organisation for women and I met a girl who was applying for a passport and was told they were not British which was weird because they were born here.

“And I thought if that can happen to her, it could happen to me or one of my children. So we started a group to support other people experiencing this. 

“Because of my mum, because of Windrush, because of where she came from, I got involved in cooking, we provided food for the Windrush seniors, that’s why I received my BEM,” says Glenda.

The Windrush generation, in short, encompasses men and women from Caribbean Commonwealth countries who migrated to the UK during the 90s for work.

The Windrush scandal refers to the mistreatment of individuals of Caribbean heritage, particularly those who have been denied residence or work in the UK on the grounds of nationality.

“To truly acknowledge the essence of Caribbean culture and the Windrush generation, the women who were the cornerstones of this culture must be remembered and honoured,” says Glenda.

Amidst this, Caribbean traditions have thrived through renowned recipes or simply the authenticity of the Caribbean’s existence.

To honestly acknowledge the essence of Caribbean culture and the Windrush generation, the women who were the cornerstones of this culture must be honoured. 

Caribbeans brought far more than labour; they got rich cultural aspects like language, food, spirituality, and resilience.

Adrian Murrell, the founder of Preston Windrush Initiatives CIC, has been a pioneer in celebrating Caribbean heritage, particularly through the festivals he holds.

He started a women’s group a while ago and recalled how much his culture and the influence of his Caribbean mother’s experience in Britain have been a massive part of his work.

“She worked hard, she’d go to work, come home, cook the food, all of the West Indian women worked hard, they all worked hard.

“My father came here in 1955 from Barbados, and my mum, who was 9 years older than my father, came here from an Island called Montserrat in 1960.

“They both ended up in Preston; if they hadn’t made that journey, I wouldn’t be here. They helped rebuild Britain after the Second World War,” says Adrian.

He recalled the hardships faced by the Windrush community and descendants.

“It’s a strength of character to carry on and live through all those times in the 70s, 80s. 

“People are still going through the same things I was going through years ago. That’s the reason why I started the festival, it’s to acknowledge our parents.”

From the love of annual carnival celebrations to Caribbean cuisine, Caribbean culture has become indispensable in cities like London, Birmingham and Bristol.

Community members like Glenda and Adrian continue to strive to restore the community and encourage connection amidst these struggles.