Windrush Day, 1948. They came with hope in their eyes and dreams in their hearts. Some were just children, happy to reunite with parents who had gone before them. The invitation was to help rebuild Britain after the Blitz. But on arrival, they met closed doors, open hostility and signs in the windows: No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish.
June 22 is Windrush Day, a celebration of the 500,000 Caribbean immigrants who boarded the Empire Windrush for a new life in the UK. Today we also remember the Windrush scandal that put more than 50,000 people at risk of losing their homes, freedom and livelihood. Under the government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy, many were detained and even deported despite having lived here for decades. Thousands are still seeking compensation.
I’ve rounded up some great books, TV shows and movies for kids and grownups that can help illuminate the Windrush experience and legacy. Don’t forget to check out my Weekend Scoop for more Windrush Day activities happening in London.
21 Books, Movies and TV Shows for Windrush Day
Windrush Day: What to Read
Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation by Floella Benjamin & Diane Ewen (illustrator)
A picture book account of Baroness Floella Benjamin’s journey from Trinidad to Britain at 10 years old, alongside her older sister and younger brothers. (ages 7-10)
The Story of Windrush by KM Chimbiri
What was life like for the pioneers who arrived on HMT Empire Windrush? This book paints an evocative picture for younger readers. (ages 7-12)
Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah
The thrilling adventures of a boy named Leonard who boards a boat from Jamaica to Southampton. (ages 8+)
The Place for Me: Stories About the Windrush by Black Cultural Archives & Scholastic (publisher)
A new full-colour anthology of 12 tales from the Windrush generation. Foreword by Baroness Floella Benjamin. (ages 10+)
Black London: History, Art and Culture in Over 120 Places by Avril Nanton and Jody Burton
A brand new guidebook to Black landmarks across the city, from Cleopatra’s Needle to Tudor courts to modern London. Grab a copy and take your kids on an educational tour around town.
Mother Country: Real Stories of the Windrush Children, by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff (editor)
First generation immigrants, children and grandchildren including Lenny Henry, Corinne Bailey-Rae and more give accounts spanning 70 years.
Black Britain: A Photographic History by Paul Gilroy
Professor Gilroy presents a visual history of Black people in Britain, showing the social and cultural influence over centuries.
This Lovely City by Louise Hare
Acclaimed novel set in London after the Blitz. Jazz musician Lawrie Matthews, fresh off the boat, gets tangled up in a tragedy that rocks the city.
Small Island by Andrea Levy
The Orange-prize winning novel traces the interweaving stories of Gilbert, Queenie and Hortense from Jamaica to Britain in 1948.
Windrush Songs by James Berry
Poems about the Windrush experience by a first generation immigrant.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
The much-loved novel about Queenie Jenkins, exploring her Jamaican British heritage and the trials of 20-something single life.
To Sir, With Love by ER Braithwaite
Semi-autobiographical tale of Rick Braithwaite, an ex-RAF pilot from British Guiana, who lands in Britain in 1945. When nobody will hire him because of his skin colour, he gets a job teaching in a tough East End school. Also worth seeing the film starring Sidney Poitier and Lulu.
The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon
The Trinidadian author describes the lives of new arrivals from the West Indies and the other lonely new Londoners they encounter. Written by Trinidadian author Sam Selvon in 1956, it’s a 20th century London classic.
Windrush Day: What to Watch
Windrush Day 2021: Celebrations and Storytelling (BBC Newsround)
BBC Newsround marks the day with short child-friendly videos about Windrush immigrants.
Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle (BBC)
Affecting drama monologues following a family over four generations from 1949. Watch short clips on the BBC website. (PG)
The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files (BBC)
David Olusoga exposes the government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy that created a national scandal.
Small Axe (BBC)
Steve McQueen’s powerful and moving anthology of five films set between 1969 and 1982. Inspired by true stories of London’s West Indian community. (15)
Subnormal: A British Scandal (BBC)
Harrowing documentary about Black British kids unfairly removed from mainstream education in the 1960s and 70s and dumped in ‘dustbin schools’ for the ‘subnormal’.
Pressure (BFI Player)
School leaver Tony, son of West Indian immigrants, is caught between from his parents and his militant brother. Hailed as the first Black British feature film, by Horace Ove. (12A)
Burning an Illusion (BFI Player/Amazon Prime Video)
Menelik Shabazz’s groundbreaking film about a young Black British couple in Thatcher’s Britain. (15)