The organiser of Notting Hill carnival has said the mistreatment of the Windrush generation is a “dark stain on our history”, as the world famous festival prepares to honour people who moved from the Caribbean to the UK in the aftermath of the second world war.
The three-day carnival in west London at the end of August will mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks. Members of the Windrush generation helped found the Caribbean carnival in the late 1950s, the forerunner of today’s festival.
The Windrush generation and their descendants should be treated with the “dignity, respect, and gratitude they deserve”, Matthew Phillip, the CEO of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, told an event to launch this year’s carnival.
The anniversary was a “momentous occasion that allows us to reflect on the tremendous contributions and enduring legacy of the Windrush generation, while also acknowledging the painful chapter that was the Windrush scandal”, he said.
Those who came to the UK “brought with them not only their talents, skills and work ethic but also their vibrant cultures and indomitable spirit”.
But, he added, “we must confront the fact that members of this very generation, who dedicated their lives to our country, faced unwarranted challenges and discrimination. The mistreatment they endured was a dark stain on our history and we must commit ourselves to ensuring such injustices are never repeated.
“As we commemorate the Windrush 75 anniversary, let us honour the resilience and strength of the Windrush generation. Let us pay homage to their contributions, while also recognising the need for continued progress and justice.”
A Caribbean carnival was organised as a community response to race riots in Notting Hill after the murder of Kelso Cochrane in 1959.
The event, led by Claudia Jones, a Trinidadian activist and founder of the West Indian Gazette, took place in January 1959 in St Pancras town hall. The carnival later moved to Notting Hill.
Now it is the second biggest carnival in the world and the largest street event in Europe, taking place each year over the August bank holiday weekend.
“It is a testament to the power of unity, the celebration of heritage and the triumph of resilience,” said Phillips.
“It is a celebration of diversity. A tapestry of colours, sounds and rhythms that weave together the unique identities of countless communities that call London home. It is a melting pot of cultures, where the flavours of the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and beyond blend harmoniously, showcasing the true beauty of multiculturalism.
“It amplifies the voices of the marginalised and the underrepresented. It provides an avenue for cultural expression, breaking down barriers and building bridges between different backgrounds.
“It is a testament to the fact that when we come together, embracing our differences, we create something truly remarkable and inspiring.”
This year’s carnival also marks 50 years since the introduction of the first mas (short for masquerader) band and the first static sound systems.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said this year’s carnival was “particularly significant, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and celebrate the contributions of this remarkable generation and their descendants.
“The sheer breadth of events taking place over the course of the weekend embody everything that makes London the greatest city in the world: inclusivity, diversity and acceptance.”
