Brixton Village launching cultural events for Windrush Day

To celebrate the diverse and vibrant community of Lambeth, Brixton Village is launching a programme of cultural events later this month for Windrush Day, writes Connor McLaughlin.

The market has partnered with the Brixton Project, a community-focused arts organisation, to offer a variety of events in celebration of the fourth annual event.

Starting the programme will be an interactive installation on June 22, by photographer Harry Jacobs showcasing a reimagining of his most iconic portraits from the 1960s and 1970s.

Brixton-based Pegasus Opera Company, which has the only black Caribbean female artistic director, has also composed an original musical piece inspired by the journey and arrival of the Empire Windrush.

Binki Taylor from the Brixton Project said: “It is vital for residents and businesses throughout our community to be reminded of the historical significance of the Empire Windrush to Brixton.

“To solidify our support, recognition and appreciation, this year’s celebrations will be bigger and bolder with an exciting array of events. Join the call to action, sing loud at 10.27am on Tuesday, June 22, come to our Portrait Parlour and remember those that had their portraits taken by Harry Jacobs.”

The Empire Windrush arrived in Tilbury in 1948 and the small number of the Windrush generation that still remain experienced considerable loss and loneliness as the result of the pandemic.

Brixton Village is hoping to help the community elders reunite at a celebration lunch at Lost in Brixton.

Diana Nabagereka, general manager of Brixton Village said: “We will be joining forces to champion a day that holds immense importance across South London. We hope to create something special to celebrate our community and the wonderful people that have made Brixton what it is today.”

Councillor Sonia Winifred, Lambeth’s cabinet member for equalities and culture, said: “We have put together an engaging and inclusive package for Windrush day and I would invite all our residents to take part. This has seen Lambeth Libraries, the Black Cultural Archives, the Brixton Project and others joining this effort.

“As a member of the Windrush Generation, I understand the struggles faced by members of the British Caribbean community who were first invited to Britain to help rebuild the country after the Second World War.

“It is important we reflect on the discrimination and challenges they faced, while celebrating their contribution to British life, not least public service and the arts.”

Pictures: Image from Lambeth Archives collection of Harry Jacobs photographs. The individual copyrights rest with the persons who commissioned each photograph. We have been unable to locate most holders to seek permission for use, but would be very pleased to hear from anyone who is a copyright holder, or can identify individuals in the photograph. Please contact Lambeth Archives if you know who these are