Celebrating 75 Years of the Windrush Generation

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation. 

On 22 June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK, carrying over 1,000 passengers from the West Indies. Mainly former service personnel, this was the first wave of post war immigration with many of the passengers taking up roles in the NHS, which launched just two `weeks later.

The journey of the early Black and minority ethnic colleagues in the NHS, and in British society, was not an easy one. Faced with overt racism, discrimination, and public outcry, they were not always welcome. The same experiences were faced by those who followed over the next few decades. 

Today, ethnic minority colleagues make up almost a quarter of the NHS workforce and 42% of medical staff.

As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation, we are reflecting and honouring the unwavering spirit and celebrating significant contributions of exceptional role models, who have paved the way for their future generations. In doing so, many came and became nurses who helped shape NHS into what it is today.

Among those countless individuals, are our remarkable staff members like:

• Carolin Tomlinson, Reducing Inequalities Lead and ex-Clinical Nurse Manager who took inspiration from her Aunt Cynthia
• Sandra Aghoghobe, Breastfeeding Peer Support Worker, whose mom set an example in nursing and became her role model
• Sue Baptiste, Integrated Respiratory Nurse, whose Uncle William was among the first ones to reach England in the Empire Windrush.
• Read their amazing stories about how they were inspired to work in healthcare below:

 

Sue Baptiste’s Story About Her Uncle Williams: An Inspiring Legacy of Triumph and Resilience

Sue Baptiste, Integrated Respiratory Nurse, reflects on the memory of her uncle William and his incredible journey and struggles, as being one of the first people to reach Britain on the Empire Windrush.

Joining the ranks of thousands seeking new opportunities, he boarded the historic Windrush ship in Kingston, Jamaica. On June 22, 1948, the vessel docked at Tilbury Docks, marking the beginning of a chapter filled with both triumphs and tribulations.

In the face of an unjust and unfair system, William faced and fought rejection, discrimination, and the relentless battles for employment and housing. William's strength of character and resilience remained unshaken. His unwavering self-esteem, discipline, and profound love for his adopted country guided him through the complexities of life.

His inspirational journey is preserved in history forever on the pages of a compelling book titled ‘The Life of William Chong,’ shedding light on the myriad challenges faced by the Caribbean community.

It was not until 2006, 58 years later, that William finally set foot on Jamaican soil once again. This momentous occasion, marked by a VIP welcome, paid homage to his remarkable journey. The High Commissioner of Jamaica himself greeted William, a poignant tribute to the enduring impact he had made.

Adding to the love, respect, and admiration for Williams, Sue affectionately referred to him as ‘Uncle Willie’ and added “It’s through his incredible achievements, absolute perseverance, and compassion towards others that motivated me to work as a nurse and serve the community.”

Carolin Tomlinson’s Inspiring Journey: How Aunt Cynthia's Trailblazing Path Shaped Her Nursing Career

Carolin caught up with her Aunt Cynthia on a call, remembering her time as a midwife and her early journey into NHS. She arrived in England in 1962 to seek the career opportunities spoken about in her homeland of Jamaica. After 6 weeks and 24 applications, she was accepted to commence her nursing training, and after completing it, she undertook midwifery training. Cynthia had a fulfilling career as a Community Midwife. One of her memorable moments was delivering undiagnosed twins at home 6 weeks into her time working in the community. Caroline explains,

“It was not until Aunt Cynthia shared the early part of her journey that I recognised parallels between our nursing careers. Although my journey commenced 21 years later, choosing nursing as a career had already been made so much easier by women like my aunt.”

Carolin has vivid memories of going to her aunt’s house during the school holidays and seeing her with her Citizen’s Band radio, which notified her of any labouring woman in the community in need of her attendance.

Following the footstep of her aunt, Caroline trained to be a nurse in 1986 and later became a midwife, she emotionally concludes:

“It was not until I witnessed the whole labour experience that I too became mesmerised by the miracle of life. I feel grateful that along the way I had my aunt to share my experiences with, share my challenges and learn from her wisdom. She walked her path without such support mechanisms in place. To me, she was a trailblazer.”

Sandra Aghoghobe’s Story: Following Her Mother's Footsteps as a Healthcare Professional

Sandra Aghoghobe, a Breastfeeding Peer Support Worker, shares a remarkably similar and inspirational journey of her mother, Venitta Morgan

Sandra’s mother came to the UK in the 1950s, from Clarendon in Jamaica, where she soon learned that there was a scarcity of nurses in Nottingham. She relocated to Nottingham from London, with her husband and joined the nurses at the City Hospital. She explains that nursing in those times for a person of colour was met with extreme prejudice and resistance from both staff and patients, but her strong determination and compassion gave her resilience to survive. Later in her career as a nurse, she was asked to push back her retirement, as the hospital trust, staff and even patients wanted her to stay as she was so respected and liked.

Watching her journey, struggles and persistence, Sandra borrowed a leaf out of her mum’s book to become a health worker and serve the community in a way that provides her fulfilment and pride.

"You called… and We Came” - The Windrush Legacy

The Windrush Monument, standing tall in London, serves as a symbol of

remembrance, honour, and gratitude to

those who made the journey and contributed to the fabric of British society. It stands as a testament to the sacrifices, struggles, and achievements of the pioneers who overcame prejudice and adversity, leaving an indelible mark on history.

In conclusion, as we observe the 75th Anniversary of the Windrush, we are reminded of the enduring spirit and indomitable courage of the Windrush generation. Through Laura Serrant's powerful yet emotional poem, 'You called…and we came,' we are transported to a time when hope, resilience, and determination brought individuals from the Caribbean to the shores of Britain.

Figure 2. © Laura Serrant, 2017

Nottingham CityCare CIC Chief Executive Lou Bainbridge said:

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Windrush Generation who have left an indelible mark on the past. Their legacy will forever be etched in our history, serving as a reminder of the strength that comes from diversity and the triumph of the human spirit. Their sacrifices and achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and representation in our healthcare workforce.

They inspire us to strive for a better tomorrow, where everyone's contributions are valued and celebrated. I am extremely proud and grateful of the diversity of our staff today and the difference they make at Nottingham CityCare.”