The Windrush Voices competition, by Action for Race Equality, ran from June 22nd to October 15th, in honour of the Windrush 75 celebrations being marked nationally. The competition recognised voices that had a personal touch and captured the spirit of the Windrush Generation.
It was open to young people, aged 10-18 whose relatives may have migrated to the UK between 1948 and 1971, principally from the Caribbean but also former Commonwealth countries. It invited young people to connect to the experiences, struggles and triumphs of this generation, and their descendants, through oral storytelling, written narratives, poetry, artwork, or digital media.
We’re delighted to share that winners were announced on Saturday 28th October, at our Caribbean Connections event during Black History Month, with guest of honour, the former Mayor of Acton, Cllr. Munir Ahmed, presenting the entrants and winners with certificates and prizes!
Winner: Ishaq Maclachlan, Woodhouse College for his piece ‘Grandad’s Story’
Winner of a trip for two on the Eurostar & a £75 voucher
Runner up: Reaiah Barnett, William Perkin CofE High School for her ‘Windrush Poem’
Winner of a class-set of Brilliant Black British History by Atinuke and Kingsley Nebechi (Bloomsbury UK) & a £75 voucher
Runner up: Sebastian Sylvester, Moggerhanger Primary School for his ‘Windrush Diaries’
Winner of a class-set of Coming to England by Floella Benjamin (Macmillan Kids), a book voucher & goody-bag
The entries were judged by:
- Harrison Graham-Harrison, former actor, radio editor and Routes2Success mentor
- Kimberly McIntosh, author and Windrush Justice Grants and Programme Manager, ARE
- Payal Bhavsar, Senior Communications Officer and World Literature Graduate
Here’s what they had to say…
Ishaq’s entry reads like the opening chapter of a book. It truly transports the reader to the choppy waters of the ocean, immersing us in the vivid imagery and intense emotions that accompany the journey of the ship. The author’s skilful use of descriptive language paints a powerful picture, allowing us to feel the protagonist’s gaze of the railing and hear the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the ship’s side.”
Hepburn Harrison-Graham on Ishaq’s piece “Grandad’s Story”
A brilliant poem that captures the resilience of the Windrush generation. The use of patois brings it to life and the connection to the writer makes it a powerful intergenerational story. “
Kimberly McIntosh on Reaiah’s Windrush poem
Sebastian’s diary entries showcase the excitement he feels in connecting with the stories of his grandfather and grandmother’s journeys to the UK. He reflects well on their experiences, and how that has impacted him – and demonstrates the material reality of what life was like for his grandparents when they came to England. The reference to the change in food is particularly interesting – what a difference that must have been
Payal Bhavsar on Sebastian’s Windrush diaries
ARE would also like to commend Shiloh Evans, Eden Sylvester, Lake Addersman, Skye Brown, Amari Brown and Lagdon for their exceptional entries! We’d also like to thank Eurostar, Next, Bloomsbury UK and Macmillan Children’s books for their support of this competition.
