Windrush Day, commemorated each year on 22 June, stands as a vital moment of recognition, marking the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush in 1948 and the beginning of a new chapter for the Caribbean community in Britain. Since its official recognition by the government in 2018, Windrush Day has become a powerful occasion to celebrate Black British history, acknowledge Caribbean contributions, and confront the challenges that persist.
In this spirit of reflection and resistance, the Annual Windrush Day Lecture—launched by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage in 2020—returns with a timely and compelling address. This year’s lecture will be delivered by the distinguished Professor Verene A Shepherd, an eminent historian, professor of social history at the University of the West Indies, and a leading international voice on anti-racism, gender justice, and restorative justice.
“They Called Me N****r”: A Powerful Call for Reflection
Professor Shepherd’s lecture, “They Called Me N**r”: The Historical Roots of Literary Protest by Caribbean Immigrants in Britain, draws inspiration from the work of poet and activist Una Marson, a trailblazer in Black British literature and broadcasting. Her talk will explore the legacy of literary protest as a vital tool for Caribbean immigrants facing racism, exclusion, and displacement in Britain.
At a time when the Windrush scandal remains a searing reminder of systemic injustice, Shepherd will examine how literature—poetry, prose, and performance—has served as both shield and sword in the battle for dignity and recognition. The talk promises to illuminate the deep-rooted historical context behind recent calls for justice and the ongoing struggle for equality in British society.
A Platform for Resistance, Remembrance and Renewal
Serendipity’s Annual Windrush Day Lecture is more than a talk—it is a space for rethinking the Black British narrative. From Black Lives Matter and Brexit to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Black communities, the lecture confronts contemporary challenges with a critical, historically-informed lens.
Through thought-provoking discussion, Professor Shepherd will bring to the fore the voices and stories of Caribbean immigrants whose resistance has often been expressed through creative defiance—making it clear that protest is not always loud, but always powerful.
About Professor Verene A Shepherd
A fearless scholar and activist, Professor Shepherd currently serves as Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. She is a prominent advocate for reparatory justice in the Caribbean and has authored and edited numerous works on slavery, colonialism, gender, and race. Her research and activism connect the past to the present, ensuring history is not just remembered—but reckoned with.
This year’s Annual Windrush Day Lecture invites audiences to reflect, engage, and honour the resilience of the Caribbean community in Britain. With Professor Verene A Shepherd at the helm, this promises to be a powerful evening of education, memory, and empowerment.
Venue:
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage
8 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, LE1 6AT
Contact: 0116 482 1394
Visit: www.serendipity-uk.com
Tickets Available:
Standard: £15.00
Concession: £12.00
Book online at: www.serendipity-uk.com/event