The Devon Windrush flag was raised at County Hall earlier this week to mark Windrush Day (Monday 22 June) remembering the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury in 1948 and the start of a new chapter for its passengers in Britain.
County council staff joined the Celebrating Windrush in Devon group, part of Devon Development Education, to reflect on the lasting contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to communities across the county.
Windrush Day is a chance to recognise both the achievements and the challenges faced by those who came to the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries and the Indian subcontinent at the invitation of the UK Government to help rebuild post-war Britain.
Many experienced hardship and prejudice, but also showed resilience, built strong communities, and made a lasting impact on British life.
People from countries including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and St Vincent played a vital role in services such as the NHS, public transport and construction, while enriching culture and community life.
Devon continues to change and grow. Census data shows that around 23,000 residents – just under three per cent of the population – identify as Black or Asian, many of whom are part of this story or its legacy.
And many of our colleagues, friends, neighbours and family members are their direct descendants.
As a council, Windrush Day is both a moment to reflect and a reminder of our ongoing commitment to equality, inclusion and a zero-tolerance approach to racism.
We work to ensure that the council reflects the communities it serves and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.