Black History Month in the UK - 'Before Windrush: West Indians in Britain'

West Indians have been coming to Britain for over 300 years, so the arrival of around 500 Caribbean passengers on the Empire Windrush in 1948 was not new. This book records twenty-eight early West Indian immigrants, such as Norman Manley, Learie Constantine, Una Marson and C.L.R. James, but also less well-known figures like the model Fanny Eaton, nurse Annie Brewster, footballer Andrew Watson and airman Billy Strachan. Their stories are interspersed with Asher’s passionate poems.

“People of West Indian descent are often reduced to one single word: Windrush. This crushes their individuality and is historically inaccurate. Asher and Martin Hoyles truthfully and poetically tell the stories of those who came to Britain much earlier. Embedding the Windrush Scandal in a much deeper history of debt that we owe to those who came to Britain, the authors don’t weaken the case for justice for Windrush citizens, they fortify it.” David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, north London

“A useful reminder that the arrival of Empire Windrush into Tilbury Docks in June 1948 was not the start of migration from the Caribbean to Britain. This book contains fascinating portraits of the lives of the pre-Windrush arrivals.” Amelia Gentleman, author of The Windrush Betrayal, 2019.

“A selection of important Caribbean men and women whose contributions to Britain brought about positive changes. They arrived on ships many years before the Empire Windrush. The individuals are role-models and their lives will inspire readers. Before Windrush should be in every home and library.” Arthur Torrington CBE, Director, Windrush Foundation.

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BACK IN STOCK and available direct from the website www.hansibpublications.com with Free UK delivery.

Orders (including non-UK orders) may be placed by email info@hansibpublications.com or by phone on +44 (0)7930 603 956. Non-UK orders are subject to delivery charges.