Islington to celebrate Windrush Day with online talk from acclaimed historian Paul Crooks

Windrush Day, on June 22, honours the exceptional contribution of the Windrush Generation, their families and descendants, and remembers the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury, near London, on 22 June 1948.

Family historian and writer Paul Crooks – acclaimed as the first person of African Caribbean descent to trace his roots using public records – will give a Windrush Day online talk, in partnership with the council. 

His talk “Windrush Beyond - How to Trace Your African Caribbean Ancestors” will be online on Monday, June 22 at 4.30pm and is free and open to all.  To find out more please see this page on Eventbrite.

Paul’s talk includes his pioneering work to trace his family history from London back six generations to ancestors captured off the West African coast and enslaved on a sugar plantation in Jamaica, top tips on records specific to African Caribbean research, and much more.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, executive member for community and development, said: “Windrush Day is very important here in Islington and we give a huge thanks to the Windrush Generation, their children and descendants, for the massive contribution they make, not just in our borough, but everywhere.

“Now more than ever it’s vital we learn about our country’s history and the lives and lived experiences of so many in our community, to help understand the past and bring about the real change we need today.  We invite everyone to come and join Paul Crooks online for a captivating talk on tracing family history, and to celebrate and learn with us on Windrush Day.”

Islington Council is also publishing a new resources page for residents to learn more about the Windrush Generation, with recommendations of books, films and podcasts.