Poet and orator Zephaniah celebrated on Windrush Day in hometown Birmingham

This year marks the 76th anniversary of commemorating the Windrush Generation, with over 200 organisations across the UK raising the Windrush flag to celebrate ‘Windrush Day’.

Acknowledging Birmingham’s Windrush Generation who contributed to the rebuilding of England, as well as paving the way for future generations and honouring the late Dub Poet, actor and activist, Benjamin Zephaniah, a day of celebrations saw a poignant Windrush Flag Raising - by WAWI (Ex Service personnel), BAPA (Black & Asian Police Association), the West Midlands Police, and the Birmingham Lord Mayor’s Office, to mark the internationally celebrated orator. This came before a vibrant and colourful Carnival Procession, led by Windrush Carnival Queen 2024 winner, Kristina Gordon, saw an effervescent group of dance troupes of up to 90 dancers “Bring it to Brum” and ‘Dance with Sago’ from Birmingham and beyond.

With Carnival costumes designed and made by the legendary Professor Black, the procession proceeded around Centenary Square, incorporating Hall of Memory, Library of Birmingham, International Convention Centre and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. And before everyone can catch their collective breath, the highly celebrated Reverend Canon Eve Pitts opened the Benjamin Zephaniah Stage with her well-renowned “from the heart” rousing messages of unity and strength, as too did the equally-respected Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo MBE (pic), before one of Benjamin’s poems was recited by fellow-poet and TV presenter, Sue Brown.

A day of acknowledgment and celebrations designed by Blackstory Partnership CIC and Associates, and hosted by Paulette Francis-Green aka Empress P. and poet and creative practitioner, actress and singer Shaz Jones, the stage program then saw a number of spectacular performances of singers, dancers, speeches, spoken word/poetry, all from West Midlands – including Robbie Levi, StereoHype Creatives, Linton Kelly, Next Generation & Smile Choir, Lytie and Birmingham’s own Reggae Grammy nominee Yashema McCloud and more. The finale was a music extravaganza led by the Wassifa Showcase.