Lewisham Shopping Centre is hosting the ‘From Emancipation to Windrush’ exhibition in partnership with The Windrush Foundation to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush. The free exhibition will be open to the public until 15th September and is located in the Central Square opposite JD Sports.
With an aim to raise awareness about those who contributed to ending enforced servitude, the installation includes texts and imagery that summarise the major events that led to emancipation with stories of colonial life, the contributions of West Indians to Britain’s prosperity and their road to freedom.
It also includes personal stories, including that of Sam King MBE who was one of Empire Windrush’s passengers and went on to organise the first Windrush Day commemorative activities in June 1968.
The Windrush Foundation, creators of the exhibition, are a charity that designs and delivers heritage projects, programmes and initiatives which highlight African and Caribbean peoples’ contributions to UK public services, arts, commerce, and other areas of socio-economic and cultural life in Britain and the Commonwealth.
Arthur Torrington, Co-Founder of the Windrush Foundation, commented: “The Windrush Foundation is thrilled to be hosting the ‘From Emancipation to Windrush’ exhibition at Lewisham Shopping Centre.
“By putting on this exhibition, we hope to educate the local community about the struggle so many faced to liberate themselves, as well as celebrating the acts of courage and resilience that have laid the foundation for the freedom many of us enjoy today.”
Paul Redden, Centre Director at Lewisham Shopping Centre, added: “Here at Lewisham Shopping Centre, we pride ourselves on creating spaces that make a positive contribution to the local community, and enhance the lives of our guests.
“Partnering with The Windrush Foundation to bring this exhibition to the centre is a great example of the work we do with those already leading the charge to make a positive change.
“We encourage our guests to come down and learn about the history of these events, and how the Windrush generation has helped to form the London we live in today.”
The exhibition will be running daily between 11am-5pm until 15th September. For further information, please visit https://lewishamshopping.co.uk/.
