National Windrush Museum Strengthens Windrush Generation Legacy
09/09/2024
By Denize Ledeatte, Museum Director
Left to right. Wade Lyn CBE. DL NWM Development Council, Parliamentary under-secretary of state for the Home Department Seema Malhotra MP, Levi Roots NWM Development Council Lead, NWM Museum Director Denize Ledeatte.
On Monday, 9 September 2024, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, Seema Malhotra MP, visited the National Windrush Museum (NWM) team at Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG).
This visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NWM and RMG during Windrush 75 at the House of Lords. The partnership between NWM and RMG now positions NWM at RMG, enabling the museum to benefit from the mentorship of a national institution while working towards its goal of becoming a dedicated standalone museum.
This collaboration is pivotal in researching, documenting, preserving, exhibiting, and educating the public about the Windrush Generation and their monumental contributions to Britain.
Engaging Discussions and Collaborative Efforts
During her visit, Seema Malhotra MP engaged with the Windrush Artists in Residence, followed by detailed discussions with her team from the Home Office, NWM’s Development Council of Ambassadors, led by Levi Roots, NWM board members, and the NWM Next Gen Council. Among those present were Ambassadors Paulette Simpson CBE, Wade Lyn CBE CD DL., L’Myah Sharae, and Terry Jervis, alongside board members Dr. Les Johnson (via Zoom), Mia Morris OBE, Dr. Barbara Adewumi, and Zak Offe-Burobey, with the Next Gen Council represented by Jennifer Walker, Rachel Glean-Dumbrell and Elise Brown.
CEO, Royal Museums Greenwich: Paddy Rodgers, Denize Ledeatte NWM, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, Seema Malhotra MP
NWM’s Mission and Summer Season Highlights
Denize Ledeatte, NWM’s Director, elaborated on the museum's mission to serve as a living archive of the tangible and intangible artifacts that reflect the social, cultural, and historical significance of the Windrush community. This mission highlights the community's profound role in shaping modern multicultural Britain.
Denize also provided insights into the NWM Summer Season in Greenwich, which featured Windrush Lectures at the Queen's House, starting with Levi Roots and Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, an international conference, and a Windrush Fashion and Music Soundstage in Thamesmead. These events explored the extensive contributions of the Windrush Generation across various sectors including healthcare, transportation, music, art, business, and politics. The discussions underscored both the visible and invisible roles played by this generation in fostering a diverse and inclusive British society. The museum's role in commemorating these achievements while engaging younger generations to learn about the past to shape a better future was a key focus. Community members who had attended NWM events were also invited to contribute to these important conversations.
The BHM Autumn Season
Looking ahead to the Autumn season, Denize outlined plans for the NWM Festival of the Voice, curated by NWM Chairman Dr. Les Johnson, in collaboration with distinguished artists and academics. The season, in partnership with RMG, will include Black History and Windrush-themed puppets at RMG from 28-31 September and will continue with the Windrush Lecture series at the Queen's House on 7, 14, and 21 November, featuring a distinguished Windrush Lecture, with further details to be announced on the website. www.nationalwindrushmuseum.com
Dr. Les Johnson, Founder and Chairman of NWM, emphasized the museum's role in fostering discussions about the value of collections and the importance of documenting significant experiences like the Home Office Windrush Scandal within British history.
As Dr. Johnson remarked, “The Windrush Generation is not just a chapter in British history; it is a living testimony to resilience, creativity, and community. Their legacy transcends their own contributions, becoming the bedrock of a richly diverse Britain. Through the National Windrush Museum, we aim to ensure their stories are celebrated, shared, and remembered for generations to come.”
Rachel Glean-Dumbrell, interim Communications Director and member of the Next Gen Council, added, “Our engagement with the younger generation is crucial in ensuring that the legacy of the Windrush Generation continues to inspire future leaders and creators. The National Windrush Museum provides a vital platform for this intergenerational dialogue, helping us build a more informed and inclusive society.”
Denize Ledeatte, NWM Museum Director
