Floella's Story: How Windrush Hurt A Generation

How would you deal with facing hatred and prejudice in the place you call home? For Floella Benjamin this was a difficult reality when she came to England as part of the Windrush Generation, arriving in England to an environment of hostility and adversity. In this episode, commemorating the first ever Windrush Day on the 22nd June, Baroness Benjamin explains her childhood experiences of growing up in Trinidad, coming to Britain and the reaction of British people to the influx of Caribbean on Empire Windrush. Through the perspective of her childhood, Floella illustrates how she grew up identifying herself as a proud member of the British Commonwealth. When she arrived in the 'Motherland' she was subjected to racist bullying and hostile treatment. Somehow and with the help of her devoted parents, she found the strength and love to accept herself and smile through the adversity. Now, she looks back on a successful, eclectic and distinguished career. She has long been a star on stage and screen, a published author, business women and is now a Baroness in the House of Lords. Her achievements have been hard-won and are a symbol of triumph over adversity. After years of campaigning for the recognition of the suffering of the Windrush generation, Baroness Benjamin is excited to invite you to join her in celebration of Windrush Day, to mark this important joining of Caribbean and British cultures and to remind us never to repeat the failings of our past. Subscribe now and listen to this podcast on Global player, or wherever you get your podcasts.