NEW BOOK
The Windrush Scandal is one of the most damaging political scandals to rock Britain this century. But beyond the newspaper headlines on cabinet resignations, the “hostile environment policy”, capped compensation and gagging orders, thousands of lives of first, second and third generation immigrants have been deeply and irreversibly affected.
Against the backdrop of this disturbing reality, a new book sheds light on what it’s like to be black and live in Britain. With in-depth, first-hand accounts from some of the men, women and children of Windrush, many of whom settled in Britain over 50 years ago, Voices of the Windrush Generation provides a vital platform to those whose voices have yet to be heard.
Offering an intimate, personal and moving perspective on everything from family life to work, and relationships to entertainment and socialising, Brixton-based journalist and broadcaster David Matthews explores how life has changed over the years in Britain’s diverse African-Caribbean communities.
Asking critical questions such as “Was it worth it?” and “Where did we go wrong?”, Matthews’ myriad of stories blows the lid off common-held stereotypes, while revealing the inspirational tales of zeal, resilience, resourcefulness and triumph over adversity that lie at the heart of Windrush. The book is both a timely celebration of black culture and history in Britain and a crucial reminder of the important role the Windrush has played in British society over the years.
Voices of the Windrush Generation by David Matthews is published in hardback by 535 Books.