Brixton Seventh-day Adventist Church held a special service on Saturday, June 24th, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation's arrival in the United Kingdom. The service, attended by dignitaries, members of the congregation, and the wider community, expressed gratitude to God for His providence and celebrated the significant contributions made by the Windrush generation throughout British society.
The service was honoured by the presence and participation of several distinguished guests. The personal experiences, stories and reflections shared, captivated the audience and offered valuable perspectives on different aspects of the event's significance. 
Christopher Wellbelove, the King's Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, delivered an emotional speech emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honouring the Windrush generation. As the son of a Windrush generation member, he expressed pride in his mixed heritage and echoed His Majesty's sentiments regarding the "immeasurable difference" that the Windrush pioneers and subsequent generations have made to the country.
Renowned scientist, human rights activist, and member of the Windrush generation, Prof. Sir Geoffrey Palmer OBE, shared personal anecdotes about his experiences. He discussed his pioneering work in the brewing industry, Britain's connection to the slave trade, and the significance of the Windrush generation in black history. Prof. Palmer highlighted the challenges and discrimination faced by Caribbean immigrants emphasizing the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming adversity.
Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Sarbaz Barznji, also spoke on the importance of recognizing and valuing the experiences of the Windrush generation and building a diverse and inclusive society.
The service specifically recognized the valuable contributions of the Windrush generation in public service. Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe of the Metropolitan Police paid tribute to the Windrush generation's involvement in shaping the police force and improving relations with the black community. Vince McBean, representing the West Indian Association of Service Personnel, and Prof. Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE, Former Chief Midwifery Officer, also spoke.
While unable to attend in person, the Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, conveyed a written message acknowledging the immense contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants to the social, economic, and cultural life of the UK, as did David Lammy MP. The Prime Minister, Rushi Sunak, also sent a personal greeting. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Windrush generation, acknowledging their "enormous contribution" to the UK – "Not just in the vital work of rebuilding the country and public services following the Second World War, but also in enriching our shared social, economic and cultural and religious lives.”
Baroness Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, sent a video message. She highlighted the rich and proud history of the Black experience within the UK, including before the Windrush era. Baroness Scotland also emphasized the importance of recognizing that "we are all God's children, fearfully and wonderfully made, and an expression of His love". She expressed her belief that the memory of the Windrush era will continue to inspire hope, peace, cooperation, equality, tolerance, respect, and understanding
Video messages were also sent by SEC and BUC Presidents, Pastors Emmanuel Osei and Egland Brooks, who spoke about the impact and contribution of the Windrush generation to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They acknowledged the growth and spiritual enrichment that the church experienced through the migration of individuals from the Caribbean, making it richer and more diverse.
Other highlights included acknowledgements and expressions of gratitude towards the members of the Windrush Generation within the congregation and a prayer dedicated to the Caribbean diaspora, by Elder Lane Robinson. The occasion was also enhanced by the entrance display of Brixton's Pathfinder Drum Corps. The musical elements were equally memorable, including the rousing congregational singing of the anthem "Windrush Nation," led by the Croydon Gospel Choir. The song, written by Dr Wayne Buckner of Oakwood University, was specially commissioned by Life Radio UK and Reach Society to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of Caribbean passengers on HMT Empire Windrush to the UK in 1948.
Pastor Richard Daly delivered a powerful and heartfelt sermon titled "A Journey of Hope." He underscored the faith and determination displayed by the Windrush generation, highlighting their high expectations upon arrival in the UK, but greeted by racism, discrimination, cramped living conditions, menial job, hardship, and a hostile environment, even in the churches. "There was no welcoming outstretched arms for them." There was no right hand of fellowship."
Reflecting on his own family's experience, Pastor Daly shared his parents' journey by ship from Jamaica, and the challenges living in the UK. Pastor Daly highlighted his mother's resilience and trust in God while working hard to save for a better future. He also recounted the tragedy of his mother falling ill and passing away before she could enjoy the fruits of her labour. Daly however emphasized her unwavering hope in Jesus Christ and the promise of a better life beyond this world and drew from biblical passages to remind the congregation that true hope lies in trusting in God's faithfulness, even in the face of adversity. He concluded by urging the congregation to adopt the resilience and trust in God exemplified by the Windrush generation and look forward to the eternal promises of a heavenly home.
Following the service, church members and guests shared their positive reactions, describing the occasion as poignant, spiritually uplifting, educational and celebratory. Donald Palmer, representing Reach Society, particularly praised the event for its warmth, unity, and the inspiration it provided. Attendees left with a renewed appreciation of the remarkable contributions to British society, resilience, enduring legacy, and deep-rooted faith of those who embarked on the Windrush journey.
