🌍 Celebrating Global Heritage, Local Impact
Black History Month in the UK is a time to reflect, honour, and celebrate the contributions of Black communities across Britain and beyond.
This year’s theme, “We Are Here: Celebrating Our Roots and Routes,” invites us to explore the journeys, cultures, and legacies of people of African descent whose stories span continents and generations.
From the Windrush pioneers to today’s creatives, the Black diaspora has shaped British life in profound ways. Across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, Black Britons continue to enrich our society with resilience, innovation, and pride.
Their stories are woven into the fabric of our communities — reminding us that our roots ground us, while our routes connect us to new opportunities and shared futures.
The Windrush Generation: Caribbean Migration to Britain
A defining chapter in this story began with the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948. This moment marked the beginning of large-scale Caribbean migration to Britain — a movement that would transform the nation.
Why Caribbean People Migrated to Britain
Migration from the Caribbean was shaped by a mix of economic hardship, colonial ties, and post-war opportunity. After the Second World War, Britain faced severe labour shortages and encouraged migration from its colonies to help rebuild the country.
Many Caribbean islands were still under British rule, meaning citizens were legally British subjects and entitled to settle and work in the UK. At home, unemployment, low wages, and limited opportunities — often worsened by hurricanes or falling crop prices — pushed people to seek better lives abroad.
For many, Britain represented the “Mother Country,” a place of hope and possibility.
Journeys from Across the Caribbean
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Jamaica: The largest group aboard the Empire Windrush came from Jamaica, many driven by economic hardship and inspired by job advertisements in Britain.
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Trinidad and Tobago: Although the Windrush did not dock there, many Trinidadians migrated in the 1950s–60s to work in transport and the NHS.
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Barbados: Barbadians, with long-standing ties to Britain, also sought new prospects in the UK during the 1950s and 1960s.
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British Guiana (now Guyana): Migrants joined early waves of Caribbean settlers seeking work and education.
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Bermuda: Dockworkers and labourers made the journey, aided by Bermuda’s status as a British Overseas Territory.
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Eastern Caribbean Islands: Including Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua, Montserrat, and others — all contributing to the growth of Britain’s diverse communities.
The Diaspora in Wales: Blending Roots and Routes
The Caribbean diaspora has become an integral part of Welsh society, contributing to the nation’s cultural, social, and economic life since the mid-20th century.
Many Caribbean migrants initially settled in port cities such as Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea, where work was available in shipping, steelworks, and public services.
Cardiff’s Tiger Bay (now Butetown) became a vibrant multicultural community, where Caribbean, Somali, Yemeni, and Irish families lived side by side. Over the decades, people of Caribbean heritage in Wales have blended their traditions with local Welsh culture — shaping music, food, sport, and education.
Events like Black History Month Wales and organisations such as Race Council Cymru continue to celebrate this shared heritage. Today, younger generations proudly express both their Welsh and Caribbean identities, showing how the diaspora’s roots and routes have enriched Wales’s sense of diversity and belonging.
Looking Forward: Honouring Every Journey
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember that the story of the Black diaspora is one of resilience, hope, and transformation.
By honouring our roots and recognising the many routes that have brought us together, we continue to build a more inclusive and vibrant future for all.
We are here — celebrating our roots, our routes, and the enduring legacy of Black communities in Wales and across the UK.
