News / Black culture
Big Windrush Celebration remembers Black immigrants who helped rebuilt Britain
The vibrant green and yellow figure that is the symbol of the annual Windrush Walk has returned to the city roads once more.
As part of the Big Windrush Celebration on Saturday, a group of festival-goers paraded through the streets to celebrate the generation of Black people that came to the UK in the late 1940s to early 1970s.
The day was organised by Black walking groups Steppin Sistas and Steppin Bruddas
The walk started in St Paul’s at midday and finished in St Agnes Park, where a festival had been laid on featuring live entertainment, a children’s play area, a games tent and Caribbean food.
It was a celebration of how the Windrush generation had helped rebuild Britain after being invited over to do so in the years after the Second World War.
The walk travelled from St Paul’s to St Agnes Park
The Windrush Walk was started three years ago by Sophia Brown from the Black women’s walking group Stepping Sistas.
It features a ten-foot tall, yellow and green puppet called Afro-Leana, worn by actor and artist Carol Sherman.
Sherman was shortlisted for a Bristol Legends award in the performer category.
Carol Sherman, who was shortlisted for a Bristol Legends award, donned the Afro-Leana puppet costume
This year’s celebration was run by Steppin Sistas and Stepping Bruddas and was described by them as “an unforgettable day full of energy, culture, and pure fun”.
“This is the place to connect, celebrate, and embrace the spirit of the Windrush generation.”
All photos: Rob Browne
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