News and Events
Voyage Celebrates New Book Launch – The Stories of Windrush
Book Launch
On June 26th, we proudly launched a landmark publication, the Hackney Windrush Elders Book, a youth-led tribute capturing the untold stories of our Caribbean elders from the Windrush Generation.
Our book launch, a result of over a year’s worth of research, interviews, and intergenerational collaboration, was attended by over 100 Hackney elders, 20 young people, and many other community stakeholders. This book is more than a collection of stories, it is a testament to resilience, identity, and legacy. Young people from Voyage dedicated themselves to documenting oral histories, volunteering at local Caribbean lunch clubs, and studying issues such as the hostile environment policy, and their efforts culminated in a personal body of work that preserves and celebrates the voices of Hackney’s Windrush elders.
With the support of partners including the Black Cultural Archives, Hackney CVS, Museum of the Home, and local creatives and calypsonians, this project stands as a shining example of intergenerational collaboration.
A digital version of the book is in the works - stay tuned for updates!
Honouring the Windrush Legacy
The Windrush Generation laid the foundations for the vibrant, diverse boroughs we cherish today. Invited to the UK to help rebuild the country after the second world war, they arrived with courage, ambition, and dignity. Despite facing hostility and systemic injustice, their contributions shaped every corner of British life, from the NHS and public transport systems, to music, fashion, and cuisine.
At Voyage, we are committed to uplifting and preserving these legacies. Our elders are the cultural bedrock of our community, and their stories deserve not just to be remembered, but revered.
Too often, the story of Windrush is lesser known or misunderstood by younger generations. It’s vital to educate young people about their heritage and the history of their city - both so they can honour the past and shape a better future.
By connecting young people with the lived experiences of local elders, we not only preserve history but also inspire a deeper sense of identity, pride, and purpose. Projects like this create space for dialogue across generations, helping young people see themselves as part of a legacy of resistance, creativity, and community.
Visit to 10 Downing Street
As part of national Windrush 76 celebrations, Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed members of the Windrush generation, their descendants, and community advocates to 10 Downing Street. Voyage’s CEO and Chair were both invited to this reception, where the Prime Minister paid tribute to the Windrush Generation and their vital role in rebuilding post-war Britain.
During his address, the PM acknowledged the “devasating injustice” of the Windrush scandal, condemning the “humiliating treatment of people who’d done so much for our country” and recognising that the promised justice had not yet fully materialised. It was an important reminder that while the Windrush story is often overlooked, it continues to resonate in the halls of power. We were proud to stand alongside those who have fought tirelessly for justice and recognition, and to share the work of our young people with national leaders.
Also announced at the reception was the appointment of Reverend Clive Foster as the UK’s first Windrush Commissioner, tasked with improving the compensation scheme and ensuring Windrush voices are heard. Voyage was proud to be represented at this gathering, standing alongside national figures including Windrush elders, campaigners, and the newly appointed Commissioner, as our youth-led Hackney Windrush Elders Book continues to shine a light on the courageous stories of community elders.
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