Windrush Day 2026 was marked in Huddersfield with the unveiling of a tapestry sharing the history of African Caribbean people.
The Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, attended the unveiling of the Huddersfield Windrush On Tour Tapestry at the Huddersfield Media Centre on Monday, June 22, where the tapestry was displayed alongside photos, digital archival material and more.
Attendees at the launch event at the Media Centre explored eleven large-scale panels, each dedicated to a different decade of history.
QR codes on the panels link to a growing digital archive of oral histories, allowing visitors to hear firsthand accounts from the community.
The exhibition documented the journey of African Caribbean communities from the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 to the present day, highlighting their contributions to healthcare, education, faith, transport, industry, politics, culture, and sport.
Bishop Smitha said: "This is a journey of identity, relationship, belonging and justice.
“We tend to talk about Windrush as if it's the ship that matters, but ultimately it's about every single person who was on board that ship and the legacy they gifted to this country."
“I hope it reaches every part of our community and helps people understand the magnitude of what Windrush means for all of us."
The tapestry was commissioned by Huddersfield Seventh-day Adventist Church and delivered in partnership with Kirklees Local TV.
The church hopes the project will strengthen community connections while ensuring future generations understand the contributions made by those who came before them.
Dr Milton Brown, CEO of Kirklees Local TV and a member of our Racial Justice Board, described the unveiling as a proud and emotional moment, and said: "When you see these panels together, you see your mothers, fathers, aunties, uncles and friends represented across the decades.
“It is impossible not to be moved."
"This story is about resilience, pride, honour and that sacred irrationality never to give up.
“Regardless of the barriers that were placed before the African Caribbean community, they persevered and succeeded.
“That is the message I hope people take away from this tapestry."
Following its launch, the Windrush On Tour Tapestry will begin a programme of exhibitions at schools, libraries, community centres, churches, universities and public venues across Kirklees and beyond.
The project was made possible through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and administered by Near Neighbours.