The Diocese of Bristol’s Racial Justice Team has published a set of resources to support churches and communities ahead of Windrush Day on 22 June 2026.
The materials bring together reading, viewing and learning content to help people understand the history of the Windrush Generation and its ongoing impact.
Marking Windrush Day
Windrush Day marks the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. It recognises the contribution of Caribbean people who came to the UK and helped shape national and local life.
The resources highlight key moments in this history, including events that took place in Bristol, such as the Bristol Bus Boycott.
People and stories
The collection includes short profiles of individuals connected to the Windrush story:
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Dr Paul Stephenson MBE, Bristol’s first Black social worker and activist
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Barbara Dettering, an influential community activist who co-founded St Pauls Carnival
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Roy Hackett MBE, who helped organise the Bristol Bus Boycott
These stories can be used in teaching, preaching and group discussion.
Learning resources
The pack includes a list of books, films and programmes for further learning. These can be used by individuals, small groups and schools.
Examples include:
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Books such as Coming to England
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Film and television including Small Axe
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Documentaries that explore the experiences of the Windrush Generation
Local engagement
Churches are encouraged to connect with local events taking place in Bristol. These include community activities in St Pauls around Windrush Day. These include a community procession starting at Portland Square, moving through St Pauls, and finishing in St Agnes Park, and a free outdoor festival at St Agnes Park, with food, music and community activity. Whilst Bristol Reggae Orchestra and Windrush Choir perform on 20 June at St George’s, with an evening of music and spoken word, celebrating what the Windrush generation has brought to Bristol’s identity and reflecting on the difficulties faced by these pioneers.
Using the resources
The Racial Justice Team invites churches to use the materials in services, groups and community settings. The aim is to support ongoing work on racial justice and to keep the legacy of the Windrush Generation part of church life.