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Three events are taking place in Ipswich in June organised by the Nia Project - the educational organisation which runs the annual African History Month.

The 'Windrush Generation' refers to the whole first wave of immigrants from the West Indies rather than just the 492 passengers on the boat itself. By extension, it also refers to the mass-immigration from Asia.

Victor Richards

On Tuesday 17 June there's a cultural evening at Ipswich Town Hall's Council Chamber 1900 BST featuring actor and author Victor Richards and the Ipswich Caribbean Steel Band. Victor will be recalling the lives of people who came to live here in drama and poetry performances. He'll be signing his new book as well.

Saturday 21 June sees a 'Palaver' taking place at the St Lawrence's Centre on Dial Lane 1700 BST. A panel and special guests reflect on early experiences, the various Race Relations and Immigration Acts and lessons of a bygone era.

Finally, on Sunday 22 June there's a Thanksgiving Service at the Ipswich International Church on Barrack Corner 1400-1500 BST.

Black in blue

Immigration into Suffolk was concentrated in Ipswich and figures for the 1951 census show it was fairly slow to start with. Out of a total population of 325,909 for east Suffolk included the following ¹:

• 12 born in Jamaica
• 13 born in British Guyana
• 8 born in Trinidad
• 19 born in other Caribbean islands

By 1961, the census shows this had rocketed out of a total population of 343,056:

• 324 born in Jamaica
• 65 born in British Guyana
• 554 born in other Caribbean islands
• (Trinidad not recorded in 1961!)

In 2001, we have more specific figures for Ipswich which had a total population of 117,069 in a census where people gave their ethnic origin ²:

• 106,309 white British
• 1625 black or black British/black Caribbean
• 915 Asian or Asian British/Bangladeshi
• 837 Asian or Asian British/Indian
• 156 Asian or Asian British/Pakistani
• 758 Chinese or other ethnic group

Why celebrate?

The tribute events aim to celebrate the changing make-up of Suffolk according to the Nia Project organiser Del White: "Windrush has become an important milestone in the history of modern Britain.

"The hopes and aspirations the Windrush pioneers had have made British culture and communities richer for the heritage and traditions they carried with them. It's increased the cultural diversity of Britain - most obviously with music and spicier food from the Caribbean in the 1950s and Asian food in the 1960s with the immigrations from Kenya and Uganda.

"Carnivals have also had a major impact - most obviously Notting Hill in London, but also the Ipswich carnivals which really put the Ipswich Caribbean Association on the map.

"The real challenge was for a previously homogenous (ie. white) community to work with 'otherness'.

"Race relations became a new factor and today cultural diversity is still an ongoing process.

"One real legacy is the number of mixed-heritage people across the UK."

James Hehir, who's the chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council said: "Ipswich has a vibrant community which has benefited greatly form the cultural and social structure created by those of the 'Windrush generation', which has gone from strength to strength over the years."

For more details about the Windrush: 60 Years On events contact the Nia Project on 01473 221715 or email: niaproject21@yahoo.com

For many features on Suffolk's Thomas Clarkson and his role in ending the slave trade, click on the links on the right.

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Suffolk's Ebony Eye programme is broadcast Sundays 1600-1800 BST.

Sources: ¹ statistics courtesy of Angela Plumb at the Suffolk Records Office; ² courtesy of Ipswich Borough Council.