News
ACLC Celebrates 76th Anniversary of the Windrush Generation
June 2024
Over 100 people attended an event on June 15th 2024, at the Moravian Church in Hornsey to celebrate the 76th Windrush Anniversary. This event, which featured the screening of award winning journalist, Nadine White’s documentary “Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind,” was made possible through a £500 funding award from Haringey Council to the ACLC (African Caribbean Leadership Company).
The documentary, which highlights the experiences of children left behind in the Caribbean during the Windrush migration, played a central role in the event. Journalist, Nadine who was guest speaker shared her experiences, and why she created the documentary. The gathering provided a platform for attendees to reflect on and share their own stories of the historical and emotional impacts of the Windrush migration on themselves and their families.
This funding support from Haringey Council underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in commemorating significant historical events and fostering dialogue and recognition of such important events.
12th December 2023
African Caribbean Leadership Company Ltd (ACLC) celebrates after receiving £10k of National Lottery funding to help Senior Citizens in their Community.
Local community organisation, ACLC is celebrating after being awarded £10,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work with senior citizens. The group, based in Haringey, will use the money to provide a range of activities and resources to support the health, well-being, and social connectivity of senior citizens in the community.
The ‘Sharing is Caring’ Senior Citizens Project will include chair-based exercises, monthly quizzes, and opportunities for seniors to share their ancestral stories and cultural activities. Events will include:
Tea and Light Refreshments:
Senior citizens will be offered tea and light refreshments during the sessions to promote socialization and networking opportunities.
Electronic Device Training:
Training sessions will be offered to help seniors learn how to use electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers to stay connected with family and friends, and to access online resources.
Basic DIY:
DIY sessions will be offered to help seniors learn basic home maintenance and repair skills.
Recommended Foods for People of Colour:
Educational sessions will be offered to promote awareness and understanding of recommended foods for people of colour, and the benefits of incorporating them into the diet.
Catering for Online and In-Person Attendees:
Sessions will be offered both in-person and online, to cater to seniors who are unable to attend in person.
Needlework:
Sessions will be offered for seniors to learn and practice needlework skills, such as knitting and crocheting.
Chair-Based Exercises:
Exercise sessions will be offered to support health and well-being. Other exercises can be offered for the more able bodied.
Carmen Lomotey, ACLC Company Secretary says: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognized our work in this way. This project will focus on providing a safe and inclusive environment where seniors can come together to learn, share, and connect with each other. Unfortunately, they have not been able to do this since the Covid-19 lockdown”.
“Now, thanks to National Lottery players, our organisation will be able to host 30 Sessions (2 hourly) to be held on Wednesdays starting in the new year. Sessions will be offered both in-person and online, and our outreach team will visit homes of elderly participants to enable online attendance”.
Senior citizens in the community interested in attending these events should contact ACLC by email at [email protected].
Action for Race Equality Sponsors ACLC for Windrush Compensation Support
November 2023
Action for Race Equality (ARE) Windrush Justice Programme is sponsoring the African Caribbean Leadership Company (ACLC) to provide personalized assistance to community members applying for Windrush Compensation. With funding of £22,000, this initiative will offer One to One Support to help individuals check their eligibility status, and help them complete their application forms for the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
ACLC will lead this project, ensuring that eligible claimants receive the necessary support. To begin the process, individuals who believe they are eligible should contact ACLC. They will be provided with a triage form to assess eligibility, and the level of support needed, which will then be directed to the appropriate advocate.
This opportunity is available to all those eligible under the Windrush Compensation Scheme. For more information or to start the process, please email [email protected].
Portraits of a Generation
Front Row: Middle – King Charles III, Queen Camilla sits among ten selected Windrush pioneers. Back Row: Artists of the portraits stands behind their sitters.
On Wednesday,14th June 2023, Jessie Stephens, a Trustee and longstanding member of the ACLC, had the privilege of attending a reception held at Buckingham Palace. The event was organized to commemorate the release of ten portraits showcasing pioneers from the Windrush Generation.
Known as “Portraits of a Generation”, these ten artworks were commissioned by His Majesty the King in 2022, to mark the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival in Britain. They will be included in the prestigious Royal Collection, serving as a lasting tribute to the men, women, and children who made the journey from the Caribbean to rebuild the nation after World War II.
WINDRUSH PIONEERS
The ten selected Windrush pioneers, and their respective artists is as follows:
– Delisser Bernard, painted by Honor Titus
– Alford Gardner, painted by Chloe Cox
– Linda Haye, painted by Shannon Bono
– Edna Henry, painted by Amy Sherald
– Carmen Munroe, painted by Sonia Boyce
– Jessie Stephens, painted by Sahara Longe
– Gilda Oliver, painted by Clifton Powell
– Sir Geoff Palmer, painted by Derek Fordjour
– Laceta Reid, painted by Serge Attukwei Clottey
– ‘Big’ John Richards, painted by Deanio X
EXHIBITION
The “Portraits of a Generation” will be on public display at:
– Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh: June 22nd, 2023, to mid September, 2023.
– The National Portrait Gallery, London: October – March, 2024.
EDUCATION
To acknowledge the contributions of the Windrush Generation, the Royal Collection Trust, Royal Drawing School, and The Open University are collaborating on an educational programme. Further details about this initiative will be announced.
JESSIE STEPHENS MBE
Jessie left St Lucia aged 28 and arrived in London in 1955, where she became a strong and dedicated member of her community in Haringey, playing important roles in creating a cultural hub and campaigning for better relationships with the police. In 1982, she was made an MBE for her services to the St. Lucian community, UK.
Jessie who is 95 years old, has been a dedicated volunteer for the ACLC (African Caribbean Leadership Company Limited) and the St Lucia Association for more than 40 years and played a part with ACLC’s founding members who attended meetings, and led campaigns to acquire the building known as West Indian Cultural Centre, in Hornsey. In her former years, Jessie was also a Police Liaison Officer, and played an active role supporting local black youths targeted by the police, attending regular liaison meetings, some being held at the iconic cultural centre.
ACLC and The Cultural Centre
The cultural centre, currently in a state of disrepair, holds immense significance for the community. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Windrush Generation. Recognizing its importance, the ACLC members are fundraising to restore and preserve this cultural landmark.
Unfortunately, in recent weeks (June) the building was targeted and vandalized. ACLC is in need of support now more than ever.
If you would like to contribute to the restoration of the building, we invite you to donate through our JustGiving page here.
Jessie Stephens MBE, painted by Sahara Longe.
Left: Portrait of Jessie. Above: Jessie with her son Leee John, and well wishers on the steps at Buckingham Palace.
ACLC Information and Guidance Events
31st May 2022
Windrush Compensation Scheme
ACLC will be hosting Information and Guidance sessions on; Saturday, 11th June, 2nd July, 10th September, and 5th November, 2022 at 3.30 -7.30 p.m. at the Community Hub, 8 Caxton Road, Wood Green, London N22 6TB.
All are encouraged to come along to learn about the scheme and to check their eligibility to claim. It is widely believed that there are many more people who are eligible to claim Windrush Scheme compensation. Information and Guidance Advisers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and provide you with an Application Form.
For Application Forms and Guidance click here
Haringey Windrush Compensation Scheme
31st March 2022
A new project Haringey Windrush Compensation Scheme set up by the ACLC through the Home Office – Community Fund, will be hosting a number of events over the year, some in partnership with local groups to create awareness about the Windrush Compensation Scheme that is still open and available. Local members of the community are encouraged to come along to learn about the scheme, consider whether they are eligible to claim, ask questions and listen to others who have successfully been through the process. The project aims to provide help and information, and signpost members to professional advisers who can provide support and guidance and assess their eligibility to make a claim.
Event dates are currently being finalized and will be posted on our website when confirmed. In the meantime, if you would like us to let you know when details are available please email; [email protected].
YOU CAN READ THE RULES AND DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE:
Windrush Compensation Application Form: Windrush Scheme application form (UK) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)