The power of identity and belonging and the legacy of the Windrush generation

Last night I watched the highly acclaimed actor David Harewood deliver the Richard Dimbleby Lecture. It was a historic occasion, the first time in its 50-year history that a Black person has given the annual lecture.

David's powerful and moving lecture focused on identity and belonging and the legacy of the Windrush generation. This week marks 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK carrying passengers from the Caribbean to fill labour shortages.

David's lecture was a poignant reminder that the impact of not feeling welcome, a sense of belonging, and not accepting the rich and unique intersectional identities that shape who we are could have a debilitating effect on individuals, as highlighted through David's well-documented mental health issues. And we have all seen the negative impact an inability to accept differences can have on broader society.?

This also rings true in the workplace. People can only thrive in a welcoming environment that values their unique contribution.

While there are many lessons we can learn from the Windrush generation, including how their grit and resilience helped to build the infrastructure of modern Britain or how the infusion of Caribbean culture enriched British food, culture, art, literature and more, my takeaways from David's lecture are:?

1. We are stronger as a society when we embrace our differences.
2. We must document and acknowledge all experiences, as they are part of British history.?

I highly recommend viewing David's lecture.