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Windrush Day was introduced in June of 2018 on the 70th anniversary of the Windrush migration. Windrush Day is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom, it is an observed day.

History
On June 22, 1948, 492 Afro-Caribbean people were brought to Tilbury Docks, Essex in the UK. They were brought over on the Empire Windrush ship. After World War II, the United Kingdom's economy needed to be repaired. In doing so, the British government recruited Afro-Caribbean migrants and offered them jobs. News reports at the time reported that the number of people was 492, but the ship’s records show that the ship was carrying 1,027 passengers. According to the ship’s passenger lists, 802 of the listed passengers gave their last country of residence as somewhere in the Caribbean. After World War II, Britain's economy needed to be repaired. In doing so, the British government recruited Afro-Caribbean migrants and offered them jobs. These jobs included the production of steel, coal, iron, and food. They also had jobs in the service sector such as running public transport and staffing the new National Health Service in the United Kingdom.

The first Afro-Caribbean immigrants in the United Kingdom were faced with extreme intolerance from the majority of the white population. Afro-Caribbean migrants were encouraged to settle in the United Kingdom and take up employment to relieve the labor market by the authorities, but many early immigrants were denied access to private employment and accommodation because of the color of their skin. Black people were also banned from many pubs, clubs, and even churches.

Modern Day
“A Windrush Day will allow communities up and down the country to recognise and honour the enormous contribution of those who stepped ashore at Tilbury Docks 70 years ago,” said Lord Bourne. The purpose of Windrush Day is to encourage “communities across the country to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants,” according to the United Kingdom government. Government funding helps a variety of events and activities to take place such as the day dance performances, exhibitions, and debates.