Wolves are supporting the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Windrush Day celebrations this weekend, as the area honours the contributions of generations of African-Caribbean citizens.
Celebrated annually, Windrush Day 2025 will take place this Sunday (22nd June) and highlights the impact the Windrush generation and their descendants have had on British society.
The day also commemorates the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948, which brought passengers from the Caribbean to the UK – an event which marked the beginning of significant migration from the Caribbean which enriched British culture and society.
Through its One Pack initiative, Wolves regularly shines a light on the equality and diversity which thrives throughout the Wolverhampton community and also makes Molineux a place where everyone is welcome. However, that was not always the case, especially during the initial arrival of the Windrush generation.
Junior Hemans, originator of the club’s Golden Black supporters’ group, explains: “Windrush Day is synonymous for the arrival of migrants from the Caribbean. Many of the men were keen cricket fans, but there were those who took keenly to watching and playing football.
“For those that settled in Wolverhampton, they quickly adopted the Wolves – who back then were at their height of their domination within the English league.
“As more continued to arrive, not only did they know the name Billy Wright, but many were soon reciting the names of the teams in the late 1960s. However, it was not until the 1970s and the introduction of Bob Hazell and George Berry did Black supporters finally revel in the team now reflecting them.
“Back then, the terraces could be an intimidating arena, where some Black supporters did not always feel welcomed, even though they wore the old gold and black scarves and shirts.
“But today's team is now a cosmopolitan blend of ethnicities and cultures, all receiving the same level of support and adoration. The terraces stand united – its own blend of race, colour, creed and religion, cheering their team on.”
This weekend will see the City of Wolverhampton Council commemorate Windrush Day, beginning with a flag raising ceremony outside the Civic Centre at 10.30am on Sunday.
The ceremony will feature speeches from representatives of the Windrush community, the Mayor of Wolverhampton Craig Collingswood and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Sandra Samuels OBE, who in 2022 became the first person of African-Caribbean heritage to become Mayor of Wolverhampton.
Then, attention turns to Wolverhampton Art Gallery where a bronze bust in honour of Wolverhampton’s first African-Caribbean councillor, Mel Chevannes, will be unveiled during an event introduced by Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE.
Mel, who elected to Graiseley Ward in 1981 and served as a local councillor for 11 years and later became the first African-Caribbean chairperson of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “I am humbled to be honoured by a bronze bust in the city of Wolverhampton, which has been my home for the last 50 years. I am proud to be recognised for my professional, community and educational contributions to this wonderful city.”
Mayor Councillor Collingswood added: “We are delighted to play our part in highlighting an important time in our history – and to celebrate the impact that the Windrush generation, and individuals such as Mel Chevannes, have had on our city and our nation.
“Everyone is welcome to join us for the commemorations as possible and I hope that as many residents as possible are able to come along and help us celebrate Windrush Day 2025.”
