Council to offer freedom of borough status to local Windrush generation
East Staffordshire Borough Council offered its highest award possible to its local Windrush generation and its lineage by hosting an extraordinary Council meeting on Monday.
The meeting also kick-started Black History Month celebrations.
Some of the Borough’s most prominent black community and sporting figures gathered with councillors, civic dignitaries and local members of the Windrush community and its lineage, so that they can receive the Freedom of the Borough Status.
This is the 20th time the award has been granted since 1912; and only the 6th time in the last 25 years.
The meeting saw invitees gather at Burton Town Hall to hear and discuss stories of the Borough’s Windrush generation and its exceptional contribution to life in Burton upon Trent and beyond.
Cllr Monica Holton, borough councillor and member of the Afro-Caribbean community said: “I am blessed to be born to Jamaican parents who came to the UK to assist in rebuilding Britain following world war 2.
“Mr & Mrs Steadman Jones have left behind a legacy after contributing 36 exemplary years’ service to Bass Brewery and the NHS (Burton District Hospital /Queens Hospital). My mother also held the position of Officer within the Triumphant Church of God, known to many in the community as Mother I Jones.
“It is the widely documented that the Afro Caribbean community endured much during the early years and more recently with many being detained and deported. Despite all this, I see a community that remains united and ever stronger, a community whose culture is embedded and influential in every part of the UK.
“As the first Black Female East Staffordshire borough councillor I am immensely proud to be part of this historic occasion. Heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks to the Windrush Generation.”
Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick, Leader of the Council, said: “I am incredibly pleased to see the Council acknowledge the local Afro-Caribbean community’s contributions to the Borough over the past 75 years.
“Freedom of Borough status is the highest award the Council can offer and I can think of no better way to celebrate the Windrush generation and its lineage than by granting them this prestigious award.”
