An exhibition celebrating the pioneering Windrush generation who came to Britain from the Caribbean has opened at Central Library, West Bromwich as part of Black History Month programme in Sandwell.

The Windrush70 exhibition was opened by Councillor Jackie Taylor, equality and diversity champion at the library on West Bromwich High Street. Councillor Taylor said she was delighted to officially open the exhibition and celebrate the work of the people who came to Britain between 1948-1972. She said: 

“The exhibition is excellent and records the struggles and hardships they experienced and offers the opportunity to talk about we can help to continue this rich legacy for future generations.”

The council’s library staff has drawn up an interesting programme of events at venues across the borough to celebrate Black History Month. They include workshops, films and talks, including one with Vernon Hodges, who played alongside Cyrille Regis at West Bromwich Albion in the 1970s. Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy leader, added:

“Library staff have come up with a varied programme with some very interesting events, including items involving the Great War, local football stars and poetry. I would urge people to get along to some of these interesting diversity events to get an insight into the lives and fascinating histories of local families.”

They include workshops, films and talks, including one with Vernon Hodges, who played alongside Cyrille Regis at West Bromwich Albion in the 1970s. There will also a Black Voices Poetry event with Roy Mcfarlane, a well-known poet and writer at Bleakhouse Library, Smethwick.

At Smethwick Library there is a month-long exhibition highlighting the work of the Lions of the Great War which will lead to the unveiling of the new statue in November. There are film events at Wednesbury library, a drumming workshop at West Bromwich and events across the borough.