By KLTV Newsdesk –

Landmark community project celebrates the enduring legacy of the Windrush Generation across Kirklees, West Yorkshire and nationally

A major new community heritage project celebrating the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants will be officially unveiled at the Huddersfield Media Centre on Monday 22 June as part of Windrush Day 2026.

The Huddersfield Windrush On Tour Tapestry is a historical, striking and interactive exhibition that tells the story of African Caribbean communities in Kirklees, West Yorkshire and across the country, through a unique blend of visual art, photography, oral histories and digital storytelling.

Commissioned by Huddersfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church and delivered in partnership with Kirklees Local TV (KLTV), the tapestry captures the impact of the Windrush Generation and their descendants across decades of history in areas such as healthcare, education, faith, transport, textiles, politics, culture, sport and community activism.

Following its launch, the tapestry will tour venues across Kirklees and the rest of the UK, ensuring that the stories, achievements and experiences it represents can be shared with communities nationwide and beyond.

A Celebration of Windrush Legacy

The launch takes place during Windrush Day celebrations, marking 78 years since the arrival of passengers from the Caribbean aboard the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948.

More than a historical commemoration, organisers say the tapestry represents a living record of the people who helped shape modern Kirklees and continue to contribute to its social, cultural and economic life.

The project incorporates digital elements that link visitors to a growing archive of oral histories, preserving first-hand accounts of migration, resilience, achievement and community-building for future generations.

The Tapestry showcases the history & heritage of African Caribbean Communities across Huddersfield and beyond, such as their links to local transport in the 1950s

Dr Milton Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Kirklees Local TV, said: “The prospect of unveiling this detailed, interactive and insightful living archive is a proud moment for Kirklees Local TV and the Huddersfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

“The tapestry represents and exemplifies our shared, intergenerational sacred irrationality and our universal narrative of hope, belonging, and never giving up.

“A heartfelt thank you to the members of the Seventh-Day Adventist, a steadfast pillar of the African Caribbean community since the 1940s.

“They commissioned KLTV to do what we do best: record, celebrate, preserve, and make accessible to the public the rich heritage of the Windrush generation and the history of the African Caribbean community in Huddersfield and West Yorkshire.”

A Partnership Rooted in Community

The tapestry is the result of collaboration between churches, community organisations, local historians, artists and volunteers who have worked together to ensure that the stories represented are authentic and reflective of the African Caribbean experience.

Huddersfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church commissioned KLTV to lead the development of the project, building on more than 30 years of community heritage work, and over 15 years of digitising, documenting and celebrating local African Caribbean history.

The Huddersfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church, like many local churches, has long been a pillar of the African Descent Community in Kirklees

Speaking on behalf of the Church, Elder Edwin Baker said: “This tapestry is a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and achievements of the Windrush Generation and the generations that followed.

“Many of the people whose stories are reflected in this project helped build the communities we know today, yet their contributions are too often overlooked.

“Through the Huddersfield Windrush On Tour Tapestry, we are ensuring that their legacy is not only remembered but shared with future generations.

“As a church founded and shaped by many members of the Windrush Generation, we felt a responsibility to preserve these stories and celebrate the profound impact they have had on Kirklees and beyond.”

Christopher Morgan, a Director at KLTV, said: “For more than 15 years, KLTV has worked alongside grassroots communities to document stories that might otherwise be lost.

“The Huddersfield Windrush On Tour Tapestry represents one of the most ambitious community heritage projects we have been involved in because it combines art, oral history and digital storytelling into a lasting resource for the whole district.

“It has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to play a part in helping bring this project together for African Caribbean communities across Kirklees and West Yorkshire.

“I hope it becomes a lasting symbol of pride, recognition and understanding for communities across Kirklees.”

Community Launch Event

The official unveiling will be hosted by community activist Louise Muhammad, Community Activist & Creative Director of Paraffinalia 75.

Several local dignitaries and representatives from the African Caribbean Community and several Churches will be in attendance on the day.

Also in attendance will be the recently elected Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison, providing the civic importance the event deserves.

The launch will feature reflections on the Windrush legacy, community testimonies and the first public viewing of the completed tapestry.

Many organisations, such as the Antilles Credit Union, were set up decades ago by pioneers of the Windrush generation, and continue to have deep connections to the African Caribbean community in Kirklees

Speaking on the launch, Louise said:

Speaking on the launch, Louise said: “The Windrush On Tour Tapestry launch event and unveiling is a wonderful project that encapsulates the values of groups coming together.

“Well done to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for reaching out to KLTV for their expertise.

“This locally rooted social enterprise has been recording and capturing our local Windrush History for well over a decade, creating and developing a digital archive for current and future generations to enjoy.

“I am both honoured and excited to be the host for this event this coming Windrush Day.

“I cannot think of a more fitting occasion as we commemorate 78 years of Windrush Generation History!

“I am confident that all in attendance will learn something new about our local history, even those of Windrush Heritage, and there may even be a surprise announcement!”

KLTV and the Seventh-Day Adventist hope the launch will spark conversations across generations and inspire greater awareness of the contributions made by African Caribbean communities both locally and nationally.

Taking Windrush Stories Across Kirklees

Following its unveiling, the Huddersfield Windrush On Tour Tapestry will begin a programme of displays at venues across Kirklees, including schools, libraries, community centres, churches and educational institutions.

By taking the exhibition directly into communities, organisers aim to foster understanding, celebrate achievement and ensure that the legacy of the Windrush Generation remains visible, accessible and relevant for years to come.

The Huddersfield Windrush On Tour Tapestry has been made possible through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and administered by Near Neighbours.

The annual scheme supports community groups to commemorate, celebrate and educate people about the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants across the United Kingdom, helping communities come together to mark the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush and reflect on its lasting legacy.

If you would like to showcase the tapestry at your event, community venue, school, place of worship, or organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with Huddersfield Seventh-day Adventist Church or Kirklees Local TV to discuss how we can bring this inspiring exhibition to your community, business or event.

Email: huddersfieldsda@gmail.com or info@kirkleeslocaltv.com for more information.