By KLTV Newsdesk –

KLTV unveils the first three films in a 16-part series celebrating Windrush legacies

As part of Windrush Day 2025, Kirklees Local Television (KLTV) is proud to officially launch Windrush Wise Words – a powerful new video series capturing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Windrush descendants across Huddersfield.

The launch follows a successful premiere event, which took place on Friday, the 20th of June, at the Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield and was streamed live on KLTV’s YouTube Channel.

The event brought together community members, leaders, and viewers from across the UK to honour the legacy of the Windrush generation.

The evening was led by our inimitable Chair of KLTV’s Board and Lead on the African Descendants Forum, Edwin Baker, alongside our CEO and Co-Founder of KLTV, Dr Milton Brown, whose tireless efforts and 30+ years of experience working in local communities have guided KLTV to where it is today.

From set up and organisation of the event to editing the films and filming on the evening, the entire KLTV team worked tremendously hard to bring this event to life for everyone in attendance and watching online.

It was an honour to have such distinguished guests such as Cllr Amanda Pinnock, who was our master of ceremonies for the evening, the Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire, Alison Lowe, Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Liz Smaje, Huddersfield’s MP, Harpeet Uppal.

Dr Milton Brown, Henderson Gill, Cllr Amanda Pinncok, Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Liz Smaje, Johnny Flowers, Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe and Dr Helen Wells in attendance at the Wise Words launch

The evening featured a special preview of the first three Wise Words films, sharing the remarkable life stories of Dr Helen Wells, Lindel “Johnny” Flowers, and Henderson “Gilly” Gill, who were all in attendance.

The preview offered a poignant look into the lived experiences, challenges, and achievements of first- and second-generation Caribbean Britons, highlighting the vital contributions they have made to British society.

Chair of KLTV’s Board and Lead on the African Descendants Forum, Edwin Baker

Following the screenings, a dynamic discussion reflected on the importance of the Windrush legacy and the need to preserve these stories for future generations. The panel included:

The speakers shared their insights on equality, education, and community empowerment, underscoring the critical role that women play in shaping and safeguarding the community’s rich cultural heritage.

Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Councillor for Ashbrow, and Liz Smaje, Councillor for Birstall and Birkenshaw and the Mayor of Kirklees 2025/26

For those who missed the live event, the full stream is available to watch online: https://youtube.com/live/h0TFsnhwvQc?feature=share

Member of Parliament for Huddersfield, Harpeet Uppal

Having premiered at a special event on 20th June, the first three short films are now live, shining a spotlight on the lives of three remarkable individuals whose journeys reflect the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of the Windrush generation.

From groundbreaking academic achievements and sporting excellence to community leadership, these deeply personal stories embody the rich legacy that Windrush descendants continue to shape.

The films are available to watch below and on KLTV’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirkleeslocaltv

Dr Helen Wells – From Illiteracy to a PhD

Dr Helen Wells’ journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A first-generation descendant of the Windrush generation, Helen overcame a childhood marked by prejudice and educational disadvantage.

Through sheer determination, she transformed her life – from early illiteracy to earning an honours degree, a master’s in social sciences, and now having completed her PhD.

With over 20 years as a trauma counsellor, Helen’s work is pioneering new understandings of how to live well with dementia. Her life stands as a powerful testament to the belief that no matter where you begin, greatness is within reach.

Johnny Flowers – Love, Leadership and Legacy

Lindel Moralley “Johnny” Flowers came to the UK in the 1960s for love – and stayed to become a pillar of the Huddersfield community.

A true Windrush trailblazer, Johnny’s story is one of courage and perseverance.

Facing discrimination, job rejections, and cultural barriers, he built a life grounded in activism, entrepreneurship, and generosity.

Johnny Flowers is not just a name – he’s a symbol of what it means to rise above adversity and give back, time and again.

Henderson “Gilly” Gill – Breaking Barriers Through Sport and Music

Born in Huddersfield to Barbadian parents of the Windrush generation, Henderson “Gilly” Gill rose to fame as a Rugby League sensation.

Known for his electrifying speed, rolled-down socks and signature celebration dance, Gilly wasn’t just a player – he was a performer, a pioneer, and an icon.

Off the pitch, he lit up the town as resident DJ at Huddersfield’s legendary Venn Street nightclub in the 1980s, bridging communities through music.

As one of the earliest Black men to represent Great Britain in rugby league, his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Windrush Wise Words is a 16-part series that will continue to roll out over the next three months, offering a rich tapestry of experiences from members of the Windrush generation and their descendants.

Each short film is a tribute to the sacrifices, contributions, and triumphs that have shaped Britain’s cultural and social fabric.

Funding for Windrush Wise Words was provided by Near Neighbours as part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2025.

You can find out more about Near Neighbours and the Grant Scheme on their website here: https://www.near-neighbours.org.uk/windrush2025

You can learn more about Windrush Wise Words on KLTV here: https://kirkleeslocaltv.com/news/kltvs-windrush-wise-words-from-the-elders-project-awarded-funding-to-celebrate-huddersfields-windrush-generation/