By KLTV Newsdesk –
After an immersive and engaging 30-day journey through the rich history, aspirations, and contributions of the Windrush generations, the ‘Paraffinalia-75 Years of Windrush’ exhibition has released its official report.
The groundbreaking exhibition, held in a spacious 5,350 square foot shop front in Huddersfield Town Centre throughout June 2023, brought together art, literature, performance, and immersive elements to create a bold and educational experience.
KLTV successfully led the project, working very closely in partnership with the Kirklees BAME Employee Network, Pursuit of Happiness, Kirklees Museums and Galleries and Kirklees Libraries.
Curated by local organisations, artists, and community activists, ‘Paraffinalia’ showcased the creative ways history and storytelling can be conveyed.
It aimed to fulfil the primary goals of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, educating visitors about the Windrush story and fostering a greater sense of pride and recognition for the contributions made by UK Caribbean communities.
“The ‘Paraffinalia-75 Years of Windrush’ project was a milestone in recognising and celebrating the heritage and impact of the Windrush generation in Huddersfield and Kirklees, said the exhibition’s organisers.
“Through a cross-generational approach, the organisers united young and old, empowering them to share their cultural experiences and become curators of their past.”
Despite encountering many challenges during planning and delivery, the Windrush 75 Paraffinalia exhibition was a spectacular triumph, attracting over 1,000 visitors across Kirklees, West Yorkshire, and the entire UK.
The exhibition served as a platform to reflect, commemorate, understand, and celebrate the achievements of the Windrush generation in Huddersfield and beyond.
“This exhibition not only shed light on the under-represented history of African Caribbean people in Britain but also instilled a sense of pride and belonging among attendees, noted the organisers.
“Paraffinalia created a space for dialogue, remembrance, and celebration by fostering unity and representation.”
Special thanks and heartfelt gratitude must go to all the organisers and volunteers who played an integral role in making the Paraffinalia – 75 Years of Windrush Exhibition a resounding success.
Their unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and passion truly made a difference. Because of their hard work and commitment, we were able to celebrate and honour the rich history of the Windrush generation in such a meaningful way, making the whole exhibition a remarkable achievement.
A special thanks must be extended to Niki Matthews, the finance and admin lead of the Paraffinalia-75 Windrush Exhibition Report. Her exceptional writing skills and dedication have truly brought the report to life.
We would also like to extend our thanks to Milton Brown and the other directors of KLTV, as well as the entire production team, for their invaluable contributions to the success of the Paraffinalia-75 Years of Windrush Exhibition.
Without their hard work and unwavering commitment, the exhibition would not have achieved the resounding success it did.
Lastly, our sincere appreciation goes to Edwin Baker and the African Descendants Forum for their leadership and the team of videographers who gathered information and contributed to the exhibition’s content.
Their efforts have greatly enriched the experience and made it truly memorable.
The official report of the ‘Paraffinalia-75 Years of Windrush’ exhibition captures the essence of this significant chapter in Kirklees and Black British history.
It highlights the contributions of the Windrush generation, ensuring their heritage is better understood, explained, recorded, and safeguarded for future generations.
The full report can be viewed below:
Windrush Paraffinalia 75 KLTV Report