SAFC legend Gary Bennett joins hundreds of people at Sunderland’s celebration of Windrush Day
SAFC legend Gary Bennett was one of around 200 visitors at the Beacon of Light on Saturday (June 22) as the city embraced multiculturalism and the anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush generation.
On June 22, 1948, HMT Windrush arrived in the port of Tilbury with hundreds of people from the British colonial islands of the Caribbean who had answered the UK Government’s call to help rebuild the country in the post-war years.
SAFC legend Gary Bennett with players and coaches from Windrush-Sunderland Football Club. | African Caribbean Community Association North East.
As part of the national celebrations, people were able to enjoy an afternoon of Afro-Caribbean food, music and dance, and a fashion display in keeping with the style of garments which would have been worn by the Windrush arrivals.
The event was organised by Sunderland based African Caribbean Community Association North East.
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Director Lucky Pemu, who moved to Sunderland from Nigeria 20 years ago, said: “The event went very well and everyone had a great day.
“We had about 200 people attend the event and everyone enjoyed the food and fashion.
“These type of city wide events are really important to show Afro-Caribbean culture here in Sunderland and promote understanding and community cohesion.”
The event also saw youngsters from the Association’s new junior football team, Windrush-Sunderland Football Club, showcase their skills in a game.
The team was set-up in partnership with SAFC and the club’s former skipper Gary Bennett was at the event with other members of Show Racism the Red Card.
