My grandfather John Richards, who has died aged 98, was one of the last surviving passengers of the HMT Empire Windrush. Those onboard for the voyage from Jamaica to London in 1948 would change the face of Britain, ushering in the multiculturalism that helps to define the UK today.
Known affectionately as “Big John”, for his height and commanding presence, my grandfather played his part in ensuring the black community in his small corner of north-west London was represented and brimming with agency. While he spent his days working for British Rail, many of his nights were spent in the clubhouse of the Learie Constantine West Indian Association, of which he was a founding member. From there, John played a pivotal role helping to organise his community to protest against the injustices they suffered.
