THE National Lottery celebrated Black History Month with the unveiling of a unique installation in Tilbury, inspired by the arrival at the town's port 75 years ago of a ship carrying the UK's first contingent of immigrants from the Caribbean.

The artwork, created by abstract Black British artist, Jade Pearl, and Liam Hopkins of Lazerian Studios, is a wireframe recreation of the HMT Empire Windrush, celebrating the huge contribution made by Windrush pioneers to modern Britain

£1.2 million has been awarded to 140 community groups across the UK commemorating Windrush 75 this year – the artwork features portraits of some of these people and projects who have done incredible things with the help of this National Lottery funding

Presenter and singer, Scarlette Douglas unveiled the installation at Tilbury.

Ms Douglas, whose grandparents moved to London from Jamaica and whose father was one of the co-founders of Black History Month UK, having already founded the first legal Black Radio station in the UK, unveiled the installation, alongside meeting representatives from the various beneficiaries of The National Lottery funding, featured in the artwork. 

As well as the £1.2 million donation to more than 140 community groups across the UK commemorating Windrush 75 this year the funder gave more than £50 million to over 1,000 projects supporting Black communities across the UK last year, demonstrating its ambition to invest most in places, people and communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.

Titled, "Life We Hold: A Tribute to Black Britain", the installation seeks to honour the historical significance of the HMT Empire Windrush and celebrates the remarkable contributions of Black individuals to the rich tapestry of British society, from the arts and food, to sport and education.

The sculpture aims to be a thought-provoking tribute that engages viewers in a dialogue about unity, resilience, and the indelible legacy of Windrush pioneers.

Projects featured in the installation include FAM Fest, the Thelma Matilda Alves Foundation, MENFA, Windrush: The Story Continues, and Show Racism the Red Card; portraits of pivotal individuals from each group feature on the sculpture, representing the incredible things they've achieved within their communities – from providing support for the mental wellbeing of women from the Windrush descendants; celebrating the music and food originating from this community; to mentoring and education within schools, and strengthening bonds between generations.

The portraits displayed on the wireframe structure of the ship were created by Jade Pearl, an abstract artist with a focus on digital art, illustration and murals. Her work focuses on the empowerment of people, wielding the vibrant colours of well-being to encapsulate the essence of unity, resilience, and togetherness.

Scarlette said: "The impact and contribution the Windrush generation has had on Britain since first arriving in 1948 has been exceptional. It's imperative that we recognise and honour the achievements of their legacy.

"As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush, the importance of funding for our vibrant community groups - like what has been provided by The National Lottery, has never been greater.

"These organisations are the backbone of so many communities, preserving our heritage and culture and providing support to the Windrush Generation and its descendants."