October is Black History Month, and to mark the month Emma Reynolds has the following message to her constituents:

“To mark Black History Month, I wanted to send a message of support to the Windrush Generation. I have responded this month to two Government consultations into the way the Windrush Generation were treated, and I wanted to ensure the experiences of some of my constituents caught up in the scandal were included.

“The government must fully compensate those affected for all financial losses incurred as a result of the government’s hostile environment, and go further to include compensation for the considerable distress caused to people – including my constituent Paulette Wilson, who was threatened with deportation even though she has been in the UK since 1968.

“In June and July there was an exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery marking 70 years since the arrival of the ship Empire Windrush in June 1948. It showcased the huge contribution the Caribbean community has made in rebuilding Britain in the post-war period and the contribution they continue to make. This is why the way in which Paulette and others have been treated is a national disgrace.

“This contribution is further showcased in the Black Cultural Archives, based in Brixton. The only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. The Archives has this year lost its Heritage Lottery Funding and, as a result, two-thirds of its income.

“Government representatives have met with the Archives, but have not provided the funding the Archives desperately needs. I have backed calls by my colleague Helen Hayes – who’s constituency contains the Archives – for the Government to step in and provide this funding. It would be a desperate shame for the Black Cultural Archives to close, especially so on the 70th anniversary of the Windrush generation.

“22 June marks national Windrush Day, and celebrating days like Windrush Day and events like Black History Month show how we recognise the contribution the black community has made in so many areas of British society, including politics, business, education, sports and entertainment.”