First Born Second
First Born Second is a landmark artistic project dedicated to capturing the unique voices and experiences of the Children of the Windrush Era – those who were the first to be born Black in Britain after World War II. The offspring of Caribbean parents who migrated during the Windrush era, these children were known as the Second Generation and grew up in a hostile environment during the turbulent 1970s and 80s and their children. We invite you to contribute to a powerful anthology commemorating and celebrating our enduring legacy.
About the Anthology
This curated collection will feature non-fiction and fiction, short stories, poems, essays, illustrations and artwork that delve into the realities of Black Britain. We seek to capture the full spectrum of your experiences: the joys and challenges, the triumphs and struggles, and the unique perspectives that have shaped your lives. The literary and written anthology will be part of the wider artistic programme to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Race Relations Act.
The Anthology
Poetry
Flash-fiction
Reflective/critical essays
Memoir/autobiographical
Artwork/Graphic
Themes
Identity and Belonging
What does it mean to you to be Black and British? Could you tell a story about discovering, navigating or perhaps challenging this dual cultural heritage?
Family and Community
Share a story about your family or your community! How have they shaped who you have become? What stories have been passed down to you through generations? Perhaps you could share one? Is there a family moment or an individual you would like a future generation to know about?
Resilience and Resistance
How have you confronted the challenges of racism and discrimination? What strategies have you used to overcome adversity? Share a moment from your life. What could readers learn from your experience?
Cultural Expression
How have you expressed your cultural identity through art, music, literature, food, fashion or other forms of creative expression? Describe yourself, tell the readers about how you found and expressed your style. What was the soundtrack? Where did you go, what did you play, what did you wear, what did you cook?
The Legacy of the Windrush Generation
Has the legacy your parents and grandparents carried influenced your life? What did they tell you? What were the rules? What did they carry with them? Could you share some echoes of their voices and thoughts? What ways, ideas and stories have you inherited? Can you find a way to tell readers what that legacy means for you?
Navigating the Hostile Environment
This could be an opportunity to share stories about your experience with heavy-handed policing, institutional discrimination, and racist abuse. What happened, how did it feel, how is it with you in 2026?
The impact of the 1965 Race Relations Act
What is the legacy of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott that led to future Race Relations Acts and the foundation of the 2010 UK Equality Act? You could offer a critical essay or tell a story, share a memory of the Bus Boycott or other civil rights actions in the ’60s or other big moments that became part of the national dialogue on race and racism. Maybe weave that essay around a personal memory?
Key Dates
Planned publication date: Black History Month, October 2026
Join us in creating this lasting legacy to the Windrush Era and tribute to the First Born Second Generation.
For further information or questions, please email firstbornsecond.cc@gmail.com
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