We want to hear your stories
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.
Who and What to Submit
We welcome submissions from individuals who identify as children of the Windrush Generation – those born and raised in Britain to parents who migrated from the Caribbean. This is a competitive entry in which an editorial panel will choose up to 12 submissions for publication. We encourage submissions to be specific to personal (the good and the bad), drawing on the sensory and physical experiences (smells, sounds, etc) of life in Britain. We also welcome submissions from descendants, interested parties, observers and others who feel they have something to contribute to this fascinating subject.
Your submission could be
Poetry (50 lines max)
Flash-fiction (1000 words max)
Reflective/critical essay (1000 words max)
Memoir/autobiographical (2000 words max)
Artwork/Graphic (freestanding or as illustration for text or text/graphics combination – high resolution jpg or similar)
Suggested 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?
Why Contribute?
Our stories are an essential part of British history. By contributing to this anthology, you will:
- Preserve and celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation.
- Share your unique perspectives with a wider audience.
- Contribute to a powerful testament of resilience and cultural identity.
- Help to add a fresh layer to the story of Caribbean migration to Britain and celebrate the contribution of Black people in Britain.
- Your work will be published alongside contributions from established authors
- There is an honorarium of £100 for each writer or artist whose work is selected to be part of the final Anthology.
Category | Word/Line Limit | Honorarium |
| Memoir / Autobiographical | Up to 2,000 words | £100 |
| Flash Fiction | Up to 1,000 words | £100 |
| Reflective / Critical Essay | Up to 1,000 words | £100 |
| Poetry | Poetry Max 50 lines | £100 |
| Artwork / Illustration | Freestanding or to go with text | £100 |
Selection Criteria
Please be aware that this is a competitive entry and there is no guarantee of your work being published
All submissions will be read/viewed by the editorial team, and authors may be invited to develop work further and respond to questions.
The team will seek to select a range of voices of the First Born Second from across the nation.
Work will be short listed for inclusion on the basis of:
Relevance
· Originality
· Authenticity
· Creativity
· Voice
The final selection for publication will be made by a panel. Sadly, no feedback can be given due to time constraints. The Editorial team contributors will be final.
Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must be made using the email below with a submission top sheet completed. Download and complete the submission top sheet (Available to download as a Word document below, or as a Google doc here)
- Written work must be original and previously unpublished, and have the writer’s permission to use for publication.
- Please submit your work in a Word and PDF document, double-spaced with your name and the title of the piece on every page
- Include a brief biography (50 words max) on the submission form.
- Send your submission with completed Topsheet to firstbornsecond.cc@gmail.com with the email subject:
“Anthology Submission – [Your Name]” - Work must be carefully proofread for errors.
Key Dates
Deadline for submission is 6th March 2026
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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