The monument, created by artist Luke Perry, depicts the bow of the Windrush ship, an anchor and rising chains. It features a poem, ‘A Monument is a Testament’, by poet Casey Bailey cut into the steel. The monument also features painted imagery by artist Victoria Murrain that tell family stories of the Windrush generation.

It was unveiled in front of a packed crowed in St Patrick’s Park where it will stand as permanent recognition of city’s Windrush Generation.

The monument has been hailed by Independent Windrush Commissioner, Reverend Clive Foster MBE who said: "The Windrush generations who came to this country contributed enormously to rebuilding Britain and their story deserves to be told, recognised and remembered.

"As Casey Bailey's poem reminds us, a monument is a testament. And this beautiful monument is a testament that Wolverhampton sees its Caribbean and Commonwealth communities, honours their contribution, and is committed to ensuring that legacy lives on for generations to come.

"There is still much more work to do to fully recognise and repair the harm done to the Windrush generations, but projects like this are an important step in the right direction. This is what it looks like when a community selflessly takes ownership of its own history, and I am proud to support it."

Developed collaboratively with representatives from the council, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and a wide range of community partners, the project has been shaped from the outset by local voices and lived experience.

Community organisations including Churches 4 Positive Change, SIAN Computers CIC, Black History & Heritage Wolverhampton and Black Heritage Walks Network CIC played a key role in shaping the monument’s purpose and meaning.

Public consultation carried out between December 2024 and February 2025 highlighted a clear vision for the monument. Residents wanted a space that would be highly visible and central to the city, inspire pride and reflection, acknowledge both hardship and achievement and provide a place to gather and remember.

Speaking on behalf of Wolverhampton’s Windrush Committee, Gurpri Bains said "This monument is the result of a truly collaborative journey, bringing together organisations, community partners, artists, schools and residents to create something that will stand with purpose for generations to come. It is a powerful tribute to the Windrush Generation of Wolverhampton and a reflection of our past, present and future.

“The anchor within the monument holds particular significance, representing our desire for this work to be built upon as part of the region’s wider Commonwealth and British history. We wanted to create something that connects generations, inspires pride, and creates a space for reflection and learning for all Wolverhampton residents. We hope it will inspire conversations, strengthen understanding and serve as a powerful reminder that our shared history, and our shared future, belong to all of us.”

Councillor Jeszemma Howl, Cabinet Member for Governance and Digital, said: “Today’s unveiling is a proud and important moment for our city. This monument is a lasting testament to the Windrush Generation and the contribution they have made to Wolverhampton, and it will continue to carry that legacy forward for generations to come.

“It’s a powerful and permanent addition to our public spaces, and I would encourage everyone to visit, take time to reflect, and experience this special piece of art for themselves.”

The Monument has been designed to evolve over time. Names from a school poetry competition will be the first to be etched into the structure, with plans to add further names annually. 

By 2048, marking 100 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush, the monument aims to carry 100 names recognising individuals who have shaped the community.

The unveiling of the monument, supported by funding from City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton Wanderers, is just part of this year’s Windrush Day celebrations in the city.

A successful £23,000 bid to the Windrush Day Grant Scheme was led by Black Heritage Walks Network CIC and will be delivered in partnership with Black History and Heritage Wolverhampton.

The funding will support a programme of community engagement, storytelling and educational activity. This includes heritage walks for schoolchildren led by Black Heritage Walks Network CIC, alongside a schools’ poetry competition, with winning entries to be etched into the monument.

The monument builds on sustained heritage work in Wolverhampton in recent years, including a family genealogy programme, Wolverhampton City Archives becoming a FamilySearch affiliated library to improve access to Caribbean histories and the unveiling of the Mel Chevannes statue, now permanently housed at the Civic Centre.