Uni of Lancashire & Windrush Initiatives commit to supporting Preston's Black & Mixed Heritage community
“This is about building something sustainable that benefits both the University and the communities we serve."
The University of Lancashire and Preston based Windrush Initiatives CIC have officially cemented their ongoing commitment to engaging with and supporting Preston’s Black and Mixed Race communities.
By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the organisations have strengthened a long-standing partnership that is already delivering meaningful benefits and is rooted in a shared pledge to equity, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement.
Over recent years, the University’s Global Race Centre for Equality (GRACE) and Windrush Initiatives CIC have worked together on a range of projects, research activity, and funding bids.
This includes the annual Windrush Festival at Avenham Park, a flagship event celebrating Black and African Caribbean culture and heritage, and the Arthur Wharton Commemorative Football Tournament, honouring the world’s first Black professional footballer and creating opportunities for sport, learning, and community pride.
The memorandum signing comes just days after the 13th Windrush Festival in Preston which was held on Sunday, and you can see pictures from that event here.
Windrush Initiatives CIC has also played an important role in supporting GRACE over the past four years, contributing to events, conferences, and community activities, as well as supporting research programmes.
Now, the organisations are planning new collaborative ventures, such as examining Black communities’ experiences of the Criminal Justice System in Lancashire, allowing students to be more involved in work placement and volunteering, applying for joint funding for community-led initiatives and organising more cultural events to raise awareness of local history and identity.
Dr John Wainwright, Co-Director of GRACE, said: “We’ve already seen how much can be achieved when we work in genuine partnership with Windrush Initiatives CIC. This agreement allows us to go further. Whether it’s supporting funding bids, creating student opportunities or community research, this is about building something sustainable that benefits both the University and the communities we serve."
Windrush Initiatives CIC Managing Director Adrian Murrell said: "This partnership is important because it recognises the value of the Black and Mixed Race communities in Preston. From our history, our experiences, and our contribution to the city, it gives us a stronger voice and creates more opportunities to shape the work that affects us."