AIMS: DIGITAL FORUM

Aims

Inspired by the testimony of the Windrush Generation, the Burning Work digital forum aimed to coordinate research, community testimony and legal analysis pushing to transform institutional structures which continue to reproduce racial disparities. This first stage heard from key researchers and community figures in order to further examine the contours of this condition and identify ways of moving against exisiting legal frameworks and policy. A further objective of this plan was to expand 'Windrush' beyond the inadequate design of justice, towards key techniques and/or propositions to move this burning work forward across areas of Community Cohesion, Criminal Justice, Education, Health and Work.

Forum Design

On June 22nd, Windrush Defenders Legal C.I.C, the West Indian Sports and Social Club, Louise DaCocodia Education Trust and Arawak Walton Housing Association commissioned Channels Research Group to construct and facilitate the digital forum along these lines of inquiry. At this online event, the testimony of guest speakers situated the case of Windrush within its historical context, followed by a presentation on the Windrush Scheme and Compensation schemes by the Government's Director of the Windrush, Asylum, Immigration and Citizenship taskforce. Megatone Sound Foundation opened the Burning Work Digital Forum with a mix from Megadread of the Men of Sound project at the West Indian Sports and Social Club. Drawing from Caribbean modes of constructing community space through sound, his mix framed the Burning Work forum with music echoing the routes and roots which connect the United Kingdom, the Caribbean and the continent of Africa. Participants then had the option of breaking out into five digital rooms where guest speakers addressed the intersecting themes of education, health, work, criminal justice & community cohesion. Attendees then regrouped to feedback and listen to a closing plenary to conclude the Burning Work digital forum.