The tide pulls back, erasing footprints in the sand. It’s a metaphor Dr. Les Johnson understands intimately. He saw it, not just on beaches, but in the way the contributions of the Windrush generation, his parents among them, were fading from the narrative of British history. But footprints, Dr. Johnson realized, can also leave permanent marks. And so, the National Windrush Museum was born.
This isn’t just a museum; it’s a rebellion against erasure. It’s a vibrant canvas where the collective story of the Windrush generation – their struggles, triumphs, and enduring impact – is etched not in fading sand, but in interactive exhibits, personal narratives, and the voices of a community rising above whispers.
Dr. Les Johnson, a man of many hats, wears each with a distinct purpose: academic, entrepreneur, cultural champion, and most recently, architect of a space long missing from the British landscape – the National Windrush Museum. His vision, fueled by personal connection and a passion for innovation, is reshaping how we tell the stories of Black Britain.
Cultural visualization, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Johnson’s academic background in cultural visualization, entrepreneurship, and innovation informs his approach to history. “My prime area of investigation and work is to do with cultural visualisation,” he explains. “The idea that you can visualise culture and heritage in new and innovative creative ways.” This philosophy challenges the traditional museum format, aiming for a more dynamic and engaging experience.
But it’s his personal connection to the Windrush generation that truly ignites his drive. Witnessing his parents’ contributions to Britain, yet seeing their legacy largely absent from national narratives, became a profound motivator. As he walks along the beach, watching his own footprints fade in the waves, he sees a powerful metaphor: “I equated it to my parents’ generation…almost as if the Windrush generation hasn’t been embedded into British history.”
This gap became the impetus for the Windrush Museum. “Black Britishness is British,” Johnson states firmly. “If you’ve got 2,500 museums, it means 2,500 stories…But you have this community impacting Britain in a significant way, and they’re not represented.”
A Bold Leap of Faith
His entrepreneurial spirit then took the helm. In 2021, with a bold leap of faith, Johnson funded the museum’s initial stages as a startup. “I met a group of individuals who wanted to get together to launch the museum, and I said, ‘I’ll give you a challenge: if you can get a feasibility study done, I’ll fund it all until it gets legs.'”
And get legs it did. The concept resonated deeply, sparking enthusiasm and support. On November 24, 2023, a historic Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the House of Lords, cementing the National Windrush Museum’s collaboration with Royal Museums Greenwich and the National Maritime Museum.
Johnson’s vision for the museum extends beyond preserving the past. He wants it to be a vibrant hub for the future, a space where “Windrush Futurism” takes root. This concept encourages younger generations to explore their heritage, envision their contributions, and shape a more inclusive Britain.
