by Monica Derevjanik An historical steamship known for carrying 492 passengers from Jamaica to Britain is a centrepiece of this year s black history season. Sarah Teather and Dawn Butler, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East and Labour MP

by Monica Derevjanik

An historical steamship known for carrying 492 passengers from Jamaica to Britain is a centrepiece of this year's black history season.

Sarah Teather and Dawn Butler, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East and Labour MP for Brent South respectively, took part in Brent's fifth annual Jamaica Day celebrations which took place days before the 60th anniversary of the SS Empire Windrush.

The steamship played an integral role in forming England's multiracialism.

The original passengers aboard the Windrush were the first large group of West Indian immigrants to the United Kingdom after World War Two.

Ms Teather said: "People who came from Jamaica on the Windrush, and now their children and grandchildren, have had a very important influence on our area.

"Brent is the place it is because of the people who have chosen to make it their home."

Ms Butler said: "This has been a year to commemorate for the Jamaicans especially with their remarkable performance in the Olympic Games.

"As the first female of Jamaican heritage in Government, showcasing the integral part that the Jamaican community plays in Brent, the UK's most diverse borough, makes me very proud."

Brent Council in addition will host the Black History Celebration at Willesden Green Library Centre, Willesden, on Friday at 7pm.

Writer and poet Victor Richards, saxophonist Justin and historian SI Martin will be there to celebrate the Windrush anniversary in music, drama and words.

In the city, the Mayor of London's Black History Season 2008 will continue the celebration of the arrival of the Windrush.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: "At City Hall I am supporting a number of exciting lectures and exhibitions themed around the 60th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush, which celebrates and explores this significant period in our city's history and culture."

City Hall will host the debate 'Is Windrush Still Relevant to Young People?' to wrap up the season on October 24.

The panel discussion features some of today's most outspoken youth commentators and young people.

For Black History Celebration Night booking information, call 020 8937 3144.

For Mayor's Black History Season 2008 booking information, visit www.london.gov.uk /mayor/bhm, call 020 8539 7913 or email blackhistoryseason@ london.gov.uk.