Story perspectives

Windrush youth archive project honors elders at Hackney

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Stories of Windrush project became one of the first UK youth-led initiatives to record Windrush elders, with its book, photos and digital archive residing in Hackney Archives.
Founder Lessept Saunders, the project’s oldest contributor, died in April at age 107.
Fifteen-year-old Zainab Awonoki, who began the archive work, said speaking to elders was eye-opening.
Research shows giving young people archive access can boost educational attainment and decision-making awareness.

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Story summary

The Stories of Windrush project became one of the first UK youth-led initiatives to record Windrush elders, with its book, photos and digital archive residing in Hackney Archives.
Founder Lessept Saunders, the project’s oldest contributor, died in April at age 107.
Fifteen-year-old Zainab Awonoki, who began the archive work, said speaking to elders was eye-opening.
Research shows giving young people archive access can boost educational attainment and decision-making awareness.