About Us

In the wake of the 2018 ‘Windrush Scandal', a group of volunteers came together to support the Windrush generation and their descendants apply for documents to prove their legal status and claim compensation. Working from the Windrush Millennium Centre in Moss Side, we held regular surgeries to provide one-to-one support to those affected by the ‘Scandal’, assisting them to navigate the Home Office’s complicated systems, carrying out Subject Access Requests, helping them to gather the correct documentations, filling out forms and signposting them to where they can get further help.

We also held meetings and community engagement events to create awareness and provide information. Through these community-centred approaches and direct interactions, it became apparent that there were community-wide issues that go way beyond rectifying Citizenship and claiming compensation. Depositions taken from individuals describing their experiences lit up patterns of racial injustice across social, cultural and economic areas of the community.

It became clear that long term advocacy and support was needed to address the deep-rooted effects caused by decades of hostile approaches to immigration control and enforcement, systemic injustices and to repair the damage done to the African and Caribbean community cohesion. The "Windrush Defenders" volunteering group was formally incorporated as a Community Interest Company on 27th June 2019 to gives reassurance to the community that the support will continue and that they have a service that they can rely on.

Our Team

Anthony Brown LL.B (Hons)

A graduate of the Open University who experienced the impact of the 'Windrush Scandal', Anthony Brown is co-founder of Windrush Defenders Legal C.I.C. Anthony researches in the disciplines of Law, Criminology and History. His specialist areas of research include Human Rights, Race Disparities, Social Justice, Education, Sustainable Socio-economic Development, the Windrush Generation, the Ongoing Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the effects of Colonialism within contemporary times.

Anthony Brown is 2nd Vice President & Honorary Chairman at Birthmark of Africa, the co-founder of Windrush Pioneers, Chairman of Preston Windrush Generation and Descendants UK and a Trustee of Moss Side & Hulme Community Development Trust. He is also a member of the Home Office's Windrush Stakeholder Advisory Group and a member of Windrush National Organisation.

Amelia Gentleman of the Guardian newspaper wrote about Anthony Brown here, with a piece titled "Anthony Brown: The man who resisted deportation – then fought tirelessly for Windrush survivors."

Leonie Shaw-Brown LL.B (Hons)

Leonie has over 20 years’ experience of managing charities accounts, including public funds as well as funds from independent trusts and foundations. She is a qualified Accountant that is adept at high level budget management and resolving complex financial issues.

Leonie is totally committed to equality and social justice and this flows through all areas of her life. She is a law graduate of the Open University and undertaking further studies in immigration law. She is a Co-Founder and Co-Director at Windrush Defenders Legal C.I.C. and a Director at Women’s Voices CIC. She is resourceful and results-oriented member of the team with a high degree of problem resolution.

Lorna Downer

As our administrator and community producer, Lorna has extensive experience working directly with African Caribbean communities across England on issues of social justice and human rights. Lorna is a co-founder and co-director of Windrush Defenders Legal C.I.C. She is also a trustee of key organisations within her home city of Greater Manchester including the Caribbean and African Health Network and Moss Side & Hulme Community Development Trust.

Lorna also has a background in youth work which informs her engagement with community development and regeneration. She is experienced in consulting, and delivering training for cultural institutions on Autism Awareness and SEN to enhance understanding and accessibility.

Dr. Boniface Chimpango

Legal Surgery Supervision

A qualified solicitor with more than 10 years of experience in a number of areas of law practice. He is currently principal solicitor for Crown & Law Solicitors, a niche legal firm specialising in Employment Law, Immigration Law, Family Law, Landlord and Tenant and Business Law. Prior to setting up on his own he worked for different organisations including the Immigration Advisory Service, Refugee Legal Centre, North Manchester Law Centre and Lancashire County Council where h worked as an Employment Solicitor.

Roshel Waite

Roshel recently graduated from reading Law at Edge Hill University. Her work with Windrush Defenders Legal C.I.C is focused on supporting research and case work.