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How We Made The First Guidebook To Black History In London

Most people, both black and white, would be aware of the African Americans Malcom X, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks but would have difficulty naming any three historical Black British figures. Black History Month in the UK has gradually increased the representation of Black British figures but there is still a long way to go before we see more inclusive history in ‘mainstream’ books and education at large.

Through my career in the library sector and adult education I often felt that Britain was lagging behind America when it comes to understanding Black history. Having studied Caribbean history and worked for nearly ten years in libraries, it is impossible not to be aware of the limited Black representation in books generally and Black British history books in particular. I also have a passion for Black art and having hosted a Black Arts Group for three years, I felt some of these artworks and places should be better known. 

Through writing and publishing Black London: History, Art and Culture in over 120 Places, my co-writer Avril Nanton and I hope to help redress this imbalance and bring to light the moving, powerful and important stories of Black pioneers who deserve to be remembered. Researching the book has been a voyage of discovery through the streets of London, finding new meaning for sites that many walk past every day and we hope the book will kindle curiosity and passion about untold Black history that can be so easily explored through London’s streets and public spaces.