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In August 1925, a Nigerian law student, Lapido Solanke, and a Sierra Leonean doctor, Herbert Bankole-Bright founded the West African Students’ Union (WASU) in London, England. It became a key political, social and cultural organisation for West Africans in Britain and the main African organisation in the UK for over thirty years. As early as 1923, Solanke had proposed that the Union of Students of African Descent (USAD), a Christian social organisation dominated by students from the West Indies (and which had grown out of the earlier West African and West Indian Christian Union, founded in 1917), should incorporate itself into the National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA). In 1925, Bankole-Bright of the NCBWA called on USAD, the Nigeria Progress Union, the African Progress Union and the Gold Coast Students' Association (GCSA) to join together to form a single organisation for West African students, inspired by the Indian Students' Union. Many students joined together to form WASU, and Solanke became the new organisation's secretary-general, while J. B. Danquah became its first president. J. E. Casely Hayford was the new grouping's first patron, a post he used to promote African nationalism. WASU’s founders were intentional about the organisation’s Pan-Africanism. Solanke visited and established chapters in several British West African colonies. The organisation soon became a hub for anti-racist and decolonial thinkers across the diaspora. In fact, one of WASU’s early donors was Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political activist and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), who helped the organization obtain its first meetinghouse. African immigrants made up a very small minority in 1920s and 1930s London but faced considerable racial discrimination. Records from the Colonial Office suggest that there were around 125 African students at universities in Britain in 1929. By 1951, this number had risen dramatically to 2,300. Over its 30-year history, the WASU would move to a new location in Camden and open a second hostel on Chelsea Embankment due to increasing demand. White-owned establishments could legally refuse Black tenants, and so a key aim of WASU was "to provide and maintain a hostel for students of African descent." The Colonial Office were keen to take control of the project, and in 1929, whilst Solanke was away in West Africa raising funds for the hostel, they assembled a secret plan to build their own hostel. This became Aggrey House, which WASU exposed in their pamphlet The Truth About Aggrey House – An Exposure of the Government Plan to Control African Students in Great Britain. WASU opened its first hostel in March 1933 on Camden Road to provide accommodation to students and visitors of African descent. At a time when white-owned establishments could legally refuse Black tenants, the hostel was designed to be a “home away from home” for Africans in the diaspora. Known as “Africa House”, it gave members access to meals, a library, a reading room, a games room and space to welcome visitors. Solanke’s wife, Chief Opeolu Solanke-Ogunbiyi, became the matriarch of the hostel and was known as Mama WASU. Given that Africa House had a restaurant, Mama WASU solicited traditional African ingredients, things like egusi and ewuro, from her mother in Nigeria who sent them to her by passenger ship. Mama WASU hired an Irish cook for the hostel and taught her how to make traditional Nigerian dishes for the tenants. The WASU campaigned against racism in Britain and against colonialism and for independence in West Africa. Its activities included producing a journal, Wasu, and founding four hostels in London to provide lodgings and a ‘home from home’ for West African students and other African visitors at a time when as a result of racism and the ‘colour bar’ it was difficult or impossible for them to secure accommodation. In October 1934, the Colonial Office opened the rival hostel ‘Aggrey House’ in which political discussion could be monitored and discouraged. WASU opposed the scheme and formed an "Africa House Defence Committee", including Paul Robeson, who was awarded the title "Babasale of the Union", also gaining the support of the National Council for Civil Liberties, Negro Welfare Association, and League Against Imperialism. They encouraged students to boycott the hostel which remained unfilled until the Colonial Office offered WASU official recognition and financial support to run Africa House. In financial difficulties, WASU accepted the deal, and also accepted funding from organisations such as the United African Company. WASU also undertook some political campaigns within Britain. In 1929, it successfully stopped plans for an African village exhibition in Newcastle, which it felt would be exploitative. This campaign was taken up in Parliament by the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) Member of Parliament Shapurji Saklatvala. During the 1930s, WASU steadily expanded its work from student affairs and social movements to more formal political action. By 1930 WASU had persuaded a committee of Labour MPs to advocate for West African interests in Parliament. However, over time, the organisation’s position evolved from one of reforming colonial systems to openly opposing them. The group developed increasing links with communist groups, such as the League Against Imperialism (LAI) and the Negro Welfare Association, in particular in its campaigns against the colour bar and against the Italian invasion of Ethiopia. WASU was a leading voice against Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. The call for decolonisation intensified with World War II and the conscription of colonial subjects including many Africans, in the fight against Nazi Germany. WASU argued that England could not call on African colonial subjects to fight in its defence while denying them independence at home. In 1937, the Gold Coast Farmers Union wrote to Solanke, asking for his assistance in breaking the cocoa cartel of Cadbury's and the UAC. With Labour Party MPs Reginald Sorensen and Arthur Creech Jones, WASU campaigned in support of the 1938 Gold Coast cocoa hold-up, where small farmers attempted to pressurise the companies by disrupting their supplies. The following year in July 1938, with grants from various West African governments and British companies, WASU opened a new hostel, on Camden Square. This also solved the union's financial problems and enabled it to step up its campaigning activity. WASU became increasingly identified as an anti-colonial group, and it called for dominion status and universal suffrage for the West African colonies. Clement Attlee gave a speech to the union in which he suggested that the Atlantic Charter would apply to all nations, effectively endorsing WASU's aims, but Winston Churchill insisted that self-determination could only apply to European nations. In 1942, WASU made its first formal demand of the British Empire for the independence of its African colonies within five years of the end of the war. Harold Macmillan personally visited Africa House to argue the British government's case. And although their demand didn’t come to fruition, it planted a seed that inevitably contributed to African decolonization. Five years later in 1947, under vice-president Kwame Nkrumah, WASU called for an immediate decision on independence for the West African colonies and criticised the Labour government for its failure to deliver this. By the 1950s WASU’s influence began to decline as the fight for West African nationalism moved to the colonial territories. But It was one of the most important political organisations in Britain from the 1920s until the 1960s. It acted as a training ground for future West African politicians and from the late 1930s established branches and distributed its journal throughout West Africa and internationally. Through its branches and individual links, it was a major influence on the anti-colonial movements in Nigeria, the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and Gambia. Its members included Kwame Nkrumah, who became the first head of state of independent Ghana in 1957, Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president, and Hastings Banda, Malawi’s first president. WASU played a pivotal role in West Africa’s fight for independence from colonial Britain. That must and can not be forgotten. In 2012, University of Chichester history professor Hakim Adi created The WASU Project to revive the legacy of the movement. The WASU Project aims to document the history of West Africans in Britain, especially those who campaigned for an end to colonial rule and against all forms of racism during the 20th century, by presenting information, photos, and eventually a film about WASU. He told the Quartz Africa publication: “The dominant view of Black British history tends to exclude people from the African continent and focus on people from the Caribbean. There are a lot of things that people don’t know about the history of Africans in Britain, or in Africa for that matter,” he told Quartz Africa. “You don’t see documentaries or dramas on TV about it, and that’s problematic. In that sense, it’s not widely recognised but that’s a reflection of the way that history is presented.” On the 30th October 2020, the Nubian Jak Community Trust launched the Black Plaque project to celebrate notable Black Britons and organisations. A temporary Black Plaque was erected on Camden Road to commemorate Lapido Solanke and WASU. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_African_Students%27_Union#cite_note-9 https://qz.com/africa/1979035/how-west-african-students-in-london-fought-for-african-independence/ https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/west-african-students-union-wasu/ https://wasuproject.org.uk/ https://www.kofastudy.com/courses/ss2-government-3rd-term/lessons/some-key-nationalist-movements-and-nationalist-leaders-and-their-contributions-week-2/topic/west-african-student-union/

By Malachi McIntosh This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read original article.

By Les Johnson This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read original article.

By Dr Hannah Lowe This article which is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original.

The Black British Book Festival (BBBF) has appointed Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo and pioneering publisher, editor and writer Margaret Busby as Patrons. The appointments mark an important milestone for BBBF as it expands beyond its flagship annual festival into a year-round organisation. Its work creates opportunities for Black writers, develops new generations of readers, improves access to Black-authored books and builds platforms for Black literature across the UK. Evaristo made history in 2019 when Girl, Woman, Other made her the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize. An acclaimed author, poet and critic, she has played a leading role in raising the profile of Black British writing in the UK and internationally. She served as President of the Royal Society of Literature from 2022 to 2025 and is Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University London. Margaret Busby is one of Britain's most influential publishing pioneers and is one of the publishing pioneers we'll be spotlighting this month as part of our 'Breaking Barriers to Publishing Futures' campaign. In 1967, she co-founded Allison & Busby, becoming Britain's first Black woman publisher and, at the time, the country's youngest publisher. Over more than five decades, she has championed writers from Africa and the African diaspora while advocating for greater representation throughout publishing and the wider literary world. Founded in 2021, BBBF has grown into a major literary and cultural organisation working across festivals, schools, libraries, community programmes, writer development and publishing partnerships. Its flagship Black British Book Festival has sold out every year since its launch and become Europe's largest celebration of Black literature, bringing together thousands of readers, writers, publishers and cultural audiences. BBBF's wider work includes community libraries, initiatives for young readers and emerging writers, programmes delivered with schools and communities, and partnerships that increase the reach and visibility of Black-authored literature. Reflecting on her appointment, Bernardine Evaristo shared: "It is a great honour to become a Patron of the Black British Book Festival. BBBF has created a vital space for Black writers and readers to come together, celebrate our stories and recognise the extraordinary breadth of Black British literature. At a time when we are thinking deeply about our literary past, present and future, it is especially important to support organisations that are not only celebrating what has been achieved, but creating opportunities for the generations still to come. I am delighted to be joining BBBF alongside the extraordinary Margaret Busby, a true pioneer of Black publishing in Britain." Margaret Busby added: "I am delighted to become a Patron of the Black British Book Festival and to support its important work in championing Black writers, books and readers. The literary landscape has changed enormously over the decades, but creating meaningful opportunities, widening access and ensuring that a diversity of voices can be published, read and valued remains essential. BBBF is contributing to that work in exciting and ambitious ways, both through its annual festival and its year-round programmes. It is a pleasure to join Bernardine Evaristo as a Patron and to support BBBF as it continues to develop and grow." A Landmark Moment for the Future Selina Brown, Founder and CEO of the Black British Book Festival, described the appointments as a landmark moment in the organisation's evolution: "Bernardine Evaristo and Margaret Busby have both changed British literature in different but extraordinary ways. They opened doors, challenged the industry and created possibilities for generations of Black writers, publishers and readers. When I founded BBBF, the ambition was never simply to create an annual festival. It was to build an organisation and an ecosystem around Black literature—one that creates opportunities for writers, gets books into the hands of readers, works with children and communities, builds meaningful industry partnerships and gives Black literature the scale, visibility and investment it deserves. To have Bernardine and Margaret standing alongside us as Patrons at this stage of our journey is incredibly significant. It speaks to how far BBBF has come, but, more importantly, to how much further we intend to go." The appointments coincide with the sixth edition of BBBF's flagship festival, held at London's Barbican Centre on Sunday 4 October 2026. BBBF 2026 brought together more than 80 authors and cultural figures for over 35 events spanning literature, publishing, poetry, music, science and culture. photo credit: Roger Tagholm at Publishing Perspectives

Buchi Emecheta was a novelist and playwright who received numerous awards. “I work toward the liberation of women. My books are about survival, just like my own life,” said the Nigerian British novelist Buchi Emecheta, whose life and work was celebrated Goodle Doodle on the 21st July 2019. Born to Ibo parents in the Lagos suburb of Yaba on this day in 1944, Florence Onyebuchi Emecheta grew up listening to her grandmother’s tales and went on to become a prolific author. Although she resisted labelling herself a “feminist” author, much of Emecheta’s writing addressed issues of gender and race. Married at age 16, Emecheta moved to London with her husband in 1962. She supported her five children by working at a library, pursued her sociology degree, all while writing tirelessly on novels—usually at the kitchen table as her children played. Emecheta published 16 novels, including In The Ditch, Second-Class Citizen, and Slave Girl, as well as her 1986 autobiography, Head Above Water. She also wrote several plays for stage, TV, and radio. During the 1970s and ’80s, Emecheta worked as a lecturer and founded the Ogwugwu Afor Publishing Company with her son. She was named an Officer of the British Empire in 2005, a remarkable accomplishment for someone who faced such adversity. "Just keep trying and trying,” Emecheta once said. “If you have the determination and commitment, you will succeed." A word from Buchi's family Special thanks to the family of Buchi Emecheta, for their partnership on this project. Below, her son Sylvester Onwordi shares his thoughts on his mother’s legacy. "My mother was a born storyteller. She was a descendant of Praise Singers—storytellers to the ancient Kings of Ibusa—the small Igbo-speaking town in Eastern Nigeria where her parents and my grandparents were born. As an immigrant single mother battling poverty in the slums of 1960s London, she would draw her five small children around her, light candles, and delight us with what she called her ‘Moonlight tales’—stories she had learned at twilight by the light of a hurricane lamp from her aunts in the village, or imbibed at her father’s knee during her family’s internal exile in Lagos. For the young Nigerian girl who dreamed even then of being a writer, these tales were like umbilical threads connecting the lonely orphan she became with the lost world of mythical ancestors and her beloved home town of Ibusa. Later, from the fabric of her personal experience as a reluctant exile in a foreign land, experiences of motherhood and racism, she began to weave stories of her own and to write them down. My mother famously compared writing novels to having children, which means that aside from my four blood brothers and sisters I have an extended family of at least 20 siblings roaming at large in the world, most of whom were conceived on the old typewriter on our kitchen table. My mother’s passing inspired many feelings in me. One was the desire to ensure that her unique storytelling voice continue to be heard by future generations; another, that her name and legacy be associated with social works which reflected the values she lived by. A publishing company Omenala Press now exists to ensure that her novels remain in print and are available to a global readership. In addition, we, her surviving family, are in the process of working to establish a Buchi Emecheta Foundation."

Angela M explains Black History Month UK and how to celebrate this October. October marks the start of Black History Month UK – a time to celebrate and remember African and Caribbean heritage peoples' achievements and contributions to the British economy, culture, and history. It's a chance to tell the stories of those lesser well-known Black Britons who we will forget if we don't showcase them. What is Black History Month UK? Black History Month UK began in October 1987 by Akyaaba Sebo, a special projects coordinator of the Ethnic Minorities Unit at the now defunct Great London Council. He wanted to boost the self-esteem of Black British children and young adults by educating them on the long history and achievements of Black people living in the UK. Taking inspiration from Black History Month (also known as African American History Month) in the United States. The first event was held on 1 October 1987 at County Hall and was attended by American historian Dr. Maulana Karenga, who founded the African American holiday of Kwanzaa; and Kenyan women’s activist Wanjiru Kihoro. It has since evolved into a national movement recognised by the British government and observed throughout the UK. It is also recognised in other parts of the world during October in Ireland and the Netherlands. In the US, where Black History Month originated, the awareness month is held in February. It is also celebrated in Canada in February too when it was officially recognised in 1995. Since the 1990s, the significance of Black History Month has gradually increased throughout continental Europe and it is now observed in Germany and Belgium in February. What are the origins of Black History Month? In 1926, African-American historian Carter G Woodson started national Negro History Week to advocate for the inclusion of American Black History in the US national public education system. Over time, and with the momentum and support of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the week gradually morphed into the month it is today. In 1976, US Black History Month (or African American Month as it’s now regularly referred to) was officially recognised by President Gerald Ford. Why is it celebrated at different times across the globe? After visiting America in the 1970s, Addai-Sebo created a British version of Black History Month in 1987, but they are not officially linked. In the United States, Black History Month takes place in February to coincide with the births of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Addai-Sebo chose to celebrate Black History Month UK in October because of the month's importance in the African calendar. More importantly, it was the start of the British academic year. Why should we separate Black History Month celebrations in the US and UK? When Black History Month UK started in the UK, there was a big emphasis on African American history. Over time the focus has moved to celebrating and recognising Black British history and key Black figures in the UK. It’s important also that we focus only on British Black history as the Black British community is a composite of peoples with different cultures and identities. Some individuals with a lineage beginning long before the Windrush generation and others with distinct and very different cultures rooted in the African and Caribbean continents. Why do we celebrate Black History Month UK 2026? Who gets to tell the story of Britain? And who decides which stories are heard, remembered and passed on? Black History Month UK is an opportunity to ask these questions and recognise the Black people and communities who have helped shape Britain’s history, culture and society. Often in the face of discriminatory barriers designed to keep their voices at the margins. The theme ‘Breaking Barriers to Publishing Futures’ puts the power of storytelling at the heart of that history. From early Black writers and publishers to independent presses, literary festivals and today’s digital platforms, Black communities have continually created new ways to ensure their stories are told, shared and preserved. Few examples embody this more powerfully than New Beacon Books, widely recognised as Britain’s first Black publishing house. Established in 1966 by John La Rose and Sarah White, it created a vital space for Black writing, ideas and activism. A year later, Margaret Busby became Britain’s youngest and first Black woman book publisher, challenging assumptions about who could hold influence within the industry. But the barriers they confronted have not disappeared. In 2025, The Guardian reported that Black writers were finding UK publishing less accessible than before 2020, with Black people making up only around 3% of the publishing workforce. Sharmaine Lovegrove, co-founder of the Black Writers’ Guild, warned against treating increased attention to Black publishing as a passing trend: “The biggest mistake was seeing it as a trend as opposed to an opportunity to cultivate something meaningful that was missing.” That is why Black History Month UK matters. It is not simply about looking back. It is about understanding who has been given the power to tell Britain’s story and who has been left out. Do we really need Black History Month UK? Some campaigners argue against the existence and usefulness of the month as they believe it marginalizes UK Black history and that it should, rightly, be remembered all year round. Organisations such as The Black Curriculum are working hard to address the lack of Black British history in the UK curriculum through campaigning, training teachers, and delivering Black history programmes. While the Black Cultural Archives (BCA), an archive and heritage centre in Brixton, London, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the histories of African and Caribbean descendants in Britain. But Black History Month UK, like many other national and international events, provides us with an opportunity to remember individuals and events that would never be included in a racially inclusive national curriculum and would remain forgotten to the annals of time. What are the aims of Black History Month in the UK? Celebrate and recognise the achievements of African and Caribbean heritage people's role in helping to shape UK culture, history, and economic development. Educating the UK population on how the relationships between Britain, Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States helped create modern Britain. To encourage government, institutions, and corporations to embrace and adopt equality and diversity policies. What is the theme of Black History Month UK 2026? Our theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is ‘Breaking Barriers to Publishing Futures’. Form early Black writers and publishers to independent presses, literary festivals and today’s new generation of publishers and digital platforms, we’ll discover the people who turned barriers into opportunities, built communities and created new ways for Black stories to be shared, celebrated and heard. We’ll shine a spotlight on the first Black publishing house New Beacon Books and celebrate notable Black Britons such as Margaret Busby, who is Britain’s youngest and first Black woman book publisher in 1967. We also encourage the UK Black community to commemorate the month by sharing their own family histories using the hashtag #bhmfamilies How can I celebrate Black History Month UK 2026? Black History Month is an excellent opportunity for people from all backgrounds to educate themselves on Black Britain’s history and the often-overlooked people who have made a difference to the country. There are a variety of ways you can observe the month: Attend any of the hundreds of events taking place up and down the country to commemorate Black History Month. Show your support online by sharing our Black History Month UK post on your social media channel during the month. Take on the #BHMFamilies selfie challenge Why not check out out '31 ways to celebrate Black History Month UK' article for more ideas? How should educational organisations and business corporations recognise the month? The theme of Black History Month UK 2026 is ‘Breaking Barriers to Publishing Futures,’ and we advise any schools and colleges interested in exploring the topic in greater detail to visit The Black Curriculum website or attend Black Cultural Archive (BCA), which have an extensive range of educational resources relating to the theme. We encourage business corporations to provide a safe space for all individuals who wish to commemorate the month in which stories can be shared – personal experiences and/or inspiring stories. But to also remember that not everybody may want to be involved in your Black History Month planning simply because of their ethnic background. Such assumptions place the burden of responsibility on them, and if they’re a visible minority in your workplace, they might feel tokenized about their role in your workplace. Remember, for best results, you should be recognizing all your employees, all year round! Companies are also advised to run a diversity and inclusion audit of their business – and perhaps book a Black keynote speaker to provide advice on making their workplaces more racially inclusive. Who is the International Black History Month UK (IBHM-UK) organisation? The International Black History Month UK (IBHM-UK) was created in June 2020 by a group of Black Britons with a passion for investigating and curating the hidden and forgotten stories of Britain’s black past. We’re committed to raising the profile of the month amongst the African, Caribbean and Black British community in the UK. As one of our young volunteer interns explains: “Neither my primary or secondary schools celebrated Black History Month UK and I had to learn about UK Black History myself. So, I think it’s important that an organisation like this exists to fill the gaps in knowledge that many people in the UK’s African and Caribbean community may have about Britain’s black past. Our community is not a monolith, and we all have different lived experiences. BHMUK allows us all to reflect and celebrate on all the different aspects of British Black history from finding out about awe inspiring individuals like Dr Harold Moody and John Blanke to the legislative changes in UK law championed by the Windrush generation." For too long, Black History Month UK has lacked direction and focus. We decided to step into that space to ensure that this important month has a clear message and theme. Our CEO, Angela says: “I have a young son who was tasked with choosing a notable Black Briton for a school assignment and I was shocked to learn that the only resources available was a listings website with poorly researched articles and filled to the brim with job adverts. We set up this organisation to ensure that quality information and free resources are available to everyone who wants to learn about UK Black History. And more importantly, that the stories of Black Britons are told in an authentic voice that belongs to us and not someone masquerading as one of us!“ We are a local community group that provides free resources on UK Black History and hope to run themed Black UK history events in 2027 and beyond.

On 23rd February 2024, Daphne Steele made history by becoming the first Black matron in the NHS. She is also the first person to be commemorated with an official blue plaque outside London. Photo Credit: Historic England Celebrating Daphne Steele: A trailblazer in nursing Daphne Steele's remarkable achievement is now commemorated with the first official blue plaque outside London. The plaque is located at Hillside Court in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, formerly known as St Winifred’s Nursing Home. Early life and journey to the UK Born in Essequibo County, Guyana (formerly British Guiana) in South America, Daphne arrived in the UK in 1951. This was just three years after the NHS was established. She trained as a nurse in Balham, South London, completing her nursing training in 1953 and midwifery training in 1954. Over the next decade, she worked as a nurse and midwife in America. She then held positions in Oxfordshire and Manchester before applying for the matron role at St Winifred’s Maternity Hospital. Rising through the ranks Daphne’s exceptional skills and engaging personality accelerated her career. When the matron position at St Winifred's became available, she was encouraged to apply. In August 1964, at the age of 36, she was appointed matron. This marked a pivotal moment in NHS history that garnered international attention. She received over 350 letters of congratulation from around the world, including a one-pound note from a UK pensioner. Remarkably, she personally responded to each letter that included a return address. A legacy of care Daphne began her role in September 1964 and delivered her first baby on 8 October that year, according to hospital records. She managed the 14-bed hospital and oversaw between 250 and 300 deliveries annually. Throughout her career, she personally delivered over 200 babies. When St Winifred’s closed in October 1971, Daphne found a new job at Wharfedale Children’s Hospital in Menston. She then retrained as a health visitor at Leeds University. As a health visitor in Ilkley and Bingley, she became a familiar and friendly figure to countless families in the area. Recognition and awards In 2001, Daphne received official recognition of her professional achievement when presented with an award from the Guyanese High Commission. She described this moment as ‘smashing’. In 2002, she carried the Queen’s Jubilee relay baton in Shipley to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Daphne commented that she was ‘mainly doing it for my community, but it’s also good to represent my Commonwealth country” (Ilkley Gazette, 27 June 2002). The Guyanese government’s recognition of her achievements was significant to her. In 2014, the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals (AGNAP) instituted an annual memorial lecture in her honour. Honouring Daphne Steele Over the past decade, Steele’s pioneering role as part of the Windrush Generation has gained recognition. In 2018, a plaque was erected by the Nubian Jak Community Trust at St James’s Hospital in Balham. Additionally, the new Health and Wellbeing Academy at the University of Huddersfield will be named after her, opening in 2024. An annual Daphne Steele Day has also been established at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, on her birthday. Daphne’s name was put forward for a Historic England Blue Plaque by Bradford Civic Society and Bradford Metropolitan District Council. This was after local people named her as one of several inspirational local women through a community-led project called 'Bradford Lasses'. The unveiling of her plaque was celebrated by Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, representatives of Historic England, and Daphne Steele’s son. Robert Steele shared, “My mother saw herself as a nurse and midwife. She would be speechless, mind-blown, to see a plaque dedicated to her and to know that she had made such a difference to so many people.” NHS matron Daphne Steele in 1964 Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, remarked, “We are delighted to dedicate the first Historic England blue plaque to Daphne Steele, a ‘quiet revolutionary’ who, nearly sixty years ago, changed history when she became the first Black matron in the NHS. Our national blue plaques scheme is a fantastic opportunity to tell the stories of inspirational people, like Daphne, who have helped make the world a better place.” The presentation revealing the blue plaque to Daphne Steele Chief Nursing Officer Dame Ruth May added, “It is wonderful that Daphne Steele is being honoured with the first official blue plaque outside London. Her remarkable career in nursing, midwifery, and as a health visitor, and like so many from the Windrush generation, she made an enormous contribution to the NHS. This is a fitting tribute to an inspiring woman who has undoubtedly paved the way for many other nurses and midwives.” The significance of the Blue Plaque The plaque unveiling marks the beginning of a new official Blue Plaque scheme by Historic England. This scheme will now operate equally across England, expanding its reach beyond London. The blue plaque reads: "Daphne Steele. 1927-2004. Guyanese nurse and midwife. Pioneering black matron in the NHS lived and worked here." Daphne Steele's legacy is a testament to her dedication and pioneering spirit. Her story inspires future generations of healthcare professionals. The recognition she has received is a fitting tribute to her contributions to the NHS and her community. Sources: Historic England Blue Plaque Scheme - Daphne Steele Government News - First Black NHS Matron

A tribute to their stories: Honouring Black service men and women The contributions of Black service men and women during the World Wars are often overlooked. This Remembrance Month, it is essential to recognise their bravery and sacrifices. The following resources shed light on their experiences, helping to enrich our understanding of history. Celebrating their legacy Books As Good as Any Man: Scotland’s Black Tommy Authors: Morag Miller, Roy Laycock, John Sadler & Rosie Serdiville This book offers a fascinating account of Arthur Roberts, a Black soldier from Scotland. He served on the Western Front during the First World War. The narrative draws on his diaries and letters, bringing his story to life. Black Tommies: British Soldiers of African Descent in the First World War (Kids Edition) Author: Stephen Bourne This accessible edition is perfect for younger readers. It explores the lives of Black soldiers who served Britain in WWI. The book highlights their challenges and bravery on the battlefield. The West Indian Soldier: A Brief History of the British Army and the Caribbean This concise history focuses on Caribbean soldiers in the British Army. It highlights their service and the struggles they faced during both the First and Second World Wars. Black Poppies: Britain’s Black Community and the Great War Author: Stephen Bourne This book examines the lives and contributions of Britain’s Black communities during WWI. It includes stories of servicemen, women, and civilians, shedding light on often overlooked narratives. Memoirs of a Black Englishman Authors: Paul Stephenson and Lilleith Morrison This personal memoir captures the experiences of a Black Briton navigating life in Britain. It reflects on service, society, and resilience. Film & Streaming Hero: The Extraordinary Life of Mr Ulric Cross Available on: BBC iPlayer This movie tells the inspiring story of Caribbean war hero Ulric Cross. His extraordinary life included both military service and significant contributions to civil society. Blitz (2024) Available on: Apple TV This dramatised depiction showcases life on the Home Front during the Second World War. It highlights the bravery and resilience of those who kept Britain safe. Churchill: Britain’s Secret Apartheid Available on: Channel 4 This documentary explores the racial inequalities faced by Black and colonial troops during both world wars. It provides broader context regarding Britain’s imperial history. Britain’s Secret War Babies Available on: Channel 4 This moving exploration focuses on the children born to Black servicemen and British women during WWII. It addresses the challenges they faced in post-war Britain. The Six Triple Eight Available on: Netflix This film tells the story of the all-Black 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in WWII. It highlights the vital, yet often unrecognised, contributions of Black service personnel. Understanding their impact The stories of Black service men and women are essential to understanding our shared history. Their courage and contributions shaped the outcomes of both World Wars, and by learning about their experiences, we gain a deeper appreciation of their sacrifices. Recognising the role of Black service personnel is vital. It helps correct historical narratives that have too often overlooked or minimised their impact. By bringing these stories to the forefront, we honour their legacy and ensure future generations understand the breadth of their contributions. Engaging with the resources above allows us to connect more meaningfully with the past. These books and films deepen our understanding of the complexities of war and the diverse experiences of those who served. Each one offers a unique perspective, enriching our view of history. Ultimately, these works remind us of the immense sacrifices made by Black service men and women. Their stories deserve to be told, shared, and remembered. By exploring these resources, we help preserve their legacy and ensure their contributions are never forgotten. You can purchase any of the books listed in our * IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support the IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookshops.

George Arthur Roberts was born in Trinidad on 1 August 1890, when the island was still part of the British Empire. Emancipation, only 52 years earlier, had brought little improvement for most Black Trinidadians, who remained trapped in low‑paid plantation work with limited access to education and few routes to better employment. Those who did gain schooling still faced systemic racial barriers and often looked to Europe for opportunity. For many young men from poor backgrounds - then as now - the army offered a rare escape. For young Caribbean men who didn’t want to work on a plantation, the West India Regiment provided a way out: the chance to learn a trade and build a life beyond the racial constraints of early 20th‑century Trinidad. The West India Regiment had been raised from Britain’s Caribbean colonies from 1795, initially recruiting enslaved Africans purchased from plantations and slave ships to fight in the wars with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France. After the abolition of the slave trade, soldiers recruited as slaves were legally freed under the Mutiny Act of 1807 and later received the same pay and bounties as white soldiers; and significantly, they were recognised as a formal part of the British Army, unlike their counterparts in India and other British colonies. In the years after abolition, recruits then included men liberated from illegal slave ships and captured Black soldiers from enemy French and Dutch colonies. They saw action in numerous battles in the Caribbean, in America in the War of 1812, joining the attack on New Orleans. For most of the 19th century, the remaining regiments were based in Trinidad and Jamaica before disbanding in 1904. But the West African regiment continued in service until 1927 establishing a base in Sierra Leone for the recruitment and training of African volunteers after fighting in the Second Ashanti War (1873-74). Records suggest Roberts joined the West India Regiment as a youth and probably learned the electrical trade there before the regiment was disbanded in 1904. But not much is known about his early life in Trinidad. What we do know is that he had two daughters – Violet and Stella – with Delcina Green. In those peaceful days there was not much excitement to be had on the Caribbean island of Trinidad for a young man ready for battle. So, when the First World War began, the enthusiastic young soldier took up the call and volunteered for European Service. He worked his way to England, most probably finding work on a ship travelling from Trinidad to England, and upon arrival was placed in the Middlesex Regiment. As a rifleman attached to the Middlesex Regiment he was stationed to fight in the Dardanelles, Turkiye as part of the British Empire army. A 6ft 2in rifleman, he earned the nickname “Coconut Bomber” for his ability to throw grenades long distances, a skill said to come from knocking down coconuts as a boy. Wartime magazine Every Week reported “After doing splendid service in the Dardenelles, he served 14 months in France, going through many severe engagements and wounded first at Loos, and in the Somme.” Roberts fought in the Battle of Loos, which took place on the Western Front between the 25th September and 13th October 1915. At the time, it was the largest British offensive of the war and witnessed Britain’s first use of gas warfare. He later fought in the Somme offensive, where over 240,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers were killed or wounded. Roberts was one of hundreds of Caribbean volunteers who came to Britain to fight. Initially, they were drafted into a variety of units with the British army, but in 1915 it was decided to group them together into a single regiment, named the British West Indies Regiment. Not to be confused with the West India Regiment still active in Sierra Leone in West Africa. Nearly 20,000 men from Trinidad, Jamaica, British Guiana (now Guyana), Barbados and other islands enlisted. Roberts reportedly recruited more than 250 men by his ‘vigorous speeches’ on behalf of his adopted country during a 1916 visit back home. West Indian troops volunteered for many reasons: patriotism, escaping poverty, and the hope that service would bring political rights and social advancement. Despite this, the British West Indies Regiment was largely confined to labour roles instead of front‑line combat and denied proper recognition. After the war their service was widely ignored; a clear example is the deliberate exclusion of Black units from the Caribbean and Africa from the Allied victory parades in summer 1919, because acknowledging their contributions threatened the colonial order. Roberts returned to London in October 1917 and was demobilised in 1919 – taken out of active service – so he threw himself into veterans’ welfare. Amidst widespread outrage at the lack of state support for veterans, he joined the Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers, one of several organisations fighting for veterans’ rights at the time, as an officer. In one of the few pieces of his personal writing we have, George eloquently describes The Battle of Westminster Bridge, a march that erupted into violence when veterans – many of whom had returned from war into destitution and who were marching for jobs and the ‘homes fit for heroes’ they’d been promised – clashed with police outside Parliament. He wrote: ‘A scrimmage between our columns and the police began. Our banners were torn to pieces and the poles broken and, when the police started using their batons we retaliated with our broken poles. The wounded and disabled, game for standing up for their principles, used their sticks and crutches. Yet in spite of this vicious official action against those who had served their country so well, a large proportion of personnel won through and crossed the bridge.’ After this, the various veterans’ organisations joined together to form the British Legion in 1921, later to become the Royal British Legion which continues today to campaign and support the welfare of veterans. George was an active member of the organisation from its inception. He would become the President and Founder Member of the Camberwell Branch and was made a life member of the Royal British Legion in 1962. After the war, Roberts settled in Peckham and worked as an electrician, a trade learned in Trinidad. Like many colonial veterans, he encountered racism, broken promises and limited support. Many colonial ex‑servicemen who remained in Britain after the First World War experienced similar treatment. Promises of land, money and jobs often went unfulfilled, leaving veterans struggling to find work and adjust to civilian life; those who returned home frequently encountered the same neglect. Many suffered physical injuries and wartime trauma (then called “shell shock”) with inadequate medical or social care and were treated as second‑class citizens whose contributions were downplayed in official histories, limiting recognition and civil‑rights gains. Some formed small supportive communities but remained economically and socially marginalised compared with veterans who returned home or came from countries with better post war support. Competition for jobs and housing fuelled racial tensions that erupted in a series of race riots across British port cities in 1919, including Cardiff, Liverpool and London. He married his first wife, Margaret Whyland, around 1920 and they settled in the Lewis Trust Dwellings in Camberwell, which remained George’s home until his death in 1970. They had two sons, Cyril and Victor, who both served for Britain in the Second World War. Racist discrimination he experienced despite being a war hero prompted him to join the League of Coloured Peoples, founded by Dr Harold Moody. Roberts was a founding member and served as chairman. The League was one of London’s first anti‑racist organisations, campaigning to end the colour bar that denied Black people housing, jobs and service in restaurants and hotels. It also advocated decolonisation and independence for Britain’s colonies, opposed white families who refused to take Black children as evacuees during the Second World War, and challenged racial discrimination in the British armed forces, including policies barring non‑white people from commissioning as officers. Too old for frontline service in the Second World War, George joined the Home Front by enlisting in the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938, becoming its first Black member. After completing his training in 1939, he served at New Cross Fire Station in Southwark, helping to extinguish fires during the Blitz and saving many lives throughout the war. In 1941 his portrait was painted by Norman Hepple, reflecting his contemporary prominence. He was promoted to section leader in 1943 and founded Discussion and Education groups at the station to raise awareness of fire safety and promote community cohesion. At their height, as many as 15,000 people a week attended similar groups at local stations to hear speakers on topics ranging from fire safety to politics; the groups were intended to counter the rise of fascism and the drift to war in Europe. In the 1944 King’s Birthday Honours he was awarded the British Empire Medal “for his general duties at New Cross Fire Station and for his part as a founder and pioneer of the Discussion and Education groups of the Fire Service.” The medal was presented by King George VI on 15 May 1945 at Buckingham Palace. Speaking on BBC radio’s Calling the West Indies in 1947, George said: “If what I am doing can assist in some small way to bring about a better understanding and a true fellowship amongst the peoples of the earth, I shall be extremely happy.” Roberts married Rose Barnett in 1941 after the death of his first wife in 1937 and lived in Camberwell for 50 years. He died at King’s College Hospital in January 1970 of a recurrent coronary thrombosis. Although his contributions were gradually sidelined in the white‑dominated historical record, historian Stephen Bourne rediscovered Roberts and included him in his book ‘Black Poppies: Britain’s Black Community and the Great War’. Bourne nominated him for a blue plaque; one was unveiled at his London home in 2016, and the London Fire Brigade later installed a red plaque at New Cross Fire Station to commemorate his service as a leading fireman in the Second World War which was unveiled by his great great-granddaughter Dr Samantha Harding. Dr Samantha Harding said: “It’s always overwhelming for me to attend these events, as it brings to light all of the incredible things he has done.” Michael Nicholas, national chair of the FBU’s black and ethnic minority members committee, said the life and work of George Arthur Roberts was a historic chapter of black history in the UK fire and rescue service. “A decorated wartime hero, George Arthur Roberts is a powerful and positive legacy to all current black members of the military and fire service. We are proud to commemorate his achievements and humbled to have joined his family members at the ceremony. “Events like this enable a wider community knowledge of his commitment and bravery in service of his country. We follow very big footsteps,” he said. In 2018 he became the figurehead of the 100 th  anniversary of the Fire Brigades Union and two years later in 2020, he became the central focus for an advert by genealogy company Ancestry, encouraging viewers to learn more about their own family history when it came to the Second World War, and was mentioned by Boris Johnson in the speech he gave on 1 st  October 2020, to mark UK Black History Month. Images: Wikipedia media Sources: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/west-india-regiments#:~:text=The%20story%20of%20these%20regiments,better%20suited%20to%20tropical%20service https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_India_Regiments https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/museum/london-fire-brigade-history-and-stories/trailblazers/george-arthur-roberts-bem/#:~:text=was%20a%20soldier%2C%20activist%20and,in%20the%20Second%20World%20War.&text=There%20are%20many%20untold%20stories,was%20George%20Arthur%20Roberts%20BEM . https://www.georgearthurroberts.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Arthur_Roberts#cite_note-10 https://newhistories.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/volumes/2020-21/volume-14/trailblazing-the-life-of-george-arthur-roberts Stephen Bourne: Black Poppies: Britain's Black Community and the Great War https://loughborough-junction.org/2017/10/15/george-arthur-roberts-soldier-firefighter-and-trinidadian/ https://southwarknews.co.uk/history/in-depth-history/blue-plaque-nominees-2015-the-ww1-hero-who-could-throw-a-bomb-74-yards/ https://www.fbu.org.uk/blog/pioneer-honoured https://metro.co.uk/2024/10/05/dont-want-trailblazing-hero-great-grandfather-ever-forgotten-21721392/ https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/303517-george-arthur-roberts-national-fire-service/ https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/7672334

Throughout November, we will be shining a light on the often overlooked stories of African and Caribbean heritage service men and women who fought for Britain during the First and Second World Wars. Their courage, sacrifice and resilience were vital to the war effort, yet their contributions have too often been marginalised in mainstream history. 110 years since the Battle of Loos As 2025 marks the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Loos, we are focusing on the remarkable life of George Arthur Roberts , a Trinidad-born soldier who served as a rifleman associated to the Middlesex Regiment. Roberts fought at Loos in 1915 and later became one of London’s first Black firefighters, serving on the Home Front during the Second World War. His life reflects both the heroism and the hardship experienced by many colonial troops who travelled thousands of miles to serve a country that did not always treat them as equals.   The British West Indies Regiment - service and silence We will also be exploring the history of the British West Indies Regiment , formed of volunteer servicemen from across the Caribbean who served in the First World War. These men played a crucial role in labour and support units, often under harsh and discriminatory conditions. Despite their dedication, their contributions were intentionally sidelined after the war, with broader recognition only beginning to emerge in the 2020s. Their story is one of bravery, injustice and the ongoing struggle for historical acknowledgement. Learning through books, film and other media To help deepen understanding, we have compiled a list of recommended books, films and other media that highlight the experiences of Black service men and women in both world wars. These resources offer powerful insights into their lives and help broaden the narrative surrounding Britain’s wartime history. Marking Remembrance Month with the Black Poppy Rose Our work this month is guided by the ethos of the Black Poppy Rose , established in 2010 to honour the contributions of African, Black, Caribbean, Pacific Island and Indigenous communities to the war effort. The Black Poppy Rose acknowledges not only those who served in uniform but also the civilians whose labour and sacrifice supported the war in countless ways. As we mark Remembrance Month, we aim to illuminate these heroic and often unsung stories, ensuring that their legacy is remembered, respected and woven into the wider fabric of British history.

Understanding the Black Parents Movement In the history of Black British activism, the Black Parents Movement (BPM) represents a pivotal chapter. It connects grassroots parent power, youth activism, and radical politics. Emerging in 1975, the BPM drew inspiration from the Black Education Movement (BEM), supplementary schools, and a growing network of Black community organisations. Its work continues to influence debates on race, education, and community agency. This makes it central to our Legacies of Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge campaign , which highlights decades of struggle and achievement in the UK. The Catalyst for Change The immediate catalyst for the BPM was the unlawful arrest of Cliff McDaniel, a 17-year-old student in Hornsey, North London. On 17 April 1975, McDaniel and his friends, Keith and Chris, students at the Stationer’s Company’s School, were targeted by Metropolitan Police officers during their lunch break. McDaniel was singled out, assaulted, and falsely charged with ‘breaching the peace’ and ‘assaulting a police officer’. He was well known to staff, pupils, and parents connected to the George Padmore Supplementary School, founded in 1966 by Trinidadian activist John La Rose. Outraged parents and teachers mobilised to defend McDaniel, forming the foundation of the BPM. Around the same time, young people established the Black Students Movement, later renamed the Black Youth Movement, with La Rose’s sons Keith and Michael among the founding members. The BPM was dedicated to advancing the interests of Black working-class families, unemployed youth, and schoolchildren. Leadership and Vision John La Rose played a central role in the BPM’s formation. He provided leadership grounded in both vision and community practice. Early members included supplementary schoolteachers Roxy Harris and Albertina Sylvester, as well as educator-activist Gus John. Guyanese publishers and activists Jessica and Eric Huntley, founders of the Ealing Concerned Black Parents and Youth Movement in 1976, were closely affiliated with the BPM during its most active period. Roxy Harris, current Chair of the George Padmore Institute and former BPM member, recalled that the BPM developed strategies to fight racism and discrimination in schools. They challenged police corruption and confronted the complicity of the courts. She highlighted John La Rose’s leadership style, noting that he welcomed the presence of children in meetings. He took their restlessness as a signal that discussions had gone on long enough. The Historical Context The BPM grew from Haringey’s long history of Black radical activism. It was strongly connected to the Black Education Movement (BEM) and the Black Supplementary School Movement (BSSM). These initiatives were created as forms of self-help education to counteract the prejudice Black children faced in the national school system. A central intellectual influence was Bernard Coard . His 1971 pamphlet How the West Indian Child is Made Educationally Sub-Normal in the British School System exposed the systemic disadvantage of Black children in schools. Coard’s work provided both moral urgency and practical arguments for parent-led activism. This included the campaigns led by BPM members and supplementary schools. Building Alliances From its inception, the BPM positioned itself as part of a broader network of radical Black organisations. In 1979, it helped form the Alliance, a partnership including the Black Youth Movement, Bradford Black Collective, and the Race Today Collective. Each group retained autonomy but collaborated on local and national campaigns. These included the George Lindo Campaign in Bradford and the Stephen Locke Action Committee in Manchester. The BPM developed regional branches in Bradford and Manchester. It also established smaller groups in London boroughs such as Ealing, Hackney, Brixton, and Brent. Its work encompassed educational activism, legal advocacy, community solidarity, and international campaigns. The movement supported supplementary education programs, challenged racial bias in schools, defended young people against false accusations and police harassment. Additionally, they participated in the Bookshop Joint Action Committee, which campaigned against racist attacks on Black and progressive bookshops. This included the firebombing of Bogle L’Ouverture Publications in 1977. The BPM also supported international solidarity campaigns, protesting apartheid in South Africa and supporting the New Jewel Movement in Grenada under Maurice Bishop. Media Representation and Legacy Media projects, including BBC documentaries, have highlighted the BPM’s grassroots activism, organisational strategies, and role in shaping Black British education. Mollie Hunt contributed to chronicling the movement’s history. This ensures that these efforts remain part of the historical records. The BPM’s archives, housed at the George Padmore Institute, preserve its founding principles, campaigns, and collaborations. The movement is recognised as a leading force in Black radical activism in Britain. It illustrates the power of grassroots organisation, coalition-building, and parental leadership. The BPM expanded the role of parents as political actors. It embedded the principle that education is a field of struggle for communities. Furthermore, it contributed to networks that continue to influence Black cultural, legal, and political life in the UK. Continuing Influence The BPM’s contributions are central to our campaign “Legacies of Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge”. This shows how local action and vision can feed into national change. With Haringey announced as the London Borough of Culture for 2027, the BPM continues to inspire activists, educators, and community organisers. The Black Parents Movement demonstrates how ordinary people can take extraordinary action. Through education, advocacy, and solidarity, the BPM shaped a more just and equitable Britain. Its story reminds us that lasting change is built from the ground up. Parental and community activism are essential to building modern multicultural Britain. Conclusion The legacy of the Black Parents Movement is a testament to the power of community action. It serves as an enduring reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice. The BPM's story is not just about the past; it is a call to action for the future. By understanding their struggles and achievements, we can continue to build a more inclusive society. Source: https://www.georgepadmoreinstitute.org/news-and-events/blog-post-50-year-anniversary-of-the-black-parents-movement https://www.epoch-magazine.com/post/resisting-redaction-the-battle-for-a-black-british-educational-movement https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000w81h/subnormal-a-british-scandal