As part of Black History Month UK, English Heritage has unveiled a blue plaque honouring Winifred Atwell, the pioneering Trinidadian pianist, television star, and entrepreneur who became the first Black artist to top the UK pop charts. Photo Credit: English Heritage On the 1st October, marking the start of Black History Month UK, internationally renowned pianist, television personality, and trailblazing entrepreneur Winifred Atwell was honoured with an English Heritage blue plaque. The plaque celebrates her former home at 18 Bourdon Street, Mayfair, where Atwell lived during the height of her extraordinary career in the 1950s and 60s with her husband and manager, Lew Levisohn. It was here she kept her two most famous instruments: her Steinway concert grand and her beloved "other piano", a deliberately out-of-tune upright that became her signature in countless honky-tonk performances. Atwell was one of the most successful musicians in post-war Britain and a true pioneer of her time. In 1954, she became the first Black artist to achieve a UK number one single with her chart-topping medley Let’s Have Another Party . Her electrifying honky-tonk style, fusing ragtime and boogie-woogie with classical virtuosity, made her a household name. Between 1952 and 1960, she spent an incredible 117 weeks in the British pop charts, appeared on over 100 BBC radio programmes, and fronted her own television shows on both ITV and the BBC. Her energetic rendition of The Black and White Rag  later became the theme tune to BBC’s Pot Black , cementing her place in the nation’s musical history. Pianist, bandleader and broadcaster Jools Holland  paid tribute, saying: “Winifred Atwell is very important in British cultural and musical life. She is one of the first women, and certainly one of the first women of Afro-Caribbean heritage, to become a mainstream figure in 1950s British entertainment. She was also a piano inspiration to both Sir Elton John, myself, and many others. It is therefore a tremendous personal honour for me to help celebrate her legacy with a blue plaque.” Photo credit: English Heritage Musician, broadcaster and English Heritage Blue Plaques panel member YolanDa Brown  added: “Winifred Atwell was a dazzling performer and a true trailblazer. Her virtuosity, charisma and entrepreneurial spirit helped her break racial and musical barriers in mid-century Britain. She opened doors for Black artists, and her success in both classical and popular music challenged assumptions about genre and identity. This plaque in Mayfair, close to her recording studios, television sets and business premises, is a tribute to a woman who deserves far greater recognition in the story of British music.” Beyond her musical career, Atwell was a forward-thinking entrepreneur. Drawing on her early training as a pharmacist, she opened one of the UK’s first beauty salons for Black women and launched her own line of beauty products. Her multifaceted success and public profile made her an inspirational figure, particularly within the Caribbean diaspora in Britain and Australia, where she later settled and lived until her passing in 1983. Winifred Atwell’s life and music continue to resonate, a lasting legacy of artistry, entrepreneurship and cultural impact that helped reshape the sound and face of post-war Britain. The English Heritage London Blue Plaques scheme is generously supported by David Pearl and members of the public. Sources: English Heritage: Winifred Atwell Blue Plaque Press Release  (2024) BBC News: Blue Plaque Honours Pianist Winifred Atwell  (1 October 2024) https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/black-history-month/2025/10/03/blue-plaque/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winifred_Atwell https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/winifred-atwell/

Sixty years ago, Britain passed the Race Relations Act 1965, the first law to outlaw racial discrimination in public places. It was a landmark moment, recognising racism as a societal problem, not just a personal failing. The Act was limited. Housing, employment, and education were left untouched, and enforcement powers were weak. Critics called it “symbolic but toothless.” Still, it laid the groundwork for future equality laws and sparked a national conversation about race. The Act was driven by grassroots activism. Campaigns like the Bristol Bus Boycott and the Notting Hill riots highlighted daily discrimination against Black and Asian communities. The Campaign Against Racial Discrimination (CARD) was instrumental in pushing for revisions to the first bill, lobbying for stronger enforcement and ensuring the law addressed systemic issues rather than just individual prejudice. CARD’s efforts helped pave the way for the Race Relations Acts of 1968 and 1976, which expanded protections to employment, housing, and services, and led to the creation of the Commission for Racial Equality. Since then, Britain has made progress. The Equality Act 2010 consolidated anti-discrimination laws, and Black and Asian communities now have a stronger presence in politics, media, and public life. Cultural contributions from the Windrush generation are widely recognised, and politicians of South Asian, Caribbean, and African heritage hold prominent roles. But inequalities remain stark. Unemployment rates remain higher among ethnic minorities : in 2024, minority ethnic people in the UK had an unemployment rate of 8.0% compared with 3.3% for white people . Among young people aged 16–24, the gap was wider still, with Black youth facing some of the highest unemployment levels. Housing is another area of disparity. Black people in England and Wales are almost three times as likely as white people to live in social housing  (44% compared with 16%). Black families facing homelessness are also more likely to remain in temporary accommodation for long periods, with lower chances of securing permanent housing compared to their white counterparts. The Windrush scandal  exposed deep systemic failures. While more than 17,000 people eventually received documentation confirming their status , compensation has been painfully slow. By early 2024, the Home Office had paid out just over £80 million across 2,233 claims . Everyday racism, from microaggressions to stereotyping, continues to shape experiences in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Activism has evolved, but challenges remain. Movements like Black Lives Matter UK and the Black Equity Organisation push for justice and systemic change. Social media amplifies these voices but also fuels online abuse. Meanwhile, government reports, such as the 2021 Sewell Report , which denied institutional racism, fuelled controversy, illustrating the ongoing debates over whether racism is structural or anecdotal. Sixty years on, Britain likes to see itself as a tolerant, post-racial society - a place where laws, diversity campaigns, and representation have supposedly levelled the playing field. We celebrate multiculturalism as proof that the work is done. But the statistics and lived experiences tell a different story. The legal framework has done its job in shifting the boundaries of what is publicly acceptable. The open racism of the 1950s or 1960s is no longer tolerated in polite society. Yet beneath the surface lies a quieter, more insidious complacency - the comforting illusion that we have moved beyond race. This belief in a “non-racial” Britain is seductive because it absolves us of responsibility. If racism is no longer systemic, then any remaining inequality can be explained away as individual failure or cultural difference. But the data refuses to comply with that narrative: Black youth unemployment remains disproportionately high; ethnic minority families are more likely to experience housing insecurity; hate crimes continue to rise. The danger of this post-racial myth is that it breeds inertia. It allows political leaders and institutions to treat racial equality as a completed project rather than an ongoing struggle. There is even a growing sense, whispered but potent, that perhaps we have gone too far - that equality itself is now the threat, not the goal. A society that believes it has conquered racism becomes blind to its new forms. The question is not whether Britain has changed , it has, but whether it has changed enough. Progress without vigilance risks decay. If the Race Relations Act of 1965 taught us anything, it is that justice must be defended, not declared. The rise of right-wing populism intensifies these challenges. Reform UK has grown rapidly, drawing on nationalist and anti-immigration rhetoric. In September 2025, a large anti-migrant march in London drew significant participation, with some attendees clashing with the police. The event illustrated how xenophobic sentiment can escalate into conflict. Hate crime figures underscore the consequences of normalising xenophobia: in the year ending March 2024, police in England and Wales recorded 140,561 hate crimes, 70% of which were racially motivated. Recent political rhetoric has deepened these challenges. In May 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described “uncontrolled” migration as having caused “incalculable” harm to British society. His remarks sparked condemnation from anti-racism groups who warned that such language undermines the dignity and safety of minority communities. Starmer later softened his comments, but the episode highlighted the tightrope political leaders walk between addressing immigration concerns and maintaining trust among minority voters. Sociologist Gary Younge observes that the resurgence of racist and xenophobic sentiment, amplified by figures such as Tommy Robinson and fuelled by social media, reflects a wider global trend. If left unchecked, this normalisation of xenophobia risks deepening divisions and undermining decades of progress. The Race Relations Act 1965 was a start, not an endpoint. True progress requires equity in opportunities, fair policing, representation at decision-making levels, and closing outcome gaps. CARD’s influence reminds us that advocacy is crucial. Law alone cannot dismantle structural racism. Solidarity across communities and sustained pressure on institutions are essential. Reflecting on six decades of progress, it is clear that while legislation has evolved, the journey toward racial equality continues. The legacy of the Race Relations Act is not just historical. Sixty years on, the question is not just how far we have come, but how much further we must go and what it will take to get there. Upholding fairness, justice, and inclusion requires commitment, courage, and collective responsibility. The ongoing rise in hate crimes linked to xenophobia highlights the urgent need to maintain vigilance and reinforce solidarity. Strategic advocacy and collective action, as CARD demonstrated, can turn legal frameworks into meaningful social change. The fight for racial equality is far from over. Progress is fragile, and gains can be challenged. Without renewed commitment from politicians, institutions, and society at large, the dangers of normalising xenophobia, both online and offline, threaten the safety, dignity, and rights of ethnic minority communities. The lessons of the past sixty years are clear. Legislation matters, activism matters, but unity and vigilance matter most. Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56585538 https://www.ibhm-uk.org/post/the-campaign-against-racial-discrimination-britain-s-civil-rights-experiment https://folukeafrica.com/what-is-there-to-celebrate-60-years-after-the-passing-of-the-race-relations-act-1965/ https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/racial-and-religious-based-offences-drive-increase-hate-crime-cases https://longreads.politicshome.com/truth-lies-and-racism-the-story-behind-the-sewell-report https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/18/labour-faces-watershed-moment-in-relationship-with-black-and-asian-voters https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/work-pay-and-benefits/unemployment-and-economic-inactivity/unemployment/latest

Bernard Coard is a Grenadian-born educator whose pioneering work in the UK exposed systemic racism in the British education system. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, as a teacher and youth worker in London, Coard highlighted the disproportionate placement of Black Caribbean children into “Educationally Sub-Normal” (ESN) schools and provided the evidence that communities and parents needed to challenge this injustice. His research became a cornerstone for the Black Parents Movement and influenced significant reforms in anti-racist and multicultural education policies. Bernard Coard was born on 10 August 1944 in Victoria, Grenada. He attended Grenada Boys’ Secondary School, where he developed an early interest in politics, social justice, and community activism. He went on to study sociology and economics at Brandeis University in the United States before moving to the UK in 1967 to study political economy at the University of Sussex. While living in London, he married Phyllis Coard and began working as a teacher and youth organiser, laying the foundation for his advocacy against racial discrimination in schools. Between 1967 and 1971, Coard worked in schools and youth clubs across South London. His firsthand experience revealed widespread institutional racism. IQ testing and teacher referrals were being used to place disproportionate numbers of Black Caribbean children into ESN schools, originally designed for pupils with severe learning difficulties. This practice limited the children’s educational opportunities and affected their long-term social mobility. In 1971, Coard published his influential pamphlet, How the West Indian Child Is Made Educationally Sub-normal in the British School System . The work revealed that schools, local education authorities, and psychologists often mislabelled West Indian children due to racial bias rather than ability. Coard wrote: “The children are therefore made neurotic about their race and culture. Some become behaviour problems as a result. They become resentful and bitter at being told their language is second-rate, and their history and culture is non-existent.” The pamphlet made this evidence accessible to parents and community organisations, sparking mass mobilisation and enabling the Black Parents Movement to campaign against discriminatory practices and demand systemic change. Coard’s research provided the Black Parents Movement and other grassroots organisations with the evidence needed to challenge racism in schools. Groups such as the Caribbean Parents Group and supplementary school initiatives drew on his analysis to develop curricula, organise advocacy campaigns, and support parents in navigating the education system. His work also influenced national policy. The 1985 Swann Report confirmed the structural barriers faced by Black students, challenged racist myths about intelligence, and informed anti-racist and multicultural educational policies in the UK. Coard’s findings continue to underpin efforts to address inequalities and promote inclusive education. Bernard Coard’s work remains central to understanding and combating racism in education. By exposing the mechanisms that disadvantaged Black Caribbean children, he enabled parents, educators, and community organisations to take action and advocate for equality. His research continues to inspire educators, activists, and policymakers committed to ensuring that all children have access to a fair and inclusive education. Source: Coard, Bernard. How the West Indian Child Is Made Educationally Sub-normal in the British School System , 1971 BBC One. Subnormal: A British Scandal , 2021

Dame Jocelyn Barrow DBE was a pioneering British educator, civil rights activist, and public servant whose work transformed race relations, education, and cultural heritage in the UK. Born on 15 April 1929 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Dame Jocelyn Anita Barrow’s life and work would span continents and redefine what equality could look like in Britain’s classrooms, institutions, and cultural spaces. The daughter of Charles Newton Barrow, from Barbados, and Olive Irene Pierre, from Trinidad, Jocelyn grew up in a politically engaged household. From her early years she was drawn to activism, joining Trinidad’s People’s National Movement before training as a teacher. In 1959, she moved to Britain to study English at the University of London - and there, she encountered a society still blind to its own racial inequalities. Rather than turn away, she confronted them head-on. In 1964, Barrow helped to found the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination (CARD)  - the first national civil rights organisation in Britain - alongside figures such as Lord David Pitt, Anthony Lester, Dipak Nandy, and CLR James. CARD became a vital force for legislative change, successfully lobbying for the Race Relations Acts of 1965 and 1968, which made racial discrimination illegal in public life. Reflecting years later, she said: “CARD was a very effective organisation… led by people like me, Lord Pitt and Anthony Lester. The people at the bottom were too busy trying to survive - though some did join.” Barrow also co-founded the North London West Indian Association (NLWIA), which fought against racial bias in schools and became a crucial voice for Black Britons in the aftermath of the Notting Hill riots. These organisations were more than committees - they were lifelines for communities confronting racism, exclusion, and indifference. A notable achievement was her campaign to challenge discriminatory hiring practices at Marks & Spencer's Brixton store. Barrow lobbied for a meeting with Lord Sieff, the head of Marks & Spencer, and convinced him to employ Black staff, thereby breaking the colour bar. The threat of legal action from the new law convinced many other shops to follow suit. A passionate teacher, Barrow saw education as the foundation of equality. As a senior lecturer and teacher-trainer at Furzedown Teachers College and the Institute of Education in the 1960s, she pioneered the concept of multicultural education, long before it was widely accepted. She believed that every child in Britain - regardless of background - deserved to see themselves reflected in what they learned. Barrow’s activism also brought her into direct confrontation with prominent figures who opposed equality. In 1968, she appeared on a television programme in Birmingham hosted by Sir Robin Day, discussing the Race Relations Bill with an Asian psychiatrist and Enoch Powell MP. Powell refused to share the studio, and the BBC arranged for him to be in a neighbouring studio, so there could be no direct conversation, although he could hear their responses through the microphones. Barrow later recalled: “This clearly showed him a racist coward, and he knew that he would lose any arguments on why he was wrong regarding the Bill and his speech.” This experience shaped her later work as Governor of the BBC, where she ensured that future television interviews could not enforce racial segregation and promoted greater opportunities for Black talent as reporters, presenters, and actors in light entertainment and drama. A passionate teacher, Barrow saw education as central to equality. As a senior lecturer and teacher-trainer at Furzedown Teachers College and the Institute of Education, she pioneered multicultural education long before it was widely accepted. She believed every child in Britain, regardless of background, deserved to see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Barrow also co-founded the North London West Indian Association (NLWIA) to tackle racial bias in schools, particularly after the Notting Hill riots, providing support and advocacy for Black families. These efforts illustrate the practical activism celebrated by the “Legacies of Action” campaign, which traces 60 years of Black British struggle, resilience, and achievement. Barrow’s influence extended into Britain’s most powerful institutions. In 1981, she became the first Black woman Governor of the BBC, serving until 1988, and from 1989 to 1995, she was the founder and Deputy Chair of the Broadcasting Standards Council, shaping ethical media representation. She co-founded Arawidi Publications, producing children’s books in Caribbean dialects and local languages to ensure representation from an early age. As Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Asian Heritage (MCAAH) in 2005, she oversaw the landmark report Delivering Shared Heritage , establishing standards for diversity in cultural institutions. She was also instrumental in founding the Black Cultural Archives (BCA), serving as its first patron and advocating for it as a national monument to Black British history. The BCA later reflected on her impact: “Dame Jocelyn recognised the need for a national monument like the Black Cultural Archives - to educate future generations.” Barrow’s work was formally recognised throughout her life. She was awarded the OBE in 1972 for her contributions to education and community relations, and in 1992 became the first Black woman appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to broadcasting and public policy. She received honorary doctorates from the University of Greenwich (1993) and the University of York (2007), and was named among the 100 Great Black Britons in both 2003 and 2020. Beyond accolades, her legacy lies in the generations she empowered - students inspired to see new possibilities, communities emboldened to speak up, and institutions that began to embrace Britain’s diversity as a strength. Her work is central to understanding the activism celebrated in “Legacies of Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge,”  which highlights decades of struggle and achievements by Black Britons. Dame Jocelyn Barrow passed away in London on 9 April 2020, aged 90. She was married to barrister Henderson “Hendy” Downer of Lincoln’s Inn. Her life stands as a testament to the belief that education, culture, and justice are inseparable - and that lasting change begins with those who dare to imagine it. Sources Black Cultural Archives, Dame Jocelyn Barrow Profile . https://www.blackculturalarchives.org Obituary: The Guardian , 14 April 2020. https://www.theguardian.com YouTube, 1000 Londoners channel '97 Dame Jocelyn Barrow is knighted for her work in race relations' 2018 https://youtu.be/vRo02yOmWk8 BBC Archives, Governor Records 1981–1988

Check out our handpicked selection of books to read and enjoy during this year's Black History Month UK. Discover a range of inspiring fiction and non-fiction titles that celebrate Black history, culture and achievement. Every purchase from our IBHM Heritage Shop supports the IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops, so you can read, learn, and give back at the same time. Small Island by Andrea Levy Our book of the month perfectly complements our UK Black History Month theme, ‘Legacies of Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge’. Andrea Levy’s novel chronicles the struggles of Caribbean immigrants arriving in post-war Britain, reflecting the everyday experiences that highlighted the urgent need for the Race Relations Act of 1965. Small Island, winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction, the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, and the Whitbread, is a powerful portrayal of the Windrush generation. Now a major BBC drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Naomie Harris, it will captivate fans of Maya Angelou and Zadie Smith. In 1948 London, Queenie Bligh defies prejudice by taking in Jamaican lodgers while awaiting her husband’s uncertain return. Gilbert Joseph and his wife Hortense arrive full of hope, only to face harsh realities, dashed dreams, and strained relationships, revealing the challenges of love, identity, and belonging in post-war England. The Situationship by Taylor-Dior Rumble When Tia meets charming photographer Nate on a dating app, sparks fly but so do complications in this irresistible debut romcom. After the love of her life turns up with a girlfriend, Tia decides it’s time to take a chance on herself. Expectations of dating apps are low, so she’s surprised when she instantly clicks with Nate. He’s everything she’s been looking for, making her feel safe, seen, and wanted. Tia assumes they’re on the same page, except they’ve yet to have The Talk. In a world where playing it cool is the norm, can Tia overcome her fears and go all in for something real? Growing Out by Barbara Blake Hannah Tracing her journey from being the first Black reporter on British television to a distinguished career in Jamaica, Barbara Blake Hannah's inspirational memoir is a captivating reflection on race and womanhood in the 1960s. Arriving from Jamaica as a teenager, Barbara carves out a remarkable path in television. She covers major celebrity stories, travels the world, and meets figures such as Germaine Greer and Michael Caine. Yet being the first Black woman on British TV brings enormous pressure, along with a flood of hateful letters and complaints that ultimately cost her the job. In the aftermath, Barbara embarks on a period of self-discovery, first in the UK and later back home in Jamaica, creating a space where she can fully embrace and celebrate her Black identity rather than conform to the culture around her. Without Prejudice by Nicola Williams A gripping courtroom thriller following barrister Lee Mitchell as she uncovers the dark secrets of London's obscenely rich. Lee Mitchell is a thirty-year-old barrister from a working-class Caribbean background. In the cut-throat world of the courtroom, everything is stacked against her. When she takes on the high-profile case of notorious millionaire playboy Clive Omartian, arrested alongside his father and stepbrother for staggering fraud, the line between her personal and professional life becomes dangerously blurred. Spiralling deeper into Clive's trail of corruption and excess, she finds herself in alarmingly deep waters. Can she survive the case, let alone win it? Selected by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, this series rediscovers and celebrates pioneering books depicting Black Britain that reshape the nation. We Were There by Lanre Bakare From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Britain was in turmoil. Margaret Thatcher’s radical economic policies, the rise of the National Front, and widespread civil unrest placed Black lives at the frontline of a racial reckoning. At the same time, it was a period of extraordinary Black cultural creation, organising, and resistance – the crucible in which modern Britain was forged. We Were There  brings into focus, for the first time, remarkable Black lives across once-thriving industrial cities: the foundries of Birmingham, the docks of Liverpool and Cardiff, the mills of Bradford, and beyond to Wigan, Wolverhampton, Manchester, and the green expanse of the countryside. We meet feminists and Rastafarians, academics and pan-Africanists, environmental campaigners and rugby-league stars. We witness landmark campaigns against miscarriages of justice, encounter radical artists and pioneering thinkers, and tread the dancefloors of Northern Soul all-nighters and the birth of Acid House. Together, these voices and stories rewrite our understanding of Black British culture. London was only ever part of the picture. We Were There  incorporates a far broader range of Black Britons into the fabric of the national story. Alive with energy and purpose, this book expands our sense of who we are. Confronting, joyful, and thrilling, it is a profoundly important portrait of modern Britain. Dawn Butler MP - A Purposeful Life "When I was younger, my parents taught me to be resilient and my brothers told me to be resistant. Now I think it’s time for a revolution. Let’s complete the power of three." Dawn Butler, the third Black woman ever elected as an MP, is a trailblazer who speaks truth to power. Famously ejected from the House of Commons for calling Boris Johnson a liar, her sense of purpose has carried her through countless challenges, allowing her to stand up for what is right and drive change across institutions from the Met Police to the NHS. For the first time, Dawn reflects on the pivotal moments in her life, offering others the courage to dream big and make a difference. Her story demonstrates that by celebrating the strength of diverse communities, embracing intersectionality, and approaching problems from every angle, it is possible to disrupt a broken system. This uplifting and hopeful book shows that anyone can create positive change, even in a world that often feels fractured. Do You Dream of Terra-Two? by Temi Oh Temi Oh’s debut novel follows ten strangers leaving a dying Earth on a twenty-three-year mission to a new home world. Four are decorated veterans of the 20th century’s space race, and six are teenagers who have spent most of their lives training for this journey. A century ago, scientists theorised that a habitable planet existed in a nearby solar system. Now, these astronauts must face twenty-three years in close quarters, with no one to rely on but each other and no hope of rescue if something goes wrong. And something always goes wrong. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet meets The 100 in this gripping, unforgettable debut from a brilliant new voice, exploring the choices we make, the bonds we form, and what it truly means to seek a new beginning among the stars. The King is Dead by Benjamin Dean The King is Dead  is a suspenseful queer YA thriller about a teenage monarch targeted by someone in his inner circle. Gossip Girl meets royalty in this Black LGBTQ+ reimagining, packed with scandalous secrets, whirlwind romances, and a gripping mystery. James has been a prince all his life, growing up in the spotlight as the first Black heir to the throne. When his father dies unexpectedly, he is crowned king at just seventeen, and his world changes forever. Soon after, James’ boyfriend goes missing, threatening letters arrive at the palace, and private scandals only he knows are leaked to the public. As the anonymous informant continues to expose every secret, James realises that even those closest to him cannot be trusted. #LongLiveTheScandal Believe by Leigh-Anne Pollack "I found my power when I realised it was within me, within my skin and within my soul. It just needed to be set free." Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s life changed overnight when she joined Little Mix, the first ever girl band to win the X Factor. As the band became a global sensation, Leigh-Anne faced the challenges of being a Black woman in an industry with little diversity. In her powerful memoir, she shares her journey from growing up in a mixed-race family in Britain to conquering the pop world, revealing the lessons, struggles, and triumphs that show how embracing your own power can help you chase your dreams. Possibility by Sareeta Domingo On her thirtieth birthday, Anika Lapo wakes up in hospital and realises she’s wasted too much of her life. Determined to take control, she starts writing in her diary every night, manifesting her dreams: landing her ideal job as a radio producer, DJing to a real crowd, and finally connecting with breakfast show host Cam Aseidu, the man she’s been lusting after. As her diary manifestations begin to come true, Anika must navigate love, ambition, and self-discovery, learning that chasing her desires means staying true to herself. Possibility  is a gripping, romantic, and empowering tale about taking charge of your life and embracing your own power. Coconut by Florence Olajide Heartfelt, powerful and deeply inspiring, Coconut  is the true story of Florence Oladjide, a Nigerian child fostered by a white family in 1960s London. Known as Ann, she adores her foster mother but can’t ignore that she looks different from everyone around her. When she’s suddenly taken to Nigeria, Florence is plunged into a new world of heat, hardship and unfamiliar customs. Torn between two identities, she must fight to find her place and her voice. A moving memoir of identity, resilience and belonging — perfect for fans of Lemn Sissay. A Thousand Threads by Neneh Cherry Bold, fearless and endlessly creative, Neneh Cherry shares the story of her extraordinary life in this vibrant memoir filled with music, love and defiance. From her unforgettable Top of the Pops debut in 1988, wearing a gold bra and bomber jacket while seven months pregnant, to her trailblazing career shaping pop, punk and hip hop, Cherry has always rewritten the rules. Growing up between continents and cultures, she celebrates the family, friendships, collaborations and challenges that defined her journey. This is the unforgettable life of a woman who changed music and lived every note to the fullest. How to Love Your Afro by Paige Lewin This is more than a hair care guide - it's a powerful journey of self-acceptance and identity. After years of hiding her natural hair under wigs, weaves and chemicals, Paige reclaimed her Afro and her confidence. Drawing on expert advice from psychotherapists, dermatologists and hair specialists, she offers a holistic approach to natural hair and self-care. From breaking free from Eurocentric beauty standards to understanding the link between hair health and nutrition, this empowering book celebrates authenticity, healing and the beauty of embracing your true self. Universality by Natasha Brown From the author of Assembly , Universality  is a gripping, twisty novel about truth, power and the words we use. When a man is brutally bludgeoned with a solid gold bar on a Yorkshire farm, a determined young journalist sets out to uncover the truth. Her investigation connects an amoral banker, a provocative columnist, and a radical anarchist movement. While she solves the mystery, her viral longread exposé raises more questions than it answers. Sharp, provocative and darkly compelling, Universality  is a thrilling exploration of language, power, and the slippery nature of truth in our modern world. You can purchase any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop which helps supports 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.

Black History Month UK 2023 'Before Windrush' - exploring the lives and stories of B lack Britons who were living in the UK before the arrival of Empire Windrush in 1948. From Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent to Princess Alice of Greece, princess nurses have gifted their talents to hospitals and medicine, particularly during wartime. However, missing from this history of royal altruism are the African princesses – notably Princess Omo-Oba Adenrele Ademola. (1) Princess Adenrele Ademola or Omo-Oba Adenrele Ademola was born in Nigeria on 2 January 1916. She was the daughter of Ladapo Ademola, the Alake of Abeokuta. She arrived in Britain on 29 June 1935, and initially stayed at the West African Students’ Union's hostel in Camden Town. This space acted as a haven for Ademola, as it did for many other African students and visitors during the early 20th century. It is here that she attended social events and committees, and the Africa Hostel is noted as her residence address until she returned to Lagos temporarily in 1936. (1) During her early career in Britain, Ademola balanced her role as a princess with the demands of her vocation as a nurse. As a princess, she returned to England in 1937 with her father and brother, Prince Ademola III (the future Chief Justice for the Federation of Nigeria) for the coronation of King George, staying at the Grosvenor Hotel, London. (1) While it’s unclear whether Princess Ademola attended the coronation of George VI on 12 May 1937, she attended many royal social events from May to July 1937, including royal garden parties at Buckingham Palace and a royal gathering hosted by her father at the Mayfair Hotel, in May 1937. She also conducted royal visits to the Mayor and Mayoress of London at Mansion House and notably the Carreras cigarette factory in June 1937. It is likely that she continued to attend royal appointments until her father’s departure to Paris in early July 1937. (1) She attended a school in Somerset for two years, and by January 1938 had started training as a nurse at Guy's Hospital. A photograph of Ademola appeared in a 1942 pamphlet about the BBC's international activity. The film ‘Nurse Ademola’ centralised her role as a nurse but is now lost. Made in 1943 or 1944–5, it was a 16mm silent newsreel film in a series for the Colonial Film Unit called The British Empire at War. (2) The Colonial Film Unit was established in 1939 as part of the Ministry of Information to tell “the story of the War with the right propaganda.” During WW2 Britain pumped propaganda into Africa on an unprecedented scale as information offices were established in the colonies and propaganda activities directed and co-ordinated by the Ministry of Information in London. (1) War information and propaganda were communicated via radio broadcasts, touring cinema and loudspeaker vans, the press and through public meetings. The propaganda messages were aimed at keeping Africans war conscious, combatting apathy and ensuring their identification with the allied cause. The Film Unit produced 200 propaganda films on the African continent and closed down in 1955. (1) ‘Nurse Ademola’ played an important part in this as a uniquely feminine perspective. It ‘depicted an African nurse at various phases of training at one of the great London hospitals’, it was said to have inspired many African viewers at its screenings across West Africa. (1) When she arrived with her father in 1937, Princess Ademola was recorded as a ‘midwife’, which epitomises her presence in the historical records after this. In 1939 she was listed as a part of the nursing staff at St Saviour’s ward at Guy’s Hospital, and by 27 June 1941 she was a registered nurse at Guy’s hospital, having passed her nursing examinations after six years of training. (1) From 1941, she moves between hospitals and is recorded at Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital in London before being listed at New End Hospital in Hampstead in December 1942, having passed her Central Midwives Board exam. (1) Ademola's patients apparently called her "fairy" as a term of endearment. "Everyone was very kind to me", she told journalists at the time. At this stage, her last definitive sighting in the archives was in September 1948, before her father’s departure from Nigeria and abdication of the throne. She returned from Lagos with a man believed to be her husband, Timothy Adeola Odutola, a 46-year-old trader. Here she again lists herself as a nurse, residing in Limpsfield, Surrey before moving, accompanied by her husband, to Balmoral Hostel in Queensgate Gardens, South Kensington in 1949. Little is known about her activity after the 1940s, with the last record of her being in 1949, when she was working as a nurse in South Kensington. Despite her royal status, the historical records about Princess Ademola are not detailed or complete. Research on her has been hampered by the haphazard recordings of her personal details such as name and birth dates. For example, The National Archives found five variations of her name whilst researching her. Such challenges are rife when examining Black populations and represent a larger issue: the failure to consider Black people/Black histories a priority. Contemporarily, the lives of Black people were considered ‘second-class’ and therefore detail and accuracy in records were deemed unnecessary. (1) But historians of Black history and community groups such as ourselves and the Young Historians Project, are beginning crucial initiatives to recognise and promote the histories of Black people in the British archives. The National Archives says: African nurses such as Princess Ademola, through their migration, settlement and contribution to British society, hold equal claim to the attentions of historical archives as any Florence Nightingale or Edith Cavell. They must also be recognised for their struggles against social and racial adversity. It is our responsibility to bring forth histories like Princess Ademola’s and transition the narrative of Black women in Britain from the abstract to the celebrated. Sources: https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/african-princess-in-guys-the-story-of-princess-adenrele-ademola/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omo-Oba_Adenrele_Ademola https://www.younghistoriansproject.org/early-women/princess-adenrele-ademola https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/global-nursing/london-trust-shines-a-light-on-inspirational-nigerian-princess-nurse-09-11-2022/ https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/news/unsung-nigerian-princess-nurse-inspires-todays-nurses The British Colonial Film Unit and sub-Saharan Africa, 1939–1945 by Rosaleen Smyth (1)

As we celebrate Black History Month in the UK, we honour the individuals who fought for justice and equality, often without recognition. Among them is Liz Obi, a community organiser and activist whose dedication helped shape Black British feminism, housing rights, and social change during the 1970s. Working closely with her friend and fellow activist Olive Morris , Liz Obi turned community frustration into powerful action, building a legacy that continues to inspire new generations. Born in 1958, Elizabeth “Liz” Obi became politically active as a teenager in London during a time of deep racial inequality and social tension. By 1972, she had joined the British Black Panther Movement, which was at the forefront of anti-racist activism in Britain. It was through this movement that she met Olive Morris , forming a close partnership grounded in shared purpose and radical vision. Together, they campaigned against housing discrimination, police harassment, and institutional racism, while also addressing sexism within the broader Black Power movement. “We wanted spaces where Black women could speak for ourselves, not be spoken for.” Liz Obi, Remembering Olive Collective Archives In the early 1970s, Liz Obi became involved in grassroots campaigns to demand fair housing for Black families in Brixton. Many families at the time lived in overcrowded or unsafe council flats, often neglected by local authorities. One key protest saw Liz, Olive, and other mothers march to the Brixton Hill housing office to demand urgent repairs and fair treatment. When officials refused to meet them, the group refused to leave until they were heard. Their determination forced the council to act, highlighting the power of community organising (Baker, 2021). Liz and Olive also helped occupy and transform abandoned buildings, including 121 Railton Road, into community spaces. The property became known as the 121 Centre, a vital hub for meetings, advice sessions, and cultural events. It served as a beacon for self-reliance and empowerment within South London’s Black community. In 1973, Liz and Olive co-founded the Brixton Black Women’s Group (BBWG), one of Britain’s first organisations dedicated to centring the experiences of Black women. The BBWG provided a platform for discussion, learning, and leadership. Members campaigned on issues such as education, employment, childcare, and representation, while also publishing materials that amplified Black women’s voices. The group became a model for later feminist and anti-racist movements, influencing the development of Black women’s activism across the UK. Liz’s activism did not end with the 1970s. Decades later, she turned her focus to preserving the stories of her generation. In 2008, alongside artist Ana Laura Lopez de la Torre, she co-founded the Remembering Olive Collective (ROC). The ROC project was established to honour Olive Morris’s life and to document the work of other Black women who had been overlooked in mainstream histories. Through exhibitions, oral histories, and educational programmes, ROC brought these stories into public consciousness and ensured their place in Britain’s historical record. “Remembering is a form of activism. When we tell our stories, we reclaim our place in history.” Liz Obi, ROC Interview Series Liz Obi’s legacy is one of consistency, courage, and community. She worked to create spaces where Black women could lead and speak on their own terms, combining protest with practical action. Her story reminds us that activism is not only about demonstrations or public speeches but also about the quiet, everyday work of building community, sharing knowledge, and supporting others. As we continue our campaign, “Legacies of Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge,”  Liz Obi’s life and work remain an enduring example of what can be achieved through collective effort and determination. Her contribution to Britain’s history of social justice continues to resonate today.

Educational Psychologist, Community Activist, and Founder of the Caribbean Parents Group Mollie Hunte at a social gathering (1980s) - © London Metropolitan Archives, City of London, from the Mollie Hunte collection Mollie Hunte was one of the most influential voices in the Black Education Movement in Britain. As an educational psychologist, campaigner, and community leader, she worked tirelessly to challenge racism in schools and to give Black children and their families the tools to succeed. From the 1960s through to the 1990s, Mollie helped to shape a generation of parents and teachers who demanded fair treatment for Black pupils. Through her leadership in groups such as the Caribbean Parents Group, she ensured that Black families were no longer silent in the face of educational inequality. Mollie was born in British Guiana (now Guyana) in 1932. She began her career as a teacher in Georgetown before moving to London in 1961. Determined to continue her studies, she worked in schools while studying part time for over a decade, eventually earning degrees in psychology, sociology, and child development. By 1980, she had completed her MSc in Child Development and Educational Psychology at the University of East London. Alongside her studies, she was already deeply involved in community education work. In the 1970s and 80s, Black children in Britain were often unfairly labelled as “educationally sub-normal” and sent to special schools that limited their opportunities. Mollie challenged this discriminatory practice directly. As an educational psychologist in Brent and Ealing, she ensured that assessments of Black children were carried out fairly and campaigned against biased IQ testing. She also worked closely with parents, explaining how systemic racism operated in the school system and how they could advocate for their children. In 1975 Mollie co-founded the Caribbean Parents Group (CPG) in Ealing. The group emerged in response to the local council’s policy of bussing Black and Asian children out of their neighbourhood schools, a practice designed to limit the number of “immigrant” children in any one classroom. The CPG became a powerful voice for parents, organising regular meetings, conferences, and reports. Its Supplementary School provided Black children with lessons in culture and heritage that mainstream schools ignored, while also boosting academic achievement. Later, the group launched the Caribbean Parents Credit Union to give families greater financial independence and stability. Mollie did not stop with the CPG. She co-founded the Westphi Academy in 1990, which offered training for teachers, governors, and childcare professionals, with a strong focus on working effectively with Black children and parents. In 1989 she established PEV Consultancy, providing assessments, tutoring, training, and psychological support for children and adults who were often overlooked by mainstream services. She was also a member of the Afro-Caribbean Education Resource (ACER), founded by historian Len Garrison, which created teaching materials that reflected the lives and histories of African, Caribbean, and Asian students. Mollie Hunte’s legacy lies in the many children she helped to keep out of discriminatory school placements, the parents she empowered to speak up, and the organisations she built that continue to inspire community activism today. She proved that education could be a site of resistance as well as opportunity. Mollie’s work connected families, schools, and communities in the shared fight for justice and equality. Her archives, held at the London Metropolitan Archives, remain a vital resource for understanding the struggles and achievements of the Black Education Movement in Britain. For more information on Mollie Hunte’s life and the Mollie Hunte Collection, visit the London Metropolitan Archives. Source: https://www.bps.org.uk/history-psychology-centre/exhibition-mollie-hunte https://womenshistorynetwork.org/mollie-hunte-1932-2015-educator-psychologist-and-champion-of-caribbean-people-by-rebecca-adams/

Black History Month UK kicks off on 1st October 2025, celebrating the achievements, creativity, and cultural contributions of Black Britons. London is brimming with exhibitions, performances, talks, and cultural experiences all month long. Here's our guide to the best events to explore this October.   Exhibitions & Talks Tapestry of Black Britons • 8 - 19 October The exhibition features a series of tapestry panels exploring African and Caribbean contributions to Britain from Romans onwards. It has been travelling around the UK and hits London for UK Black History Month and hosted at the Fulham Palace. Find out more   London Museum Docklands • 1 - 31 October The London Museum Docklands is hosting several free talks throughout October exploring Black people’s presence in the UK including People of African heritage in Georgian London and Windrush & the NHS: A nurse called Ruby.   Find out more   Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots • 17 October 2026 – 4 January 2026 Somerset House hosts a landmark exhibition celebrating Jennie Baptiste, a defining voice in British photography – capturing the sound, style, and spirit of Black British youth culture from the 1990s to today.   Find out more   Classically Black • Saturday 18 October Classically Black  is a groundbreaking live series by Black Lives in Music celebrating the brilliance of Black classical musicians and composers. Taking place on Friday 10 October 2025  at Symphony Hall, Birmingham , and Saturday 18 October 2025  at Kings Place, London , the concerts bring together world-class talent across orchestral, operatic, and chamber music, featuring Laura Mvula with the CBSO  in Birmingham. Through storytelling, mentorship, and performance, Classically Black  honours heritage, amplifies representation, and redefines classical music.   Find out more Black and British at The Outernet   • 1 - 31 October A multimedia celebration of Black British culture through art, music, and storytelling.   Find out more   1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2025   • 16 - 19 October Somerset House exhibition featuring over 100 contemporary African artists.   Find out more   Black History Walks & Tours Walks and Tours • 1 - 19 October You can explore London’s hidden Black history by bus, steam train, canal cruise, and even by helicopter throughout October with Black History Walks.   Find out more Performances & Festivals Young, Gifted & Black 2025   • 2 October - 2 November 2025 Celebrating emerging Black British talent in theatre, spoken word, and music.   Find out more   Black British Book Festival 2025 Annual celebration of Black British literature with talks, panels, and workshops.   Find out more   Caribbean Dance Classes Learn dances & rhythms of the Caribbean in these open-level community dance classes. No experience needed, bring your energy & vibes   Find out more Plan Your Black History Month 2025 With so many events spanning art, literature, music, and history, London is the perfect place to celebrate Black culture this October. Whether you want to explore heritage on foot, attend a talk, see an exhibition, or enjoy a live performance, there’s something for everyone.

The History Hotline by Deanna Lyncook The History Hotline is a fantastic treasure trove of UK Black history delivered by history scholar Deanna Lyncook. Described as: " A space to have honest conversations about Black history and how it impacts the world we live in . We're here to explore some of the facets of Black history ignored by the mainstream, your teachers and the textbooks." Black British Lives Matter A podcast investigating what it means to be Black in Britain today, from exposing the racism to celebrating the joy in every walk of life. Sir Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder sit down with prominent Black British figures and explore the simple question: How do we make Black British Lives Matter? The Blackwash Black history educator Kayne Kawasaki’s podcast explores social issues through a cultural and historical lens. Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End Mo Gilligan's Beginning, Middle and End, a brand new immersive podcast interview series from the triple BAFTA-winning mega-star Mo Gilligan, in which he interviews some of his favourite big-name stars on the moments that made them and the legacies they want to leave. Dope Black Mums The Dope Black Mums podcast exists as a digital safe space for Black women to navigate motherhood together. It's a bi weekly insight into the experience of UK Black mums - with inspirational guests, insightful topics, eye-opening honesty and lots of laughter. It's open to everyone. Whether you identify as a Dope Black Mum, Dad, Woman or Man, if you are raising Dope Black little people or if you would just like to learn more about a different culture or perspective. Say Your Mind Hosted by Kelechi Okafor and broadcast every Monday. The Say Your Mind podcast is a unique and hilarious take on Kelechi's take on Tarot, current events and pop culture sprinkled with bad language and an abundance of straws. Opening her show with a tarot reading before dishing out upbeat life advice to her listeners and blasting the week's most problematic figure in her 'Straw Of The Week' feature. The Receipts The Receipts is a fun, honest podcast hosted by Tolly, Milena and Audrey who are willing to talk about anything and everything. The weekly podcast revolves around issues ranging from relationships and situationships to race and religion and everyday life experiences that listeners have sent in for the hosts to discuss. Well-known personalities feature on the show and the podcast has been nominated for several awards. Plus their The Receipts: Official Slay Spotify list aren't too bad either! Dope Black Dads The Dope Black Dads Podcast is an adult-only podcast for all parents or adults preparing for parenthood. Led by Marvyn Harrison with contributions from the Dope Black Dads leadership as well as a host of special guests from the world of healing, media, parenting, TV/film, music, and beyond. They discuss everything from co-parenting, masculinity, and the Black experience all the way to their favourite Netflix show. Don't listen if you're expecting conversations about nappies! The Know Your Caribbean Podcast The Know Your Caribbean Podcast, hosted by Fiona Compton , explores the history, culture, food, and music of the Caribbean , with episodes featuring guests and fan-favourite segments like " Gangsta Stories from the Caribbean ". Founded in 2017, the platform and podcast aim to educate and empower audiences by providing a deeper understanding of the region's heritage and fostering cultural connections and conversations among different Caribbean communities.  About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge Award winning British journalist and author one-off podcast series is a deep dive into the conversations covered in her book 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People Race. Delivering a deep dive into racial injustice and feminism, expect well-delivered and considered investigations. An educational and entertaining listen, this podcast requires your full attention. Photo credits: The History Hotline. Spotify/Deanna Lyncook

Black History Month UK 2022 'Sharing Journeys' campaign - exploring the lives of Britons with Caribbean heritage John La Rose was a poet, essayist, publisher, and political activist. Described by British poet, Linton Kwesi Johnson , as a ‘beacon in the political and cultural life of Britain for 45 years.’ He was a stalwart of Black struggle in Britain who fought for social and racial justice, and the empowering of minority communities to put an end to racial oppression. La Rose was born in Arima, Trinidad, on 27 December 1927. At nine, he won a scholarship to the prestigious St Mary’s College in Port of Spain, where he later taught before becoming an insurance executive. He later also taught in Venezuela. Culture, politics and trade unionism were central to his vision of change. He was acutely aware of the link between cultural expression and politics of the working classes through their folk language, stories and other art forms. He was an executive member of the Youth Council in Trinidad and produced their fortnightly radio programme, Noise of Youth, for Radio Trinidad. In the mid-1950s, he co-authored, with the calypsonian Raymond Quevedo (Atilla the Hun), a pioneering study of calypso entitled Kaiso: A Review (republished in 1983 as Atilla's Kaiso). He joined a Marxist study group; and became an active member of the Federated Workers Trade Union (FWTU) holding meetings throughout the oil belt of southern Trinidad. In 1952 the FWTU, joined by other radicals, formed the West Indian Independence Party and John was appointed its General Secretary- contesting a seat in Arima, his home town, in the 1956 elections. In 1958, he left Trinidad for Venezuela, where he worked as a teacher and in 1961 left for Britain. One of John's favourite sayings was "We didn't come alive in Britain," an allusion to the struggles that had been waged by Caribbean peoples in the Caribbean against colonialism and for workers' and people's power. His political and anti-colonial activities in Trinidad and Venezuela - part of what he later described as his "Life Experience with Britain" outside Britain - prepared him well for the political struggles he embraced in the UK concerning education, workers' rights, publishing, policing and immigration. In 1966, he co-founded New Beacon Books, with his partner Sarah White, a specialist Caribbean publisher, bookseller and international book service. That it has stood the test of time, despite the demise of so many alternative bookshops in the UK, and remains to this day. In the same year, he also helped to found the Caribbean Artists Movement , which launched the careers of many of the greatest Caribbean artists, writers and filmmakers. During the 1960s, John became concerned about the poor education Black children were receiving in school and ran from his home the George Padmore supplementary school which went on, in 1975, to expand into a Black Parents’ Movement. There was hardly an important Black issue that John was not involved in, agitating over or bringing to public notice. His achievements read like a potted history of Black struggle itself. For example, from 1972-73 he was chair of the Institute of Race Relations and Towards Racial Justice which published the radical campaigning journal Race Today, edited by Darcus Howe ; during that time in 1973 he also made a short film on the Mangrove 9 trial; in 1981 he joined the New Cross Massacre Action Committee; and in 1990 he co-founded the European Action for Racial Equality and Justice. John was also involved in the Black Education Movement in the 1960s, particularly in the struggle against banding, and the placing of largely Caribbean children in schools for the educationally sub-normal (ESN). He started the George Padmore Supplementary School in 1969, the first such school in London, to provide Caribbean children with a decent education. Starting with his own sons around the kitchen table, later to be joined by their friends, La Rose discovered the limitations of the content of the schooling Black children were receiving and especially the low expectations teachers had of Black children. He decided that, if Black parents did not take steps to repair the damage schools were doing to children, underachievement and a lack of belief in their own ability would come to characterise the schooling experience of Caribbean children. He was also one of the founders of the Caribbean Education and Community Workers Association which drew national attention to the ESN crisis in 1971 by publishing Bernard Coard’s groundbreaking How the West Indian Child Is Made Educationally Sub-Normal in the British School System (1971). He was also instrumental in the founding of the National Association of Supplementary Schools in the 1980s and was its chair for a couple of years. In his 2006 obituary, the Independent newspaper said ‘‘This groundbreaking little book propelled the development of the supplementary school movement. But successive governments continued to ignore the achievement of these schools. It was only in this Labour government's first term that the education establishment acknowledged that "Saturday" schools had been providing for years the kind of service that Tony Blair was promoting as part of his raising-achievement agenda, through homework centres, Easter colleges and the rest.’’ In 1975, he founded the Black Parents Movement after a Black schoolboy was beaten up by police outside his school in Haringey. Together with concerned parents, they campaigned against police injustice and advocated for a decent education for Black children. The Black Parents Movement later allied with the Black Youth Movement, the Black Students Movement and the journal of the Race Today Collective a breakaway from the Institute of Race Relations, which La Rose had chaired a few years earlier. This alliance became the most powerful cultural and political movement organised by Caribbean people in Britain. It led the national response to the massacre of 13 young Black people in a fire in Deptford in January 1981. The New Cross Massacre Action Committee, chaired by La Rose, organised a Black People's Day of Action on 2 March 1981, an event that brought some 25,000 people to command the streets of London in protest. John was the chair of the action committee and gave tremendous support to the bereaved families. John was also part of many organisations focusing on international concerns. As early as 1966, he was a founding member of the Vietnam Solidarity Campaign and a national council member of this important anti-war movement. Sixteen years later, in 1982, he helped to found Africa Solidarity, supporting the struggle against dictatorship and tyranny in Africa, and he also became Chairman of the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners in Kenya. Alarmed by the rise of fascism and xenophobia in 80s Europe, he helped to found European Action for Racial Equality and Social Justice in 1989, bringing together anti-racists and anti-fascists from Belgium, Italy, France and Germany. Perhaps, one of his greatest achievements was the International Book Fair of Radical Black and Third World Books (1982-95), organised jointly with Bogle L'Ouverture Books and Race Today Publications. The first book fair was held at Islington Town Hall in London in March 1982, with Trinidadian historian C.L.R James giving the opening address. Bringing together publishers, writers and artists from across five continents, the fair exposed a wide range of radical black books to a huge European audience and provided a forum for sharing information about political struggles all over the world. La Rose was a joint director with Jessica Huntley of the book fair and, after the withdrawal of Bogle L'Ouverture, its sole director. In the call to the first book fair, John wrote: "This first international book fair of radical Black and Third World books is intended to mark the new and expanding phase in the growth of the radical ideas and concepts and their expression in literature, politics, music, art and social life." The book fair was, indeed, "a meeting of the continents for writers, publishers, distributors, booksellers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, and people who inspire and consume their creative productions". Incredibly, he also found time to edit the half-yearly journal New Beacon Review and to write essays and poems. He published two volumes of poetry, Foundations (1966) and Eyelets of Truth Within Me (1991). In 1991, realising how important it was to record and chart the Black history that he and others had made in Britain, John, with his partner Sarah White, founded the George Padmore Institute to act as an archive, library and education research centre. In it, you’ll find materials relating to the Caribbean, African and Asian communities in Britain and continental Europe. The institute stands as a monument to another giant in the anti-colonial movement. Padmore , also from Trinidad, played a pivotal role in the influential fifth Pan-African Congress held in Manchester in 1945. It was this conference that spurred the Caribbean independence movement that so preoccupied the young John La Rose. John La Rose died of a heart attack on the 28th February 2006. This truly remarkable man transformed the lives of Black Britons, smashing down the doors and paving the way for generations of Black Britons to walk any path they desire in life. La Rose was a renaissance man who could have been anything he wanted but as writer and poet Linton Kwesi Johnson wrote: ‘He was a man who dreamed of changing the world.’ Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/mar/04/guardianobituaries.socialexclusion https://www.newbeaconbooks.com/john-la-rose https://irr.org.uk/article/john-la-rose-1927-2006/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/john-la-rose-8704221.html John La Rose. (2022, July 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_La_Rose

Swarm streaming on Amazon Prime Dominique Fishback was nominated for an Emmy for her role as Dre, a young woman who is obsessed with a pop star, whose fanbase is known as ‘The Swarm.’  Her obsession goes to increasingly violent lengths for her favourite R&B singer.  The Other Black Girl streaming on Disney+ Based on Zakiya Dalila Harris’ thrilling satirical 2021 novel The Other Black Girl , the series centres on Nella Rogers, an ambitious editorial assistant working at a white publishing firm. When a Black co-worker arrives she gets excited, but is the new girl a friend or foe?  Twenties streaming on BBC IPlayer Twenties  is a comedy series follows a queer Black woman in her twenties, Hattie and her two straight best friends, Marie and Nia, as they try to find their footing in life, love, and the professional world in Los Angeles. Selah and the Spades streaming on Amazon Prime Originally released in 2019, Selah and the Spades  is the directorial debut of Tayarisha Poe. This smart and stylish teen drama tells the story of Selah, who leads the faction named Spades at her school, and is looking for a protege to replace her. Things take a turn when Paloma transfers to the school. Survival of the Thickest streaming on Netflix Comedian Michelle Buteau turned her Survival of the Thickest memoir into this charming romantic comedy series that has recently been renewed for a second season. After a bad breakup, a passionate stylist Mavis Beaumont (Buteau) seizes the opportunity to start over in life and love while finding happiness on her own terms. Lawmen: Bass Reeves streaming on Paramount Plus Lawmen: Bass Reeves  is a western based about the legendary lawman, one of the greatest frontier heroes and one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River. The Changeling streaming on Apple TV Lakeith Stanfield stars in the horror fantasy The Changeling  which is based on a novel of the same name. Stanfield is a bookseller from Queens who meets a librarian from Virginia. They fall in love, marry, have a baby - and trigger an unimaginable series of events. Power Book II: Ghost streaming on Amazon Prime The Power spin-off and sequel Ghost  follows Tariq navigating his new life, in which his desire to shed his father’s legacy comes up against the mounting pressure to save his family. Along the way, Tariq gets entangled in the affairs of the cutthroat Tejada family, adding further complications as he tries to balance his drug operations with his education, love life, family affairs, scrutiny from local and federal law enforcement. I’m a Virgo streaming on Amazon Prime I’m a Virgo  is a brilliant absurdist comedy created by visionary director Boots Riley and starring Jharrel Jerome. It follows the story of Cootie, a 13-foot-tall (4m), 19-year-old Black teenager raised by his Aunt Lafrancine and Uncle Martisse in California. He is shielded from the outside world until being accidentally discovered by a group of teenage political activists. Lupin streaming on Netflix This French heist-thriller became an international phenomenon when it was released in January 2021 on Netflix and is now on its third season. Winner of Csear Award for Leading Man, Omar Sy, is perfectly cast to play Assane Diop, the gentleman gem thief inspired by the classic French tales of Arsene Lupin by Maurice Leblanc.