People, Places, Events   

James Samuel Risien Russell, (1863 – 1939) a prominent neurologist and esteemed professor, holds a significant place in the medical history of Britain. Often, the narrative of Black physicians in the country begins with the Windrush migration after World War II, but it is crucial to acknowledge the pioneering contributions of earlier West Indian doctors like Russell.

‘Brown Babies’: The children born to black GI and white British women during the Second World War In January 1942, after the US had entered the war, a large number of American servicemen (known as GIs) were shipped to Britain. Over the next three years approximately 3 million GIs passed through the country, of which approximately 8% were African-American.

Mural Commemorating 1977 Battle of Lewisham On the 13th August 1977, a disturbing event unfolded in the vibrant streets of south-east London. A group of 500 individuals belonging to the neo-Nazi National Front embarked on a march from New Cross to Catford, fueled by their deep-rooted hatred for the multiculturalism that had flourished in this area. However, their intentions were swiftly met with fierce opposition from a resolute crowd of 4,000 counter-protestors.

Helen Wilson-Roe, a talented Black artist hailing from Bristol, possesses a diverse range of artistic skills including sculpture, painting, installation making, and documentary filmmaking. Her artistic practice delves into the profound themes of Racism-Exploitation-Genocide-Bristol and the Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved Africans, shedding light on the historical and contemporary struggles faced by marginalised communities.

Cleo Lake, elected Lord Mayor of Bristol for the 2018-2019 term, brought a unique blend of experiences and passions to her role. Not only as a former actress and activist, but also as an artist who believes strongly in the principles of 'inclusion' and 'representation'. Growing up in Easton and serving as the Green councillor for Cotham, Cleo has dedicated a decade of her life as the dance troupe leader of the Malcolm X Elders Forum.

John Blanke, also known as Blancke or Blak, was a talented musician from Africa who resided in London during the early Tudor era. It is believed that he arrived in England as part of Catherine of Aragon's entourage in 1501. Notably, he is among the earliest documented black individuals in the United Kingdom since the time of the Romans. Interestingly, his name could be a reference to his skin colour, possibly derived from the word "black" or even the French term "blanc," whic

Passenger Lists The National Archives holds the UK’s surviving inward and outward passenger lists from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century, when air travel became more common. The lists are often important in family history research, allowing people with migrant backgrounds to begin to trace the journeys of their ancestors to Britain.

Robert Wedderburn (1762 – 1835/1836?) was a Jamaican-born political and religious radical and also an associate of Richard Carlile, who himself experienced the oppressive suppression of free speech in early 19th century England. Wedderburn actively voiced his opposition to superstition and the enforcement of religion through law, instead advocating for the importance of free inquiry and the ability of individuals with diverse ideas and beliefs to coexist harmoniously.

William Davidson,  born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1781, shared a common background with Robert Wedderburn as the illegitimate sons of wealthy white men and Black slave mothers. Despite their challenging beginnings, both men went on to make significant contributions to the abolitionist movement in England.