Black Brits Exist
Although Black history month has passed, I can not let it pass without speaking on British Black history. I am going to champion some unsung Hero’s from across the ocean. A lot of time, when we speak about Black history, we speak of Black history in terms of America. Although February is not Global Black history month, we should still learn about Black history worldwide. The UK black history month is in October, but they learn about their history and American history. It’s time we learn their history. I’m here asking you all to widen your scope and look towards our friends in England. England has a rich Black history to learn about. Here are some places you can start.
Unlike Black Americans, most Black people are immigrants or a product of immigration. England invited Caribbeans to work in their country to help rebuild their economy in the 1940s. The Windrush generation is what they are called. The British analogy film “Small axe” by Steven McQueen, taking place between 1969–1982, explores the lives of those in that generation and their hardships. The film series discusses issues ranging from police brutality to discrimination in education. You can watch it on Amazon Prime.
My personal favorites are Lover Rock and the Mangrove. Mangrove is about police brutality. It’s the first movie in the series, and it draws your attention. A story we can all relate to and empathize with. Lovers rock; my second favorite depicts Black people just being Black. Enjoy being ourselves. In a film series where a lot of pain and suffering is shown, it was nice to see a film where Black people are just enjoying being black. I encourage everyone to not only watch movies about Black suffering but also watch something about our joy and our prosper.
Watching this from an American perspective, I couldn’t help but feel connected. A sense of struggle connection. As a champion member of the global diaspora, it seems that everywhere we turn, it seems like we suffer in one aspect or the other. One thing that the series speaks on was education. The root begins of it all. Even in another country, we don’t start on the same level. The playing field isn’t equal. I loved that the films talked about many different aspects of being Black in the UK; most of this e aspects are no different from those in America. The only difference may be the system, but the results are the same. Anyone part of the diaspora in any form and way should watch this. Get a glimpse of things you don’t know. Our stories are global, and we are more alike than different. If we all have that perspective, things can change.
I’ve only given you a snippet of Black history in England. Black history is Black history no matter where it happened. We should try our best to learn about Black history from around the globe. Contrary to popular belief, other places outside the united states have Black history, and it’s worth the listen.