London's Black history
The history of Black people in London spans African Romans, the Windrush Generation and the artists, activists and politicians influencing modern London. As historians continue to unearth details about the lives of Black Londoners, learn more about this ever-evolving history with our stories and photos.
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            War & WeaponsMary Seacole: Doctress of the Crimean War
The determined businesswoman and caregiver who looked after troops at war
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            Publishing & MediaMalorie Blackman’s books shaped Britain’s youth
The south-east Londoner writes diverse fictional worlds for young people of all ages
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            From our expertsBioarchaeological evidence for Black women in 14th-century London
How much do we know about the people in medieval London?
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            Music & SubcultureStormzy: A grime change-maker
This Croydon-born cultural titan has used his enormous success to challenge inequality
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            Publishing & MediaZadie Smith: Writing north-west London
The author of White Teeth and The Fraud uses Brent as her canvas
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            Immigration & IdentityIgnatius Sancho: Writer & early Black voter
After gaining his freedom, this 18th-century writer became one of the first Black voters in Britain
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            Music & SubcultureThe origins of Notting Hill Carnival
London’s biggest street festival is a celebration of Caribbean culture and Black identity
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            Immigration & IdentityThe surprising diversity of Roman London
A city home to people from Turkey, Germany and Greece
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            Immigration & IdentityLady Phyll: Activist & co-founder of UK Black Pride
Campaigner, community builder, champion of LGBTQ+ rights
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            Rights & ActivismThe life story of Mary Prince
A vital narrative of enslavement that boosted the abolitionist movement
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            Publishing & MediaMichaela Coel: A vital modern storyteller
The superstar behind Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You has spun unique tales from London life
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            Games & SportsIan Wright: Arsenal hero, London legend
This ex-footballer and pundit from Brockley has won hearts on and off the pitch
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            Music & SubcultureThrough the lens of Charlie Phillips
One of the most talented, but long overlooked, photographers of 20th-century Britain
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            Art & DesignSteve McQueen: Putting London on screen
This Oscar-winning west Londoner has made vital films about London’s people and history
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            Rights & ActivismOlaudah Equiano: Writer & abolitionist
A freed enslaved man whose life story drove the abolition of the British trade in enslaved Africans
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            Fashion & StyleLabrum tells West African stories through fashion
A modern menswear brand celebrating migration and movement
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            Fashion & StyleGrace Wales Bonner: Tailoring the future of fashion
Her London-based label brings an approach to design that is brainy, beautiful and rooted in Blackness
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            Music & SubcultureDub in London: Shops, sound systems & legends
In the 1970s and 1980s, London became the centre of Jamaica’s bassier, spacier sound
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            Rights & ActivismOttobah Cugoano: A powerful critic of slavery
Cugoano shared his own experience of enslavement to try and end it for good
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            Fashion & StyleEdward Enninful: A west London fashion force
Model, stylist, fashion director, editor-in-chief at British Vogue