Black British Tourism

Thursday 16th October 2008

It has been alleged that when walking through London's city streets countless tales can be told of the black history that has unfolded under our very footsteps. People of African origin residing in Britain dates back to well over 2000 years, and according to a number of historians there are African and Caribbean influences throughout the city of London. Black historian Steve I. Martin is known to have traced a large degree of black heritage in London, but despite this many people are unaware of the influences their own culture has had in the city. Martin has claimed that if we were to throw a dart at any area of London we would find a black contribution to its past. However, he has also claimed that Londoners have a very narrow view of history.

Ken Martindale, chairman of the Black British Heritage organisation believes that our generation is unaware of black heritage within Britain, despite his claims that black people's history is intertwined with British history, “Black history represents one-third of British history, and it is not being taught. We must open the floodgate to release that knowledge.”

Due to the lack of emphasis on this issue, organisations are initiating in the hopes of promoting and educating the public about black British history. Various walks and tours around London have been introduced over the past few years that are intent on revealing black influences throughout the country. In addition to this, business leaders have launched tourism plans to develop London as a destination for 'black tourism', in order to attract a wider bracket of its current tourism. Editorial consultant Nana Ocran, who has contributed to a number of black focused London tourist books, claims that plans to increase attention on this issue is not to make a political statement, but rather to re-approach the ways in which black culture is currently being promoted.

New Nation searched the city for those such organisations that are intent on raising awareness of black history within the UK.

Organisations -

Black British Heritage
Chaired by Ken Martindale, this organisation aims to raise awareness of contributions made by black people to British society. The centre offers an easily accessible database of information about the British heritage of black people, and works closely with schools to promote black history as an extracurricular study. For more information, contact: info@black-british-heritage.com.

Tours -

500 Years of Black History
This historical walk, led by black historian and author Steve I. Martin, discovers facts about black history in London. Starting from Westminster City Hall, the tour reveals the influences black presence had in Westminster, as well as its history on the road to the abolition of slavery. For more information, call: 020 7641 8547.

Brixton Tours
Started in 2003 by Jay Brown, this one-hour community-lead walking tour offers the chance to sample the sounds, sights and smells of Brixton. With a journey around Europe's biggest indoor and outdoor markets, the tour includes a food tasting opportunity, along with a brief history of Brixton and its arts and culture. For more information, visit: www.brixtontours.co.uk, or call 01843 840737.

Notting Hill Hidden Histories
Run by the London Blue Badge and headed by LBC 97.3FM radio presenter Diane Burstein, this walking tour uncovers the history and diversity of London by exploring how African and Caribbean groups have contributed to the mix of the area. For more information, call: 020 7361 3204.


Exhibitions -

Keep Smiling Through
An exhibition at the Cuming Museum exploring the contributions made by black Londoners during the Second World War. Sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this exhibition uncovers stories from South London by exploring positive and negative experiences of black Londoners through rare photographs, music and film clips. For more information, visit: www.southwark.go.uk/cumingmuseum, or call 020 7525 2000.

Black Presence
This online exhibition held by The National Archives aims to reclaim black history in the UK by making it more widely known. By presenting a selection of records, including interactive learning journeys, images and transcripts, the exhibition features documents ranging from 1500 – 1850, highlight that people of African origin have lived in Britain for well over 2000 years. For more information, visit: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/pathways/blackhistory.

Directories -

Visit London
This online directory offers a comprehensive list of African and Caribbean historical facts and events within London. For more information, visit: www.visitlondon.com.

Experience Black London: A Visitor's Guide
Launched at the British Visitors Centre in 2003, this book was published by black editorial consultant Nana Ocran as a user-friendly companion guide, offering a snapshot of black British culture with features written sections on African and Caribbean London history, as well as listings of arts and entertainment, eating out, seasonal events and shops and services. For more information, call: 07961 926 354.

WRITTEN FOR NEW NATION NEWSPAPER