October is Black History Month in the UK

"The first UK Black History event was held in 1987. Set up by Akyaaba Addai Sebbo, who worked with Ken Livingstone at the Greater London Council, its aim was to mark the contributions of black people throughout history. Black History Month now runs throughout the month of October. As there has long been concern about the experience of black children in the UK, October - as the beginning of the academic year - felt like a good time to instill pride and a sense of identity for these children."

UK BHM 2013


If we African Americans and Canadians put some effort into studying and
sharing the info we find then African Diasporan History will advance that much
further. I hope to see some sharing going on over the pond this year
in October and next year in February. It would be really something if we
could keep it going from the beginning of October through February.

Africans in Britain

From the late Middle Ages, as Europeans began to make direct contact with Africa, the number of Africans and people of African descent in Britain began to increase. The most important cause of these migrations was probably the slave trade. British involvement in the trade began in the 16th century and had reached huge proportions by the 18th. Over a period of 400 years, Europeans transported many millions of Africans to labour in their colonies in the Americas. These migrations created the Black
diaspora.

This image, from the Gentleman's Magazine, shows Ayuba Suleiman Diallo (here called by the English version of his name, Job ben Solomon), the son of a Muslim imam from Gambia, and William Ansah Sessarakoo, a prince from Ghana. They were both tricked into slavery, but freed on account of their noble origins and education. Sessarakoo lived in England from 1749 to 1750.

Solomon travelled to England after spending time on a plantation in Maryland. He became something of a celebrity and was 'graciously received by nobility'. Dressed in an African gown, he was presented to the king and queen. After spending some time in England, he was taken back to Africa by the Royal African Company.

Gentleman's Magazine, June 1750, p. 273 

Links

• The Ivory Bangle Lady
• Stratford-upon-Avon African skeleton was Roman soldier
• The National Guide to Black History Month 2013
• The Black Presence in Britain
• Black History Month - October 2013  GOVERNMENT OF SCOTLAND
• Public and Commercial Services Union
• Southwark CouncilBHM 2013

I could go on  with the links but I believe you get the picture,

please share and discuss the info you find with family and friends and

feel free to come back with other info, comments are welcome.