There is a growing population of Black people in England and the whole of the United Kingdom. Black people have over centuries contributed to, and helped to shape British culture and history. There is evidence to show that Blacks were in Britain since Roman times. During the Tudor period (1500s), an African musician named John Blanke was one of King Henry VIII’s trumpeters. Over the succeeding centuries, the Black race continued to play even more important roles – from the slavery period through colonial times to contemporary times – that define the Britain that is today.
Fortunately, England is dotted with places and institutions that help preserve and celebrate black culture and history and the roles the people played, especially in shaping English and British history and culture. From museums to galleries, archives to markets, it’s quite easy to discover Black culture in England thanks to these destinations. In this article, we put the spotlight on several locations across England you can visit, explore and appreciate their rich black culture and history.
Check out 5 prominent destinations to experience Black culture in England…
#1. The Africa Centre
The Africa Centre functions as a “home away from home” for Africans in the United Kingdom, providing a space for authentic African heritage and cultural experiences to persons interested in Africa. It was the brainchild of Margaret Feeny and was registered as a Charity in 1961; but it opened to the public in Covent Garden, London in 1964. Soon, it became a focal point for African intellectuals, artists, activists, politicians, and voices advocating for Africa’s freedom and independence, and a home for Africans in the diaspora seeking to connect with the continent.
The Africa Centre has supported such black figures as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Wole Soyinka, Walter Rodney, Alice Walker, and Ben Okri. Currently headquartered in Southwark, the Africa Centre continues to engage in conversations about Africa, providing leadership in culture, entrepreneurship and innovation, community, and intellectual leadership.
#2. The National Jazz Archive
The National Jazz Archive, in Loughton Library, Essex, offers the most comprehensive resource on jazz in the United Kingdom, celebrating and documenting the development of the phenomenal musical heritage and also supporting its present and future. This Jazz Archive holds a vast collection of unique items including photographs of famous jazz icons and events, journals, books, posters, programs, and personal collections. This location is a Mecca of sorts for aficionados of jazz and music. A digitized collection of the National Jazz Archive is also available to the public for exploration.
#3. The International Slavery Museum
Located in Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, the International Slavery Museum opened in 2007 and enhances the understanding of transatlantic, chattel, and other forms of enslavement. Through its growing collection of oral histories, objects, and artistic works, the museum collaborates with artists, activists, charities, and organizations to tell the stories of enslaved people and highlights the various forms of historical and contemporary slavery.
The museum’s Diaspora Collection includes a social history and community collection that reflects the impact of the African diaspora on Liverpool, the United Kingdom, and across the globe from the past to the present. The Transatlantic Slavery Collection in the museum includes items that highlight the role of Liverpool in the slave trade, plantation life, instruments of enslavement, and punishment. The museum also holds a collection of Racist Memorabilia that include toys, postcards, books, sheet music, and household items that show racist depictions and caricatures of people of African descent.
#4. Museumand – the National Caribbean Heritage Museum
Located in Nottingham, the National Caribbean Heritage Museum (or Museumand) is a social history and community museum that commemorates and celebrates the Caribbean contribution to life in Nottingham and the United Kingdom. It highlights how over the centuries, the Caribbean people have helped to shape and influence British culture, heritage, and achievements.
Museumand connects with communities across the UK through social histories, moving personal accounts, intriguing objects, wonderful music, brilliant art, performance, and crafts. It organizes exhibitions on various aspects of Caribbean life such as culinary art, funeral traditions, black hair, and so forth.
#5. Brixton Market (Brixton Station Road, London)
Brixton Market is a famous market in the multicultural neighborhood of Brixton, and is best known for a wide array of African and Caribbean food and products. This market dates back to 1870, when it sprung up on a street named Atlantic Road; but it spread to other streets over the years.
Brixton Market is open on Fridays and Saturdays, but there are some areas of the market that are open all through the week. It is composed of three different market areas – Brixton Village, Reliance Arcade, and Market Row. Brixton has a thriving African and Caribbean community responsible for Brixton Market’s status as Europe’s largest Caribbean and African market. Here, you will find eye-catching African and Caribbean shops and stalls selling a wide range of products such as fish, seafood, groceries, and colorful African fabrics and textiles.
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