CHRONICLING BLACK BRITISH HISTORY

My Journey in Chronicling Black History

Three years ago, I set out on a deeply personal journey: to chronicle the rich and often overlooked tapestry of Black history in Britain. With a background in politics and a passion for history, I was drawn to the cultural and spiritual legacy of the Caribbean community, especially its musical contributions.

My work began with gospel music in the UK, where I explored how West Indian church traditions fused with African American gospel to form a uniquely British gospel sound. Today, that sound resonates across churches, concert halls, and even royal palaces.

Following the success of my first book, How to Make Gospel Music Successful, I published a second, Windrush and the Black Pentecostal Church in Britain, which delves into the experiences of Christians from the Windrush Generation. It highlights how Pentecostal Caribbeans built families, established churches, and created vibrant communities, leaving an indelible mark on British society.

My latest book, Windrush: 7 Events That Changed Britain, brings together themes from my earlier works. It traces the long and often arduous struggle to make racial discrimination illegal in Britain, led by pioneering figures such as Harold Moody, Sir Learie Constantine, and Claudia Jones. Though their contributions are often forgotten, they were instrumental in shaping the inclusive laws we benefit from today.

The story of the Notting Hill Carnival mirrors this legacy of resistance and cultural expression. Originating in Trinidad during the era of slavery, Carnival emerged as an act of defiance. Enslaved Africans, barred from their masters' masquerade balls at the end of the sugarcane harvest, responded by staging their own celebrations—known as Canboulay or Cannes Brûlées. These rebellious, rhythmic gatherings evolved over time into what we now know as Carnival.

This spirit of resistance followed Caribbean migrants to Britain. In response to the racially motivated murder of Kelso Cochrane in Notting Hill, Trinidadian activist Claudia Jones organised the first indoor Carnival at St Pancras Town Hall in London. It was a powerful act of cultural assertion and healing.

Today, the Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s largest street festivals, synonymous with the August Bank Holiday Weekend. It draws over two million visitors annually, including thousands of international tourists, and contributes more than £93 million to London’s economy. It supports over 3,000 full-time jobs, with attendees spending over £45 million across the three-day celebration. As such, it stands as a vibrant, living legacy of the Windrush Generation.

The Complexity of History

History is not merely a series of dates and events. It is a living narrative—constantly evolving and reshaped by those who dare to tell it differently. In Windrush: 7 Events That Changed Britain, I offer a personal account of how Caribbean people transformed Britain—and how, in turn, Britain transformed them.

Fortunately, a new generation of historians is now challenging conventional narratives and embracing a more inclusive version of history. They are telling stories not just from the perspective of the victors, but through the diverse voices that make up Britain’s true historical landscape. In doing so, they are playing a crucial role in shaping a national identity that reflects all of us.