Make a Black history timeline

Black History Month takes place every October in the UK. It started in the United States in 1926. In the UK, Black History Month began in 1987 and is an important opportunity to celebrate and learn about Black history. During this month, schools and communities hold events, activities, and discussions to highlight important figures, such as activists, artists, and leaders. This month is a chance for everyone to appreciate the rich culture and history of Black communities and to understand the impact they have had on our society. However, it’s important to remember that Black history is a part of history that people can (and should) learn about all year round. 

This activity has been chosen as it celebrates Black history.

John Blanke: The Black Trumpeter (1507): John Blanke was a Black trumpeter who played for King Henry VII and King Henry VIII. He is one of the earliest recorded Black people in British history and appears in paintings from that time.

James Somerset’s Court Victory (1772): James Somerset, an enslaved man, fought a legal case in London to win his freedom. The court ruled in his favour, marking an important step in showing that slavery was not supported by British law.

Early Black Settlement in Sierra Leone (1787): After Britain abolished slavery, some Black people living in Britain, including former slaves, moved to Sierra Leone in West Africa to start a new settlement, with help from the British government.

Britain Abolishes the Slave Trade (1807): The British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, making it illegal for British ships to take people from Africa and sell them as slaves.

Slavery is Abolished in the British Empire (1833): In 1833, Britain passed a law ending slavery throughout its empire, meaning no one could legally own slaves in British-controlled lands any more.

Black Communities in British Cities (1919): After World War I, many Black people lived in port cities such as Liverpool and Cardiff. Despite tensions and unfair treatment, they formed close-knit communities that grew over the years.

First Black British Pilot (1945): Hugh Nelson became the first Black pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II, inspiring future generations of Black aviators.

The Windrush Arrives (1948): The HMT Empire Windrush brought around 500 people from the Caribbean to Britain, helping to rebuild the country after World War II. These people, part of the Windrush Generation, played an important role in British society.

Notting Hill Race Riots (1958): In London’s Notting Hill, clashes between Black and white residents due to racial tensions led to violence. These events raised awareness of the growing issue of racism in Britain.

Notting Hill Carnival Begins (1959): The Notting Hill Carnival was started by Claudia Jones to bring people together and celebrate Caribbean culture after the 1958 race riots. It has since grown into one of the largest street festivals in Europe, filled with music, dancing and vibrant costumes.

Bristol Bus Boycott (1963): When the Bristol Omnibus Company refused to hire Black or Asian bus drivers, Paul Stephenson, along with Roy Hackett and Guy Bailey, organised a boycott. The community stopped using the buses until the company agreed to change its hiring policy. After several months, the company gave in and changed their policy.

First Race Relations Act (1965): Britain passed the Race Relations Act in 1965, making it illegal to treat people unfairly because of their race in public places. This was the first UK law aimed at fighting racial discrimination.

The Mangrove Nine (1970): The Mangrove Nine were Black activists who were put on trial after protesting against police harassment of the Mangrove Restaurant in Notting Hill, a popular spot for the Black community. The trial exposed racism in the police, and all nine were found not guilty of serious charges.

Creation of Black History Month in the UK (1976): Black History Month started in the US in the 1920s. It began in October 1976 in the UK. It celebrates the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history. This month encourages schools and communities to learn about and celebrate diversity.

Brixton Uprising (1981): Tensions between the Black community and the police in Brixton, London, reached a breaking point during Operation Swamp 81, where heavy-handed police tactics, such as ‘stop and search’ angered residents. The resulting protests and riots drew national attention to the unfair treatment of Black people by the police, leading to calls for change.

The New Cross Fire (1981): A tragic fire at a house party in New Cross, London, killed 13 young Black people. Many believed the fire was a racist attack, and the way authorities handled it led to the Black People’s Day of Action, where thousands protested, demanding justice.

First Black Football Player for England (1982): Viv Anderson became the first Black footballer to play for the England national team.

First Black MPs Elected (1987): Diane Abbott, Bernie Grant, and Paul Boateng  were elected to Parliament, becoming the first Black MPs in British history and helping to increase representation in politics.

Stephen Lawrence Case (1993): Stephen Lawrence, a Black teenager, was murdered in a racist attack in London. The police mishandling of his case led to public outrage, and the Macpherson Report in 1999 called out the police for ‘institutional racism’ changing how racial crimes were handled.

First Black Archbishop in the Church of England (2004): Dr. John Sentamu became the first Black archbishop in the Church of England when he was appointed as the Archbishop of York. His appointment was a proud moment for representation in British religious leadership.

First Black Briton Wins The Booker Prize (2019): Bernardine Evaristo became the first Black British author to win the prestigious Booker Prize for her novel Girl, Woman, Other, which tells the stories of Black women in Britain.

Black Lives Matter Protests in the UK (2020): The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement started in the US in 2013 to protest against unfair treatment of Black people, especially by the police. It grew after the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020 after a police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. In 2020, thousands of people across the UK took part in protests as part of the global Black Lives Matter movement, calling for an end to racism and unfairness, and for better treatment of Black people in the UK and beyond.