African and Caribbean People in Britain

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Despite ongoing efforts by researchers and advocates, the narrative of African and Caribbean people in Britain is often oversimplified, beginning with the 1948 arrival of the Empire Windrush. Acclaimed historian Hakim Adi challenges this perspective, illustrating that African and Caribbean individuals have been integral to Britain's history from its earliest days. Libyan legionaries guarded Hadrian's Wall, and Rome’s first African Emperor died in York. In Elizabethan England, 'Black Tudors' served in prominent households, while African explorers assisted Sir Francis Drake in his global circumnavigation. As Britain rose as a colonial and commercial power, it was these communities that spearheaded the struggle for freedom, a fight that persisted throughout the twentieth century and continues today with movements like Black Lives Matter. By examining British history through the contributions of African and Caribbean people, Adi reveals how much of our collective achievements—such as universal suffrage, the defeat of fascism, and the establishment of the NHS—are indebted to their efforts. Understanding history in this context allows for a deeper comprehension of our present circumstances.