Next Walks..( to be announced )

(Free films on black history on page 3)

One of the most interesting things about the African influence in Britain is that it is all around us in the very streets, institutions and architecture. What is even more interesting is that most of us have been so mis-educated formally and informally, that we are blind to it even when the physical evidence stares us in the face.

Since September 2005  BHW has been leading two hour guided walks in the square mile known as the City of London. This is the oldest part of London and has a distinct political identity as it has its own Lord Mayor. It is also the centre of wealth creation for Britain but much of that wealth has been, and still is, created by Africa. This unique walk takes in many side streets and back alleys that one would never see from the main road. As we meander along the quiet footpaths bit by bit, we uncover the hidden connections between Africa, the Diaspora and the infrastructure of ancient and modern London. We illustrate how certain fraternal societies benefited from African wealth and invested that wealth in academic institutions, schools and charities. We show how traders caused African names to be given to streets and areas.

We look at the visual imagery of London and point out the obvious African influences, which are so often ignored despite being quite blatant.  There is even African architecture on display in certain banks and squares although it is not recognised as such due to the theft of African history and the euro-centric bias of the education system.

The walk illustrates the presence of Africans from Roman times and the British reaction to immigration as far back as 1596 when the Queen stated there were too many black people in Britain and they should be sent home! Banks and buildings, which were built directly and indirectly with African labour, are pointed out. We discuss the black wareffort… of 1776 and 1794 and  make comparisons to how black soldiers were treated then, in World War 2, and more recently in Northern Ireland and the Gulf.

We point out the statues of people like William Beckford (twice Lord Mayor of the City of London) and Sir Frobisher who are both regarded as British heroes but were involved in kidnapping, forced labour and torture.

We discover the connections between big business and the church by way of the banks and the “old boy network”. Another location points out the role that black people have played in regenerating inner London areas only to be priced out of them.

In addition to the city walk (EC1)there is also a (WC2) walk which takes place in the Trafalgar/Leicester Square area

For more info on the next walk click "Next Walk is on.." from the menu 

To book e-mail info@blackhistorywalks.co.uk

Comments from people who have done the walk…

“Fantastic!

Photo: The West Yorkshire PBCA came all the way from Huddersfield by coach to do the St Pauls Walk. Photo courtesy Milton Brown.

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"My friends daughter did it and she said it was the best thing she's done all half term! ”

" Thank you for a wonderful, fantastic, eye-opening walk! My kids are still talking about it! 4 weeks later ! "

“I thought I knew a lot but now I can really put things into perspective”

“I worked in this area for 7 years and never knew any of this, its such an eye opener!”

“This was unbelievable! I always said we built this place but I didn’t know how much!”

"Thank you for an excellent walk"

“I’m angry that all of these things have been withheld for so long!"

“Its so inspiring!”

“This was an excellent idea thank you so much!”

“You should do it for schools, my sixth formers would love this!”

“I’m going to come back and do it again when it’s not raining!”

For more details and to book e-mail: info@blackhistorywalks.co.uk

Consultants are also available for presentations/training in schools, colleges, prisons and work environments, see below..

There are a number of interactive multi-media presentations which can be delivered to assemblies, classes or community groups. Topics include.................................................................................................

How Black People Won World War 2

A detailed and extensive look at the African, Caribbean and Asian war effort with video clips and interviews with black Spitfire & bomber pilots, Nigerian and Somali troops fighting in Burma, black and asian women secret agents, u-boats in the Caribbean and the importance of Africa and India’s raw materials

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From Empire to Stephen Lawrence

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What were Black People doing in World War 1?

An explanation of the crucial role Africa, Asia and the Caribbean played in WW1. Interviews with Jamaican WW1 veterans, West India Regiment in Palestine, black and asian fighter pilots, the Herero genocide, German colonies in Africa and how that affected geography and WW2

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Black Women Freedom Fighters

A three-hour comprehensive sample of African women who resisted invasion, slavery and racist policies. Includes Queen Nzinga,Yaa Asantewa, Claudia Jones, Rosa Parks, Josephine Baker, Doris Pilkington, Mende Nazer, Mavis Bell, Dame Joceyln Barrow, Una Marson and more. Covers UK, North and South America, the Caribbean and Africa

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British Wealth =African Poverty

An overview of the economic effects of British trade policies on Africa and the Caribbean An overview of the economic effects of British and American trade policies on Africa and the Caribbean. Covers the IMF, World Bank and EU, farming policies, war, refugees, immigration with examples from Jamaica, Ghana, Congo, Haiti and Sierra Leone and the connections between the UN and the arms trade

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African-British Civil Rights Heroes 1596-2006
The bias in schools gives the impression that racism and civil rights was an American issue and totally ignores the struggles Black British people endured. This presentation will provide the names and achievements of those black people born or resident here that fought against British racism over the last 400 years. Includes Thomas Peters, Ottobah Cuguano, Robert Wedderburn, Olaudah Equiano, Phyliis Wheatley, Learie Constantine, Bristol Bus Boycott 1963, Scrap Sus Campaign, Dame Jocelyn Barrow, virginity testing at Heathrow, deaths in custody, Saturday schools, housing segregation
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The Black Image
A very revealing presentation and film which shows how the image of African people has been deliberately altered by Europeans to show negativity. In the 15th century African people were portrayed in European art as noble, sophisticated and intelligent. With the rise of Empire these images were thrown out and replaced with demeaning stereotypes which still inform public opinion via children’s books and Hollywood movies..
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How to Brainwash the Youth and make them act like Fools
An in your face seminar aimed at young adults to illustrate how they are conditioned via Hollywood movies, music videos computer games and advertising to act dumb and love it. This presentation uses clips from popular and mainstream culture combined with a black history perspective. Scary Movie, Predator,Soulja Boy, Lil Wayne,Futurama, Disney,300, GTA,Pussycat dolls, Mariah Carey, Nelly, Etana,Lord of the Rings, Pirates of Caribbean, Manhunter all make an appearance
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How to support your child through the educational process
A seminar about what you can do to combat racism in the school system and achieve academic excellence amongst the youth.
There will be presentations on personal and institutional racism and the resources available to combat it. You will also hear practical examples of what parents can do to assist their child through the school system

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A review of the social history of Britain and the reason for, and background to, racism. Includes deportation of black people in 1596, the colour bar  of 1731,black soldiers of 1776, Opium Wars, WW1,WW2 race riots of 1919,1959, no blacks, no dogs, no Irish, ESN classes,