Next Walks..
Sunday 27 July 11am & 2pm
(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
• “From Empire to Stephen Lawrence”
A review of the social history of Britain and the reason for, and background to, racism
• “What were Black People doing in World War 1?”
An explanation of the crucial role Africa, Asia and the Caribbean played in WW1
• “African Women Resistance 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
• “British Wealth =African Poverty”
An overview of the economic effects of British trade policies on Africa and the Caribbean
Most popular are the 25 minute “buffet” presentations, suitable for all levels, they offer a taste of black heroes, scientists, inventors, pioneers
and positive images in an interactive and fun manner.