Anténor Firmin: Haitian anthropologist
Joseph Auguste Anténor Firmin (1850-1911), better known as Anténor Firmin, was a remarkable Haitian intellectual whose contributions to anthropology, journalism, and politics remain influential today. …
Features
Reclaiming Narratives: The theme of Black History Month 2024
Black History Month in the UK has always been a time for reflection, celebration, and education. Each October, communities across the country come together to honour the contributions of Black people, …
Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu: A trailblazer in sickle cell research and advocacy
Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu (born Elizabeth Mary Furlong)is a remarkable figure whose work has had a huge impact on the understanding and treatment of sickle cell disease. This genetic condition …
Afro-Caribbean religions: Voodoo, Santería, and Obeah
Afro-Caribbean religions, such as Voodoo, Santería, and Obeah, are complex spiritual practices that have evolved over centuries, deeply rooted in the history and cultures of Africa and the Caribbean. …
Mata Hari: The life and times of a legendary spy
Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, is one of history’s most enigmatic and controversial figures. Known primarily for her role as an exotic dancer and a World War I spy, her life was a …
Sandra Bland: A life and legacy in the fight for racial justice
On 13 July 2015, Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old African American woman, was found dead in her jail cell in Waller County, Texas. Her death, ruled a suicide by local authorities, came just three days …
The unstoppable Wilma Rudolph: A legacy of speed and resilience
Wilma Glodean Rudolph, an American sprinter born on 23 June 1940 in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, remains one of the most inspiring figures in athletics history. Her story is not just one of athletic …
Katherine Dunham: Dance, anthropology, and the rhythms of cultural revolution
Katherine Dunham was born on 22 June 1909 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Dunham was raised in a nurturing family environment. Her early life was marked by her mixed heritage; her father was of African and …
Remembering Grenfell
Seven years ago, on 14 June 2017, the Grenfell Tower fire in West London became one of the deadliest residential fires in modern UK history, claiming 72 lives. This catastrophic event left a profound …
The legendary Jesse Owens: Triumphing against all odds
In the records of sports history, few names shine as brightly as that of Jesse Owens. His story is not just one of athletic prowess but of profound human spirit triumphing against the odds. At the …
Lynn Ann Conway: A pioneering spirit in science and transgender advocacy
Lynn Ann Conway’s life story is a remarkable testament to the power of resilience, brilliance, and transformation. Born in 1938, Conway’s journey from a curious and bright young girl …
Skyward Bound: The remarkable journey of Bessie Coleman, pioneer aviator
Bessie Coleman was not just a pilot; she was a trailblazer who shattered the glass ceiling in aviation. Born into the harsh realities of early 20th-century America, she rose above racial and gender …