Eleanor Marx – socialist campaigner
Lewisham’s famous women: Eleanor Marx (1855 – 1898)
Although commonly remembered as the daughter of Karl Marx, Eleanor Marx achieved a great deal in her own right as a feminist, a socialist, a …
Features: Highlighting voices that deserve the spotlight
This is where stories come alive. Our Features hub highlights the trailblazers, changemakers, unsung heroes, and villains who have left their mark on history, culture, and the community. From global icons to local legends, we showcase individuals whose lives changed history, inspire, challenge, and uplift.
Each profile is more than a biography — it's a celebration of resilience, creativity, and impact. Whether you're discovering a revolutionary thinker, a cultural pioneer, or someone quietly changing the world, these stories remind us that greatness comes in many forms — and every voice matters.
Marie Lloyd – music hall star
Lewisham’s famous women: Marie Lloyd (1870-1922)
Marie Lloyd is considered to be the greatest and most popular of the music hall artists. She lived for several years in Lewisham between 1887 …
Enoch Powell and the “Rivers of Blood” speech: A catalyst for racism in Britain
Enoch Powell was a prominent British politician who served in various capacities from the 1950s to the 1970s. He is, however, best remembered for his infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech …
The importance of gatekeeping in protecting Black culture
Gatekeeping is a term used to define the practice of controlling, regulating, or limiting access and admission to something. In the context of cultural preservation, gatekeeping can become a …
Understanding the fine line: Cultural appropriation vs cultural appreciation
Katy Perry recently apologised and acknowledged that she “did it wrong” regarding two separate performances where she was accused of cultural appropriation. Performing at the American …
Darcus Howe: The radical voice of Black Britain
Darcus Howe, a Trinidad-born activist, writer, and broadcaster, played a significant role in the fight for racial equality in Britain. With his roots in the Black Power movement, Howe used his …
Inspirational women: NASAs human computers
The woman who inspired me most outside of my family has to be my primary school teacher. Through her, I learned to love history and poetry and went on to discover more phenomenal women such as …
Richard the Lionheart
Richard the Lionheart, also known as Richard I of England, was a central figure of the Third Crusade and one of the most famous warriors of his time. Born on 8 September 1157, Richard was the third of …
Tracing my roots
History has been one of my favourite subjects since Primary school so it’s not surprising that my family history is important to me. Black History Month is a good opportunity to think about our …
Mansa Musa I of Mali – The richest person in history
Mansa Musa was the first African Muslim king to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. He was also the richest person in history, with a £321 ($400) billion fortune—much richer than Bill Gates, the …
Walter Tull: First British-born black army officer
Walter Tull was one of Britain’s first black footballers and a First World War hero.
Walter Tull was born in Folkestone, Kent on 28 April 1888. His father, Daniel Tull, the son of a slave, had …
The Tragedy at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church: How Dylann Roof infiltrated a historic congregation
On 17 June 2015, a young man named Dylann Roof walked into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Known as Mother Emanuel, this historic church has been a pillar …