Princess Sara Forbes-Bonetta-Davies
Sarah Forbes Bonetta was the princess, born into the Egbado royal family of south-western Nigeria, who became a favourite of Queen Victoria and a regular visitor to Windsor Castle.
Sarah was captured …
Black in Europe
New Cross Fire – 30 years on
This video details the “Remembering the New Cross Fire” Celebration gathering on the 14 January 2010, at the Albany Theatre in Deptford.
On Sunday 18 January 1981 a fire broke out in a …
Gold for Bolt, the Olympics, riot anniversary and Jamaica 50- what a weekend
This weekend has been one of anticipation. Team Jamaica were due to run in both the men’s and women’s 100m Olympic finals, the anniversary of the UK riots was on us and Jamaica …
Who was Sarah Baartman?
When 20-year-old Sarah (also spelt Sara) Baartman got on a boat that was to take her from Cape Town to London in 1810, she could not have known that she would never see her home again. Nor, as she …
Finally some justice for Stephen Lawrence
The internet is abuzz this afternoon with the news that Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, were found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey after a trial focused on forensic evidence held since 1993. …
Ministry of Justice releases riot convictions statistics
Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice show that of the many people arrested for involvement in the UK August riots only 13% were identified as gang members.
Even in London, where gang …
The history of lovers rock: A distinctive British reggae sub-genre
Lovers Rock, a unique sub-genre of reggae music, has made an indelible mark on the global music scene. Characterised by its romantic sound and content, Lovers Rock has not only influenced other …
The history of Ska music
Ska music is a unique and influential genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, laying the foundation for rocksteady and reggae music. With its catchy rhythms and upbeat melodies, Ska has …
UK riots – everyday life amplified
People have branded the recent UK riots and uprising as senseless violence. For me it has been a highlighted section of our normal life, just sped up and multiplied.
Violence, crimes and fear. Those …
Brixton Riots 1985
The 1985 Brixton riots, started on 28 September in Lambeth in South London. It was the second major riot that the area had witnessed in the space of four years, the last in 1981.
It was sparked by …
UK Riots of 1981
The 1981 UK riots were spurred by police handling into the investigation of the New Cross fire where 13 young black people lost their lives as well as serious social and economic problems affecting …
Rioting idiots
The UK riots have brought out the stupid in a lot of people.
People who would never normally steal things took the opportunity to grab some free stuff. I put that down to heat of the moment. …