The Brixton Black Women’s Group (BBWG) was a groundbreaking organisation that was crucial in shaping the Black Power Movement in Britain during the 1960s and 1970s. At the forefront of this movement was Elizabeth Obi, a trailblazing activist who, along with her close collaborator Olive Morris, sought to address the unique struggles faced by Black women in the UK.
The origins of the Brixton Black Women’s Group
The British Black Panthers
The BBWG’s story begins with the British Black Panthers, an organisation founded in the late 1960s as the first independent chapter of the Black Panther Party outside the United States. Elizabeth Obi and Olive Morris were both members of this group in their teenage years, taking on leadership roles and campaigning against police brutality and inadequate housing for Black families in Brixton.
The formation of the BBWG
However, the misogynistic environment within the British Black Panthers and the lack of attention paid to female issues led Obi and Morris to leave the organisation in 1973. Determined to create a space for Black women to address their unique struggles, they founded the Brixton Black Women’s Group, the first organisation of its kind in Britain.
The mission and activities of the BBWG
Empowering Black women
The BBWG aimed to connect, educate, and empower local Black women in South London. As Elizabeth Obi once stated, “It is only by coming together and analysing our situation as black women in this society that we can make an effective contribution to the struggle.” The organisation sought to place the issues affecting Black women at the forefront of the Black Power Movement in Britain.
The ‘Speak Out’ periodical
To achieve their goals, the BBWG produced a periodical called ‘Speak Out,’ which served as a platform for Black women to share their experiences and thoughts on various socio-political issues. The publication played a key role in amplifying the voices of Black women and raising awareness about their struggles.
The Black Women’s Centre and Sabarr Bookshop
In addition to the periodical, the BBWG established the Black Women’s Centre, a space where Black women could come together, access resources, and participate in workshops and discussions. The group also founded the Sabarr Bookshop, which specialised in selling Black and women’s literature, further promoting education and empowerment within the community.
Elizabeth Obi: A Life of Activism
Early involvement in the Black Panther Movement
Elizabeth Obi’s activism began in 1972 when she joined the Black Panther Movement. Working closely with Olive Morris, Obi quickly became an integral part of the organisation, taking on leadership roles and participating in numerous community campaigns.
Remembering Olive Collective
Following Olive Morris’s untimely death in 1979, Elizabeth Obi founded the Remembering Olive Collective in her memory. This initiative aimed to create an oral history record of Olive Morris’s life and activism, preserving her legacy for future generations.
Continued community involvement
Elizabeth Obi remained active in community campaigns throughout her life, demonstrating her dedication to social justice and the empowerment of Black women. Her unwavering commitment to these causes has left an indelible mark on British history and the lives of countless individuals.
The impact of the Brixton Black Women’s Group
Redefining Black Power in Britain
The BBWG played a pivotal role in redefining the Black Power Movement in Britain by highlighting the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women. Through their activism, Elizabeth Obi and Olive Morris moulded the movement into one that spoke to local British women and men, fostering a more inclusive and effective struggle for social justice.
National networking of Black feminist groups
The BBWG’s influence extended beyond South London, as Olive Morris co-founded the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD), the first nationwide network of Black feminist groups. This organisation connected Black women from different regions, strengthening the overall movement and amplifying its impact.
Honouring the unsung heroes
While Elizabeth Obi and Olive Morris are two of the most well-known figures associated with the BBWG, it is essential to acknowledge the countless other Black women who contributed to the organisation’s success and the broader movement. Some notable individuals include:
- Altheia Jones-Lecointe: A Trinidad and Tobago native who was considered the leader of the Black British Panthers in the early 1970s.
- Beverley Bryan: An activist and author who was active in the Black British Panthers and helped establish the BBWG alongside Obi and Morris.
- Barbara Beese, Gail Lewis, Stella Dadzie, Hazel Carby, Jessica Huntley, Claudia Jones, Amy Ashwood Garvey, Amy Jacques Garvey, Una Marson, and Adelaide Casely-Hayford: All trailblazing Black women who, individually and collectively, shaped the Britain we live in today.
The Legacy of Elizabeth Obi and the BBWG
A lasting impact
The accomplishments of Elizabeth Obi and the Brixton Black Women’s Group continue to resonate today, as their work laid the groundwork for future generations of activists and Black feminist organisations. The BBWG’s efforts to empower and uplift Black women have left a lasting legacy in the UK and beyond.
Inspiring future activists
Elizabeth Obi and Olive Morris’s lives and work inspire those who continue to fight for social justice and equality. By remembering their achievements and carrying on their mission, we can honour their memory and ensure their legacy lives on.
The Brixton Black Women’s Group, led by Elizabeth Obi and Olive Morris, was a pioneering organisation that left an indelible mark on the Black Power Movement in Britain. Their dedication to empowering Black women and addressing their unique struggles has had a lasting impact on British society and serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism. As we continue to fight for social justice and equality, let us remember the trailblazers who paved the way and honour their legacy by carrying on their important work.
