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You are here: UK History > Britain's Black History > Notable Black people in history
Though largely ignored, Black and other people of colour have been making huge contributions to British heritage, history and culture since the Roman times. Here are some notable Black British individuals that have helped shape Britain.
Born in 1805 in Jamaica, Mary Seacole was a mixed race woman (her father was a white Scottish army officer and her mother was Black), who learned about healing and medicine from her mother, who taught her about traditional Jamaican healing methods. This led to a life long passion for nursing and medicine and in 1821, she embarked on travels to learn more about medicine. She attempted to become a nurse in the British army, so she could help soldiers wounded in the Crimean War but was refused. Undaunted, she founded her own trip to the Crimea and set up a ‘British Hotel’ where soldiers could recuperate and be nursed back to health. She also put herself in danger to help those on the battlefield.
Born in 1888, Walter Tull was born in Kent to a Barbadian father and a white English mother. His parents died young leading him to grow up in an orphanage, where he learned how to play football and was soon signed up by Clapham FC, Tottenham Hotspurs and Northampton Town, however after the outbreak of WWI, he gave up his football career to join the army. He was the first Black person to be trained as an officer and had a successful career but was killed at the age of 29 when leading an attack on the enemy trenches. He was recommended for the Military Cross but never received one.
Originating in Trinidad, Sir Trevor moved to London and joined the BBC World Service, initially as a producer before becoming a reporter for ITN in 1973 and then a presenter for news services. He was awarded an OBE and a knighthood for his services to broadcasting.
Born on a slave ship and transported to England as an orphan, he initially worked as a butler and his owner recognised his intelligence and creativity and supported him, allowing him to write plays, poetry and music. He eventually set up his own shop where creatives could meet and discuss. He also spoke out against the slave trade and would also become the first Black British voter.
As the writer of one of the first books about slavery, Equiano became a rich man and campaigned to abolish slavery.
Born in South London, Malorie Blackman started her career as a computer programmer but would go on to have success as a children’s author. Her first book was published in 1990 and as of 2013, she was the first Black Children’s Laureate.
As the first openly gay footballer in Britain, Fashanu has already made history, but he was also the first Black footballer to have a £1million transfer fee when he moved to Nottingham Forest in 1981.
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