Frustrated by the widespread and continuing exclusion of the black British community from the mainstream popular conception of ‘Britishness’, despite black people having lived in Britain for over a thousand years, I set up a public poll in which anyone could vote for the black Briton they most admired. Mary Seacole was voted the Greatest Black Briton of all time.
Over the last decade there has been an increasing demand for a follow-up campaign and list; and in the wake of the Brexit referendum and Windrush scandal, the 100 Great Black Britons campaign is more relevant than ever. So, we are now relaunching the 100 GBB campaign for 2019!
Once again, this campaign seeks to highlight the legacy and achievements of black people in Britain. Furthermore, during the last 16 years, academics and independent scholars have discovered new black British historical figures, and new role models and icons have emerged since the last campaign in 2004.
The new campaign provides an opportunity for reassessment and reflection on what makes a Great Black Briton and how we recognise unsung heroes who may not have the profile and the coverage that they deserve. Closing dates for nominations will be 1st December 2019. Results will be announced for Black History Month 2020 alongside the launch of the upcoming publication and board game.
I am please that my friends at Sugar Media and Marketing and Black History Month Magazine are supporting this important project
Anyone can visit www.100GreatBlackBritons.co.uk to make your nominations.
Patrick Vernon OBE Founder of 100 Great Black Britons