38 minute read
HOW WILL SPORT RESPOND
On both sides of the Atlantic, Sport stepped up to vocalise the Black Lives Matter message. Now we wait to discover who was really listening
In years to come, how will we look back upon the UK’s Black History Month in 2020? Will the year itself be seen as era-defining, one that saw real change politically and socially? Or will it be seen as ‘a moment’ when hopes were raised, only for the status quo to continue, an opportunity missed?
Never before has Black History Month, observed here in October, arrived at a time when the issue of Race has been so prominent in the national discourse. In the US, the Police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May sparked worldwide protests and a debate, not just on police brutality, but also the systems and structures which lead to racial inequality in society. These discussions have taken place in politics, the workplace, in popular culture, and perhaps most prominently, in the world of Sport.
As the video went viral of Floyd pleading for his life - a police officer’s knee pressing on his neck - the world of sport led the way in expressing collective outrage. From Lewis Hamilton’s raised fist on the podium at the Styrian Grand Prix to Premier League footballers taking a knee, some of the most powerful and emotional images were made in the sports arena - and some of the most impassioned pleas too.
“All we want is for Black Lives to Matter now. It’s as simple as that.”
When Sky Sports commentator and former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding spoke these words ahead of the first Test match of the summer in Southampton, he summed up the very basic request being made across the globe. But even as he and England’s first Black female cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent told of their experiences of racism in a video viewed by millions on social media, there were responses that showed just why it was necessary to vocalise something that seems so obvious. Twitter was awash with questions from viewers wondering why they were being preached to. One memorable tweet summed it up: “Is this a sports channel or a political channel?”
In a move instigated by a disapproving Burnley fan, a plane with a banner reading ‘All Lives Matter’ was flown over the Etihad Stadium when Burnley played at Manchester City during Project Restart. A reminder of why we kneel, why we protest, why we need to keep saying ‘Black Lives Matter’.
But in the main, the response in the sporting industry was positive. In the USA, the National Football League (NFL), previously so opposed to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s initial protests against injustice back in 2016, now admitted it had got it wrong and vowed to do better, including pledging $250 million over 10 years to causes combating systemic racism. In Basketball, both the men’s and women’s game were at the forefront; the sport’s biggest star LeBron James one of the most prominent voices demanding action. Major League Soccer staged a powerful, united demonstration, a mix of players taking the knee and raising the gloved fist in a throwback to Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s iconic protest at the 1968 Olympics.
Over here in the Premier League, not only did the players kneel, they did so with the public backing of their teams and their governing body, with ‘Black Lives Matter’ on their shirts. Rugby Union launched its first-ever dedicated anti-racism campaign. And more important than the gestures, welcome as they are, a whole host of voices felt empowered to speak out and express themselves - not just as black sportsmen and women, but more simply as Black PEOPLE.
England Rugby player Maro Itoje, after attending a Black Lives Matter protest, spoke of his desire to educate people and change perceptions, and called on politicians not to ignore the calls for change. Footballer Raheem Sterling said: “It’s been going on for hundreds of years and people are tired, and people are ready for change”. ROGER CLARKE SKY SPORTS NEWS REPORTER
LEWIS HAMILTON MARO ITOJE LEBRON JAMES
Equally important is the fact that white people began to ponder their role. When the ‘All Lives Matter’ banner was flown over the Etihad, Burnley captain Ben Mee was quick to condemn. “These people need to come into the 21st century and educate themselves,” he said.
And education became a watch word.
“I’m trying my best to learn and understand about the Black Lives Matter movement and systemic racism, and sport is not free from that,” said Sir Andy Murray, after he and fellow tennis players took a knee ahead of the Battle of the Brits at Roehampton. Ben Stokes, captaining England against the West Indies, also acknowledged he had a part to play.
“We have a great chance to send a powerful message and educate people more on the matter,” he said.
Such an encouraging reaction. So why do I ask the question, of how will Black History Months of the future view 2020? It’s because what comes next is key. As British 100m sprint champion Imani-Lara Lansiquot asked in an emotional social media post, what happens “when the hashtags and blackouts have fizzled out?”
Already there are concerns in some quarters that, as we’ve seen before, the good intentions fall away after the initial show of solidarity. The words ‘Black Lives Matter’ that replaced player names on Premier League shirts following the Covid-19 enforced break soon became patches on the sleeve. Those patches have now been replaced with one that reads “No Room for Racism”, the Premier League’s own anti-discrimination campaign.
Elsewhere, the England and Wales Cricket Board drew criticism from Holding when it was decided both sets of players would not kneel ahead of the One Day Internationals against Australia as they had done in earlier matches against West Indies, and Ireland.
Meanwhile in the States, as another video emerged of a black man, Jacob Blake, being shot seven times in the back by a police officer, so it became clear that all the protests, the kneeling, the raised fists in solidarity could only go so far in terms of changing attitudes and behaviours.
The sound of booing from the crowd as the players of the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans linked arms in a show of unity as they kicked off the new season showed just how much education is still needed. Kaepernick, instigator of those initial protests four years ago, cast doubt over the NFL’s commitment to change, accusing them of “propaganda about how they care about black life”.
So now it’s up to sport to deliver, to show the slogans and campaigns aren’t just propaganda. Will this be the catalyst that means we see the numbers of Black players on the football pitch reflected in management and in the boardroom? Will we see greater diversity in the F1 pit lane? Will, after Rainford-Brent tearfully told of her years in the game, Black cricketers feel confident they can walk into a dressing room without feeling isolated and bothered?
That will be the measure by which we judge the impact of 2020. Change won’t come with a few months of visible protest. Hamilton meant just that when he said: “for me this is going to be a lifelong thing.”
At Sky Sports we strive to do more, to say more. We are against racism and racial injustice in all forms www.skysports.com/blacklivesmatter
Black History Month Magazine would like to thank Dev Trehan - a true hidden figure at Sky Sports News, who we have known for around three years now. He facilitated the articles by Shaun Gayle and Roger Clarke and gave up so much of his own time to deliver this content for our readers.
“MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU”
An interview with Dr Leroy Logan MBE by Rob Neil OBE
I first met Leroy back in 1995 when, together with our respective spouses, we bumped into each other during a baptismal service at a church in central London. Encouraged by our mutual love of film, jazz, and football [even if Leroy is an avid fan of Arsenal, whist my loyalties rest in West London with QPR] our spirits have remained married ever since.
Leroy Logan was born in the late 1950’s to Jamaican parents. The family settled in North London and Leroy attended Ashmount Primary School in Highgate and Highbury Grove. Leroy went on to study Applied Biology at the University of East London [UEL]. After an initial job in medical research at the Royal Free Hospital, Leroy determined to persue a career in the Police Force. After a conducting a wide range of operational and strategic roles including Deputy Borough Commander in Hackney and Policing at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2000 Leroy was awarded an MBE for his work in advancing policing. Leroy retired from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) as a Superintendent in 2013 after a 30-year career.
Leroy was a founder member and former Chair of both the Metropolitan and the National Black Police Association (BPA), which saw him give evidence at the Macpherson Inquiry as a member of the Stephen Lawrence Steering Group.
As Leroy settles into his grand chair, I assure him that my questions will not be anywhere near as tough as some of the interrogation he had to mete out during his three decades as an officer.
Rob Neil [RN]: What was your dream job growing up? Leroy Logan [LL]: Scientist. After my degree, I worked in medicine at the Royal Free and developed a desire to be at the cutting edge of research through pioneering clinical trials which would serve public health.
RN: Which living person do you most admire? LL: Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkins who became the first Black female bishop in 2019 and continues to dedicate her working life to community cohesion. Rose and I worked together in Hackney when I was the Deputy Borough Commander and she was a prominent faith leader.
RN: What superpower would you like to have? LL: Spiritual x-ray vision aka discernment. I would like to be able to look into people’s hearts and sort the wheat from the chaff, like a form of Ethical Leadership.
RN: Who is your dream dinner party guest? LL: The Obama’s, so long as they picked up the bill.
RN: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
LL: My busy-ness. Especially that which emanates from my weapon of mass distraction…., the mobile phone. I use mine for, reading, entertaining, socializing, etc etc. It really is taking over my life.
RN: What is the trait you most deplore in others? LL: Disrespect. Ultimately, we have more in common than we are unalike.
RN: What’s your most embarrassing moment? LL: I can remember at the age of 13 after admiring a girl from afar for a few weeks before plucking up enough courage to approach her, only to be dissed on the spot. Since entering the workplace and after spending 30 years in the Met Police, it teaches you not to feel embarrassment, it is considered a weakness on the job.
RN: What is your greatest extravagance? LL: Since stepping into the Lockdown I have purchased a Brompton [folding] bike. With a new and real flexibility in my mode of transportation – which helps maintain my fitness levels – I know move about London in what feels like a quintessentially English way.
RN: What objects do you always carry with you? LL: Yep, that weapon of mass distraction [as above] which also offers my access to my; bible, books, and bargains.
RN: What is your favourite word/phrase? LL: ‘Your worst nightmare could be your breakthrough’ – which happens be the first line of my book ‘Closing Ranks’, published last month.
RN: What do you consider the most overrated virtue? LL: Feigning acceptance. Specifically, pretending to like others and or welcome difference.
RN: What single thing would improve the quality of your life? LL : Whilst busy-ness has its place, as a Grandfather and ageing husband I would like to be less busy and free from standby mode, so that I could spend more time with my wife and ever expanding family. RN: What are you reading/listening to at the moment? LL: My book ‘Closing Ranks’. I am proofreading a final manuscript and by the time this interview hits the page, my biography will have been published.
RN: What is your favourite movie? LL: The Matrix. The parallels with the Holy Bible, specifically Romans 12: 2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD.‘
RN: Can you list five songs/tracks you listen to regularly? LL: Police and Thieves by Junior Mervin, Redemption Song by Bob Marley, Any Love by Kirk Whalum. A current favourite is an old classic, Could Heaven ever be like this by Idris Muhammad.
RN: How would you like to be remembered? LL: The guy who tried to make a positive difference.
RN: What is the most important lesson life has taught you? LL: Change is constant, and you cannot sit in one mind set or approach. Renewal, adaptation, and diversity of approach in what is an ever-changing world are key.
CLOSING RANKS: MY LIFE AS A COP
In his new book, Closing Ranks, Leroy recounts his time in the force and the overt racism and hostility he faced even as he ascended the ranks. A labour of love which has been 10 years in the making, Leroy honestly shares his story of faith and duty. This strong sense of faith ensured he followed his heart to pursue justice for all in his illustrious career. Leroy is a committed advocate for good relationships between the police and Britain’s minority ethnic communities. This selfless work includes being a mentor to young people and an advisor on knife crime.
CLOSING RANKS: MY LIFE AS A COP was published on 17 September by SPCK Publishing and is available on Amazon and Waterstones bookshops.
My personal reflection on the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement during Lockdown BY IJE AMAECHI 2020
“Race doesn’t really exist for you because it has never been a barrier. Black folks don’t have that choice.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah
When I think back to the strange world of Lockdown we all suddenly found ourselves in, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is at the forefront of my mind. It is like the world was forced to quieten down and Black people could finally have their voices heard.
People all over the internet were having discussions - actual conversations about what we had all seen. It felt like so many White people had suddenly opened their eyes. They could no longer be blind to police brutality in the USA and were prompted to question how racism affects people in the UK too, with some only just realising that the UK is not as tolerant as they once thought.
Growing up as a mixed-race girl, I always questioned what it meant to be mixed-race, always asking myself questions like ‘how do I fit in?’, ‘how do people see me?’ and ‘how do I see myself?”. I remember asking my mum (who is White English) why I could not call myself White, but I could be Black. My child self could not comprehend why I could not be in the middle or be both.
As you grow up in a society like ours, you very quickly learn that you cannot be both. You cannot be White, especially with 4a textured Afro hair standing out in a room full of mostly White children, and you often feel like you do not fit into being “Black” either.
The BLM protests being broadcast on mainstream news channels encouraged White people to start talking about race and privilege. This gave me hope and a newfound courage to speak up when I felt uncomfortable, or to at least gather my thoughts and let people know afterwards. I attended two BLM protests, one in London and one in Watford, and found the experience incredibly powerful. Seeing such a diverse mix of people at both felt like a change for good. White people were starting to see racism as a problem for them to fix, an issue that affects everyone.
But how do we go from feeling comfortable having these conversations with our Black friends and allies, to feeling strong enough to be able to say “no, you can’t touch my hair” to an ignorant or racist non-Black person? How do we ask our bosses “when are we going to talk about underrepresentation in our organisation?” How do we gain a sense of self whilst always being othered? How do we muster up the energy to have that conversation at a New Year’s Eve party when someone says “is that your real hair? I just want to scrunch it!” or when someone asks you, the only Black person at the party, if you’re “doing the catering” (real ‘Get Out’ moment!). Whose responsibility is it if there are no allies around? These are just a few of the questions I have been asking myself during Lockdown.
Instagram infographics were flashing up every time I unlocked my phone, stuff we had all been saying for years, finally in the mainstream, finally being read by real life White people! Real life White people who I had heard be racist before, in real life! Those same people sharing catchy slogans about race, sharing a heartfelt Black square on their timeline! I felt like I was in a pot, being stirred around in a sticky mixture of anger, exhaustion, sadness but also hope and motivation.
Do not get me wrong, I think it is great that individuals are looking inwards, and workplaces are starting to question their equality, diversity, and representation, and acknowledging that they can be more inclusive. But how many companies are taking the next steps? Who is not only looking at their management teams, but actively changing them and the way they work? Who has set up regular meetings to tackle these issues head-on?
For the few who care enough to actively make steps towards being anti-racist and
creating an anti-racist environment in their workplace, this will be a long journey and mistakes will be made. However, it is better to start driving on a long road than to say, “we should take a road trip one day”. For us as Black people, this is not a fun campaign that we can opt in or out of, these are our lives. Our brothers, sisters, ancestors, and descendants’ lives. Many of us do not feel we have the choice to sit back - and if we do sit back, we are still affected in ways which are difficult to even begin to explain.
I have been making a conscious effort to not just internally scream and murmur “here we go again” at the microaggressions I experience and the things that are said carelessly by non-Black people. It is really hard and sometimes you are left shocked and speechless, especially being a young woman, when people already belittle you or seem unable to take you seriously. Despite this, I have found that stepping away from the situation, then going back to that person and saying what I actually feel in a nonconfrontational way has helped and resulted in some awkward but rewarding conversations.
The first time I did that, my heart was racing, and my hands were shaking. I was on a Zoom call with five White people, but I knew I had to say something, because if I did not, nothing would have changed. White people who are not used to talking about race may not know how to approach certain topics or may even be worried about calling someone Black. As draining as it is for us Black folk, the fact that they have actually begun thinking, even for a brief moment, about the role they play in society, their privilege and how this manifests in their lives and inhibits Black people, is a step in the right direction. The more we all have these conversations, the more they will have to think, because if they say or do something that is not right, it will be questioned. Silence no longer feels like an option. We cannot let comments “just slide” because people are too old or too this or that and I am tired of hearing excuses and justifications for people contributing to the racism that many Black people experience every day in the UK.
We all need to stop prioritising someone’s momentary discomfort over Black people’s lifelong, generations-long oppression. Allies need to start doing the work in everyday life, relaying what those beautiful Instagram infographics tell them and challenging peoples’ prejudices. It is time to find the courage to speak up when you experience or witness racism, regardless of whether there are no other Black people around. We need to show our circles and beyond that these conversations are here to stay. Harmful jokes, tick-boxing and tokenism will not be accepted - enough is actually enough.
If, as a White person, you have read this article and thought to yourself, ‘White was mentioned a few too many times and made me feel uncomfortable, separate and different’, imagine how Black people feel all the time.
Ije Amaechi is a 24-year-old singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Watford with Nigerian and English heritage. She studied Music and Development Studies at SOAS, University of London and released her first two singles, ‘Loved and Lost’ and ‘Breathe’ earlier this year, out on all major platforms.
Pioneering photography on display in Ipswich for Black History Month
Ground-breaking portrait photography by John Ferguson, one of Britain’s most talented Black photographers and the acclaimed national press and documentary photographer, will be hosted outdoors in central Ipswich from Saturday 3 October to Sunday 1 November. The images, from John’s acclaimed Black Britannia collection, focus on African people, and those of African descent, who have achieved success in contemporary Britain.
BILLY OCEAN MS DYNAMITE JOAN ARMATRADING
JOHN FERGUSON
The exhibition is free to attend and located in Cornhill, Ipswich, from Saturday 3 October to Sunday 1 November.
The collection of stunning images first went on show in central London in 2007 in an exhibition opened by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This October, Ipswich is pleased to host a selection of images from the collection in an outdoor exhibition on the Cornhill.
The exhibition has been funded and supported by a local event and engagement partnership between Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich Central and the New Anglia LEP.
John, an Ipswich resident and Fleet Street’s first Black staff photographer, says: “Like many Black people throughout history, the people in the photographs have overcome racism and discrimination, and the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This exhibition pays homage to their resilience and inspirational qualities and celebrates their incredible achievements.”
Black Britannia features striking photographic portraits of 55 inspirational Black Britons, who personally inspired John or have made great strides in public life. Of the 55 Black Britons, some well-known faces such as Sir Trevor McDonald, Sir Lenny Henry, Naomi Campbell, Paul Ince, Lewis Hamilton, and others from various occupations such as head teachers to showbusiness, boxers to lawyers - people from all walks of life.
For Black History Month 2020, John has selected some of his favourite portraits to be shown in front of Ipswich Town Hall throughout October. The exhibition aims to highlight the accomplishments of these individuals, by promoting a positive image of Black Britons and a message to today’s Black young people through these aesthetically arresting and high-quality portraits.
John explains: “The aim being, first, to inspire younger Black people to broaden their horizons by providing non-stereotypical role models, and second, to show Ipswich at large, the incredible achievements of individuals away from the all too frequent stereotyping of black people.
“I believe that all too often the Black community is portrayed in a negative light. I want to challenge this preconception by raising people’s consciousness and awareness to the fantastic contributions made to Black Britons not only to UK culture but also to the economy at large.
“I love that this venue is accessible and free to everyone, an important consideration given that part of the target audience I’d hope to attract would be disengaged youth.
“Ipswich is a multicultural town, and through diversity comes strength and cohesion - consciously and subconsciously. This exhibition is a chance for younger people to become inspired by the portraits and stories of these Black men and women.”
Cllr Sarah Barber, Portfolio Holder for the town centre, said: “Ipswich Borough Council is delighted to host this ground-breaking exhibition of portrait photographs by John Ferguson, one of Britain’s most talented Black photographers.
“It pays homage to the resilience and accomplishments of Black people who have achieved success in contemporary Britain and gives young people in Ipswich an opportunity to be inspired by people that they can relate and connect to.”
BALLET DANCER- SHEVELLE DYNOTT
THE UNFORGETTABLE WWII HERO FROM UGANDA, EAST AFRICA
WWII Veteran: SargeantNikanori Oming
By Faith Ruto (MBA, BSc)
My beloved Grandfather Nikanori Oming, was one of the fifteen children born to Bua Aryec and Atim Alito on 02.09.1920 in Abok village, Ngai, in Northern Uganda. Most of his siblings died as infants, so only two of them survived, him and his sister Apio. The cause of infant deaths occurred due to the lack of immunisation. Bua Aryec hailed from the Arak Opelo, a very successive warrior clan. Bua was highly respected as the rainmaker, a priestly role among the Lango tribe.
Nikanori Oming studied up to Primary Four at Aculbanya Primary School in Aboke. He could not continue with education since his father could not afford to pay the school fees. Thereafter, he went to teach at Ototong sub-grade school in Ngai. At that time, a beautiful young girl, named Consy Achola had fled her home, in fear of pressure exerted on her for an arranged marriage. She was staying with her Uncle, Lacito Obwor of Ajejeri homestead in Ototong village, Ngai. It was there that they met. Because the dowry (bride price) asked from him was 25 cattle, 15 goats, and other assorted items; Oming could not afford it. He was so in love with his young girlfriend that he begged her and his future father-in-law to wait for his return from the army.
In June 1941, Oming joined the British Army recruits at Lira, North Uganda. They were transported south to Magamaga Barracks in Jinja for a short training. From there, they were transferred to Gilgil Barracks in Kenya for an intensive training. Once these exercises were complete, he was registered in the 11th African East Division.
Malaria was, and still is, a human threat as a killer disease. The British authorities felt that African soldiers would be well suited
to jungle warfare and that they were less susceptible to malaria. So, in June 1943, they were taken to Ceylon Island, India for further training. Thereafter in June 1944, they were taken to Burma to fight with the Fourteenth Army during the Burma Campaign.
My grandfather recalled an incident when the scouts identified a hill for them to camp. They were unaware the Japanese soldiers had identified the same hill and had camped up there before them. The Japanese spotted them as they advanced towards the hill. As they were climbing up the hill, the Japanese army had laid an ambush and launched a surprise attack on them. He spoke emotionally about his escape; how he rolled down the valley, losing his gun in the process. He got lost in the forest for one week, feeding on berries and using a combat knife to cut his way through the thicket. The battle intensified in the horrendous terrain of the notorious Kabaw Valley. His team artillery bombed the Japanese camp so hard that they smelt of smoke. They pursued the Japanese retreating from Imphal down the Kabaw Valley, where the Japanese suffered heavy casualties.
In 1945, Sgt. Oming returned to Uganda, he came back with medals and plenty of money to marry his beautiful bride. I am proud that my grandfather was such a remarkable man. He was a loyal, caring and a loving husband and father. Oming and Consy were happily married for over 50 years. They had 10 children, two live in the UK. My mother Rosette Oming is a Senior Diagnostic Radiographer at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. My aunt Anne Ekinu is a Diabetic Specialist Nurse at Lewishham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Sgt. Oming and Consy had 34 grandchildren, including 62 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. My grandfather was ordained as a Church of England Reverend and he served the Lord until his peaceful death in 1990. My fondest memory of my grandfather was sitting beside him in the evenings and listening to BBC News with the then radio presenter George Alagiah.
My self-help book “Transform Within – 7 Strategies for Professional Growth and Resilience” is dedicated to my beloved Grandmother, Consy Oming, who was the Matriarch of our family. She inspired both my mum and aunt to go into healthcare profession, who have worked in The NHS for 60 years combined. She was also a fierce woman, yet very caring and kind. Although, Consy had no formal education, she was a treasurer for the Mothers Union and community midwife. In May 2008, with her family beside her, our Mama peacefully passed away at the age of 83 years old. The family have built a memorial school for Sgt, Reverend Nikanori and Consy Oming in Ngai, Uganda.
The pandemic crisis has had a terrible impact on my families in Uganda. Many are without work, students are at home, and the memorial school in our grandfather’s name is closed and in need of funds. To honour our grandparents and to keep their story alive, we have set up a crowdfunding page on JustGiving.
Our entire family is grateful to Black History Month magazine for giving us this platform to share our grandparent’s story. “We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants”. I am grateful to my Uncle, Canon. Reverend. Dr. Johnson Ebong Oming, who helped me to tell this story. We would like to leave you all with this inspirational phrase and wish you a peaceful and blessed Black History Month for 2020.
FAR LEFT: The East African Division Sign MAIN: African Troops in Burma
Unknown, African Proverbs.
Pioneering train guard gains recognition for his contribution towards achieving equality in employment law in 1966.
Not many will have heard the name Asquith Xavier, nor will they be aware of how the brave family man who faced racial discrimination in the workplace managed to beat the “colour bar”.
Just a little over five short decades ago, Asquith Xavier, applied for a promotion that would see him move from Marylebone to Euston Station in 1966. But astonishingly, at the time there was an informal ban on Black workers holding railway jobs where they met the public, and he was turned down.
Asquith Camile Xavier was born on July 18, 1920, on the island of Dominica in the West Indies, then a British colony. Like many of the Windrush generation, he answered the British government’s call for those in the Caribbean to move to Britain to help rebuild the weakened economy following WWII. There were severe labour shortages, so Commonwealth citizens were invited to travel over to Britain. Asquith boarded the TN. Ascania in his capital city of Roseau and docked in Southampton on April 16, 1958.
Settling in Paddington, West London, he gained employment with British Rail as a porter before progressing to guard at Marylebone depot. In 1966, when the freight link
OMITTED FROM HISTORY: ASQUITH XAVIER
By Camealia Xavier-Chihota
at Marylebone depot was closed, he applied for a transfer to London Euston station. Asquith was told that he was denied the job due to an unofficial “colour bar” which operated at the station, excluding Black people from working in customer-facing roles. Dissatisfied with this decision, Asquith campaigned to end the racial discrimination practiced by British Rail. The first Race Relations Act was passed in 1965 making it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic or national origins in public places. But the railways were not considered public and somehow Asquith’s story gained traction. With the support of Jimmy Pendergast (NUR Branch Secretary) and Barbra Castle (Secretary of State for Transport), Asquith’s hard-fought battle meant that, on August 15, 1966, he became the first non-white guard to be employed at Euston Station. Asquith refused to accept discrimination and his quiet determination not only ended in him securing the job, but his pay was backdated to when he had first applied for the position. Subsequently, the Commission for Racial Equality was created. His campaign also led to the strengthening of the Race Relations Act (1968) which made it illegal to refuse housing, employment or public services to people because of their
ethnic background.
On the day Asquith started at Euston, station manager Ernest Drinnan said: “We expect Mr Xavier to fit in very well here… His record at Marylebone was exceptionally good and we know everyone here will take to him.”
Sadly, this wasn’t quite the case and his victory came at a cost. He received race hate from the public and threats to his life, so required Police protection on his way to and from work.
Presenting the Bill to Parliament, then Home Secretary Jim Callaghan said: “The House has rarely faced an issue of greater social significance for our country and our children.”
In 1972, Asquith and his family moved from London to Chatham, Kent, where he commuted daily by train to work at Euston, but not long after his health began to fail and in 1980, he passed away.
Speaking about my grandfather, Asquith Xavier, and his advancements in gaining equal opportunities for the non-white community in the workplace, fills me with an overwhelming sense of pride. His dignity, strength of character and tenacity in the face of adversity makes me feel honoured to carry the Xavier name. His contribution to our society has undoubtedly shaped the way we live today and should be celebrated and never forgotten. His legacy has made a lasting impression on me and taught me that with matters of discrimination, the pen can be mightier than the sword.
My grandfather’s approach to racial injustice managed to bring about a change in employment legislation of the time. This was not only a significant step in the right direction towards equal opportunities for the Windrush generation, who faced overt racism and prejudice daily, but also paved the way for future generations. For this I am truly grateful.
Unfortunately, recent actions have shown that in Britain, racism did not end back in the 60’s with the passing of these laws. Sadly, it is all too often the case that your ethnicity can determine your destiny. This is evident with the backlash received by the three words “Black Lives Matter”.
Like many, I have been both inspired and concerned by the recent global Black Lives Matter movement, which has drawn attention to Britain’s past and present record on racial injustice. This coinciding with my grandfather’s centenary has helped shed light on his achievements within British race relations. But it is bittersweet for our family. Not only because he sadly passed away aged just 59, but also because this milestone comes at a time where, despite his efforts and despite the Race Relations Act, it is evident that we are not yet living in an anti-racist society. Black and mixed-race people are still under-represented, and their achievements largely omitted from the national curriculum, where it would be well-placed to improve unconscious bias and racial discrimination in the next generation.
During Black History Month 2016, Network Rail revealed a plaque in honour of my grandfather at Euston Station. Four years on, in the year we would have celebrated his 100th birthday, a brass mural detailing how Asquith Xavier overcame racial injustice in the campaign for equality in Britain, has been unveiled in Chatham, Kent. This local appreciation acknowledges his legacy as part of modern-day history, which will hopefully lead to nationally recognition of our unsung hero. Chatham was the place he travelled from and to daily, in the town he called home and where he was laid to rest, so it was significant to have a have record of his legacy locally. The production of this plaque was supported by Chatham’s Labour Councillors Sijuwade Adeoye and Vince Maple. I was truly humbled that Network Rail, Southeastern Railway and RMT came together to pay a special commendation to Asquith Xavier, in honour of his contribution to our multicultural society. It is a place where we can bring our children to be educated about his pioneering ways and for the general public to learn of an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary things by standing up against systemic racism. I hope that his bravery will help to inspire others to also stand up for what they believe in and what is right.
I am deeply upset as I never got to meet my granddad, but I am also hugely proud and feel a sense of duty to take the baton and advance the work he started to eliminate racial inequality, disadvantage and discrimination. I have addressed my local MP, the Minister of State at the Department for Education, and written to Boris Johnson to ask him to make learning about Black historical figures compulsory in schools. I don’t think there should be just one month dedicated to it, it needs to be integrated as part of the national curriculum. The national curriculum needs to be brought up to speed to include the positive achievements of Black, mixed-race and people of other ethnicities which are very relevant in both local and British history.
I hope that by the time my children (Gabrielle, 3-and-a-half years & Ella, 2 years) reach school-age, their mainstream education will include learning about Black people who made a positive impact on British culture such as Ignatius Sancho, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Mary Seacole and Asquith Xavier. These people helped shape this country and teaching of their accomplishments may help address issues of prejudice and bias, assisting cohesion within the multi-cultural Britain we live in today.
What my grandfather was able to justify over 50 years ago, was not just that Black Lives Matter but that the quality of life of black people matters equally.
Camealia Xavier-Chihota is a grand-daughter of Asquith Xavier
TheZONG
Project
BY REVEREND ALTON BELL
Chair of The Movement for Justice and Reconciliation
The Movement for Justice and Reconciliation was established in 2015 to highlight and address the legacy of the colonial enslavement of Africans in the Caribbean and the resulting industrial exploitation which ensued from that. To do this, we have gathered a varied team of researchers, historians, theologians, archivists, and community organisers to get our message out to the public. The current Coronavirus pandemic and the graphic racial injustices witnessed in America have exposed a deep, divisive malaise in the fabric of Western societies, whose foundational institutions have their roots in the 15th century. It was then that various Popes of Western Europe sanctioned the enslavement of Africans. In 1442 Pope Eugenius IV issued a papal decree or bull – Illius Qui, which approved of Prince Henry’s slave trading expeditions to Africa and then gave Portugal sole rights over all its discoveries. His successor Pope Nicholas V issued another bull, Romanus Pontifex in January 1454 which gave formal support to Portugal’s monopoly of trading in Africa. This included Africans, as well as the instruction to convert them to the Christian faith. This bull was read out in the Cathedral of Lisbon in both Latin and Portuguese. And, as one historian pointed out, it helped to establish the familiar Portuguese pattern of ‘making money’, ‘saving’ Africans from ‘barbarism’, and the excitement of voyages down the Guinea coast and raiding expeditions up the rivers. (Thomas, Hugh. The Slave Trade: The story of the Atlantic Slave Trade: 1440-1870. Touchstone books, 1997. Page 65).
This created a platform for White supremacy and the subsequent colonisation of the African and American continents by European nations. During colonisation, these European powers led by the Portuguese and the Spanish, created a system that categorised people. It was a hierarchy based upon the proportion of European blood they possessed and the hue of their complexion; a “pigmentocracy”, where lighter-skinned people enjoyed higher social status. After centuries of implementation, this white hegemony is embedded in the psyche, philosophy, and institutional structures ‘AN ABHORRENT INCIDENT ABOARD THE ZONG SLAVE SHIP PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN RAISING THE AWARENESS OF THE PUBLIC TO THE FACT THAT BLACK PEOPLE WERE, IN FACT, HUMAN BEINGS AND NOT CHATTEL.’
of many societies in Western Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Consequently, innumerable metrics demonstrate that Black and brown people in these societies are often marginalised, denigrated, dominated, and treated detrimentally.
A major part of the mission and mandate of the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation is to increase the consciousness of those still steeped in white hegemonic views by highlighting their origins. Our aim is to create a climate that fosters reconciliation by revealing the histories behind many of the divisions that are still evident in societies as a direct result of slavery and colonisation and provide tangible mechanisms to heal them.
As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve these aims, we have carried out research and delivered programmes since our inception. One of our projects is The Zong replica slave ship project.
We particularly want to draw this to the attention of the Black community, since an abhorrent incident aboard The Zong slave ship played a pivotal role in raising the awareness of the public to the fact that Black people were, in fact, human beings and not chattel.
During an Atlantic crossing in 1781, 132 people captured in Africa were thrown overboard from The Zong, drowning them, and claiming insurance money for them as loss of goods. The crew responsible for this misdeed were tried in 1783, although the case was heard as an insurance dispute, rather than a murder trial. Still, this seminal case changed public opinion about the transatlantic slave trade and highlighted the horrific experiences of African people at the hands of their captors.
The Zong case galvanised the abolitionists, whose efforts eventually brought about the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which abolished the transportation of slaves from Africa on British ships. The abolition of slavery itself would take another 31 years, as many parliamentarians, businessmen and clergymen had huge investment in the Caribbean Plantations and owned significant amounts of African Slaves.
The Movement for Justice and Reconciliation has the opportunity to purchase a ship which will be renamed The Zong. We intend to use this as a floating museum to educate people to the fact that racism is a legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and that white privilege and hegemony must cease.
The horrific events aboard the original Zong were used in the fight to abolish the slave trade and eventually slavery itself. Our intention is to use the replica slave ship to educate people that Black Lives Matter. The legal, political, and religious institutions of the past – whose mandates resulted in colourism, classism and racism which still exist today – must reconcile their role in the systemic inequity and work towards eliminating it.
A large majority of the descendants of the enslaved still suffer from Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome, which is expressed in myriad ways. (see www.mjr-uk.com/ resources.html for articles relating to the Post-traumatic Slave Syndrome).
To address these maladies, we need to repair the damages of centuries of injustice. Only when this happens, can we repeat the line form the old negro spiritual, “free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, I’m free at last.”
The MJR would welcome donations by visiting their website www.mjr-uk.com.
