If you stopped random people on the street in the UK and asked them to name Black Britons who have contributed to British society, most would struggle to identify even a few. Recent national surveys reveal:
💡 Around 53–52% of Britons cannot name a single Black British historical figure. This means over half the adult population draws a blank when asked for such names.
💡 Only about 7% believe they could name more than four Black British figures.
💡 About 75% report knowing “very little” or “nothing at all” about Black British history, despite many claiming some general knowledge of British history.
💡 The public has greater awareness of Black American history than the contributions of Black Britons within their own national story.
Why does a biscuit bakery write about Black History Month?
Well, because one of the co-founders is of black heritage. Because when you have a platform, it is important that you use it.
When we celebrate Black History in the UK, we have to pay attention not to solely import another nation’s story.
This October, become familiar with the names of not the Black Americans but the Black Britons who helped build and better Britain:
🪄 Mary Seacole: whose nursing saved lives in the Crimean War.
🪄 Olaudah Equiano: whose words opened eyes to the horrors of slavery.
🪄 Ignatius Sancho: the first Black Briton to vote.
🪄 Harold Moody: who fought for equality long before it was fashionable.
🪄 Paul Stephenson: whose activism paved the way for anti-discrimination laws.
🪄 Claudia Jones: who gave us the Notting Hill Carnival, a dazzling celebration of culture and hope.
🪄 John Kent: the UK’s first Black police officer, protecting communities in the 1800s.
These aren't side notes in history. They are the architects, trailblazers, and heart of British society itself.
Are You Overlooking Anyone?
It’s not only historical figures we overlook. In our workplaces, our communities, and our circles, there are voices we ignore. Colleagues and friends whose talents and insights are lost because systemic bias keeps them unheard or undervalued. Every October (no, every Day!) we should challenge ourselves to truly see and elevate those around us.
❌ Whose expertise do we take for granted?
❌ Whose experience do we question or, worse still, ignore because it doesn’t mirror our own?
❌ How many brilliant team members of colour, business partners, or customers do we unconsciously underserve?
History Is Yours to Know
The fact that so few of us can name Black Britons who changed this country is not just an educational gap; it’s a call to action. Our collective "amnesia" does a disservice not only to those great individuals but to ourselves and to future generations. British history is diverse. British excellence is diverse.
This October:
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Learn a new name.
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Tell a new story.
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Listen, really listen, to the Black colleagues, neighbours, and friends you might otherwise overlook.
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Challenge your organisation to do the same.
- Consider putting out that call to action in biscuit form.
Because Black history lives right here, in the UK, and it deserves to be celebrated, respected, and known, in October and every month after.
