October is Black History Month and this year’s theme ‘Time for Change: Actions Not Words’ presented an opportunity to highlight some incredible work taking place in a culturally diverse part of the West Midlands.
But first, let's take a look back.
Black history in sport
Black people have been living in Britain as far back as the 15th century and have played a significant role in shaping British society, culture and sport ever since.
In 1895 Arthur Wharton (pictured below seated to the left of the trophy) joined Sheffield United, becoming the world’s first black professional footballer.
Eleven years later, Jimmy Peters broke ground as the England national team’s first black rugby union player. Shamefully, a title he retained until Chris Oti was capped some 80 years later.
Migration to modern Britain
Between 1948 and 1971 the Government invited Caribbean people to live in Britain to reduce the post-war labour shortages.
The first ship, the MV Empire Windrush, carried nearly 500 islanders to UK shores; its passengers becoming known as the first of the 'Windrush generation’.
Predominantly Christian, Caribbean communities faced discrimination from white churches and began establishing Black Majority Churches (BMCs) as early as 1948.
Increased African migration in the 80s saw the number of BMCs increase dramatically and there are now around 4,000 in the UK - with as many as 240 BMCs in the London Borough of Southwark, alone.