A recent survey conducted by YouGov UK has shed light on the alarming lack of knowledge among more than half of Britons regarding Black British history. This research, commissioned by Bloomsbury Publishing (UK), revealed that a staggering 53% of those surveyed could not name a single historical Black British figure, while only 7% could recall more than four. These findings underscore a concerning lack of awareness about the contributions and historical significance of Black individuals in the UK.
The survey also unveiled misconceptions about the timeline of Black presence in Britain. A substantial 36% of respondents believed that the first Black people arrived in Britain within the past 200 years, with an additional 29% unsure of the historical context. Only 9% correctly identified that Black individuals have been a part of British history for over 1,500 years, despite evidence of their presence dating back thousands of years.
Moreover, the survey indicated a significant underestimation of Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, with more than half of the participants (53%) lacking awareness of the actual scale of the British role. Approximately half incorrectly believed that 250,000 or fewer people were taken from Africa by the British, whereas the true figure is considerably higher, exceeding one million.
Atinuke, an award-winning Nigerian-born author of the book “Brilliant Black British History,” expressed her disbelief at these findings. She highlighted the historical significance of Black individuals in Britain, such as Quintus Lollius Urbicus, Olaudah Equiano, Mary Seacole, and composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, whose contributions have shaped the nation’s history.
Atinuke emphasized the need for increased integration of Black British history in educational curricula and urged the government to prioritize this inclusivity, especially in a world where divisions are on the rise. She underscored that all British history should be presented as a unified narrative, reflecting the diversity of the nation’s heritage.
Rebecca McNally, publishing director and editor-in-chief of Bloomsbury Children’s Books, stressed the importance of acknowledging Black British history not only during Black History Month but on a daily basis. This survey underscores the necessity for educational resources and initiatives that shine a light on often overlooked aspects of British history.
The survey’s results are a call to action, prompting reflection on the state of Black British history awareness in the UK and the urgent need for greater recognition and understanding of the contributions made by Black individuals to the nation’s history.
