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BLACK HISTORICAL AND COMTEMOPARY FIGURES
BLACK LIVES MATTER
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Tribute to UK's trailblazing first Black female headteachers leaves a lasting legacy
A landmark statue to Wales's first black headteacher was unveiled to the public today after the pioneer topped a vote in a campaign seeking to honour 'hidden heroines'.
Betty Campbell, who died in 2017 aged 82, proved her doubters wrong after being told as a child that achieving her dream of becoming a head teacher was 'insurmountable'.
Yvonne Conolly
UK's first black female headteacher leaving lasting legacy'
Yvonne Conolly
UK's trailblazing first black female headteacher dies aged 81 'leaving lasting legacy'
TRIBUTES to the country’s first woman black headteacher who moved to Camden from Jamaica with just £36 in her pocket.
Yvonne Conolly, who has died aged 81 following a long battle with myeloma, had to be accompanied by a “minder” on the day she took over Ring Cross primary school, Islington, in 1968.
“All hell broke loose” with “all sorts of nasty” racist abuse, she had recalled in a wide-ranging interview with the New Journal last year.
Read more - Camden Journal
HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY FIGURES
As T'Challa, he inspired Black children across the world - he ensured Black stories were heard and represented.
In 1962 Constantine was knighted for his work in race relations, becoming the UK's first Black peer.
She set up the 'British Hotel', a place of recuperation for wounded soldiers, and went on to become a revered figure in the UK.
Dr Pitt twice ran to be an MP, but after suffering extreme racist rhetoric during the 1970 election he never ran again.
He'd have been the UK's first Black MP.
Hannah has gone on to become a successful author and has served as a senator in the Jamaican Parliament.
Months later, in response to the Notting Hill race riots, Jones launched what went on to become the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival.
In 1979, Olive died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was 27 years old.
She was made a life peer in 2013 for her commitment to race relations.
In 1970 she offered to post bail for activist Angela Davis: "I want to use [my money] to help our people."
Pres. Obama said: "American History wells up when Aretha sings."
In 1964 Stephenson made national headlines when he refused to leave a pub which banned Black people. He was arrested and kept in cells overnight.
Wharton became the world's first Black professional footballer when he started as goalkeeper at the club.
Reflecting on her career in 2019, she said: "The differences were far less than the commonalities that we shared."
Before Election 2017, Diane Abbott received almost half of all the online abuse sent to female MPs.
In 2008 she was awarded by the Human Rights Awards for her famous '42 Days' Commons speech.
He was one of the first regular Black faces on UK TV when he joined ITV News in 1973, and in 1999 he was knighted for services to journalism.
Across her lifetime she received over fifty honorary degrees.
She performed 'On the Pulse of Morning' at Bill Clinton's 1993 presidential inauguration.
McQueen also has two BAFTAs to his name, one also for '12 Years A Slave', and one for his 2008 film 'Hunger'.
He later moved on to London, then Paris, where he pursued a career in boxing.
Justin died by suicide in 1998, eight years after publicly coming out after a newspaper threatened to out him.
He faced intense homophobia from the media and his family.
Howe, with eight others, faced a trial lasting 55 days for 'inciting a riot'. They were known as the Mangrove Nine.
All nine were cleared of the main charge.
Obama's presidency unlocked the potential for every Black child to be whatever they want to be, and symbolised hope that the centuries of neglect towards Black communities was changing.
Blackman has continuously advocated for representation for Black children within fiction.
Two years later, they've quit as full-time royals and left the UK, seemingly driven out by toxic and often racist media coverage.
In '72 she ran for the presidency, becoming the first Black candidate for a major party's nomination.
She would lose the nomination, but did win 10% of the delegates' votes.
She received many "horrible" letters in her four years serving for the Met: "Some of them were livid."
Allen left the force in 1972, when she returned to Jamaica.
Creating awareness and profiling persons of historical and contemporary significance, who has or is making a significant difference and impact to black lives
If you have an important figure you would like us to consider profiling on our platform simply get in touch below.
Historical and Contemporary figures
BLACK LIVES MATTER
GREATEST AFRICAN LEADERS AND WORLD INFLUENCERS
AFRICAN HEROES or VILLIANS
You decide
Controversy surrounded many names, as did much propaganda spread written by colonial powers. History needs to be dissected and deciphered between a people hero, a respected national leader, much valued to an oversea states and governments documented villain.
As the phrase goes 'One man's hero maybe another man's (often the white Western states enemy) villain'
Alphabetical order
Kofi Anan
Kofi Annan was, and remains, a symbol of dignity in a turbulent age. He stood for humanity in the face of cruelty, for dialogue in the face of aggression, for humility in the face of power. He was, as Nelson Mandela once said of him, “a true statesman of our times.”
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE - Africa's Foremost Diplomat
In 2001, its centennial year, the Nobel Committee decided that the Peace Prize was to be divided between the United Nations (UN) and the world organization's Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. The choice showed the Committee's traditional support for organized cooperation between states.
Kofi Annan was born in Ghana in 1938. His father was a chief and governor of the Ashanti province. He attended a Methodist school and a technical college in his home country before continuing his academic studies in Switzerland and the United States.
Annan pursued a varied career in the UN system until 1993, when he was appointed Deputy Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations, a position he held until 1997, when he took over as the United Nations' seventh Secretary-General.
Kofi Annan was awarded the Peace Prize for having revitalised the UN and for having given priority to human rights. The Nobel Committee also recognized his commitment to the struggle to contain the spreading of the HIV virus in Africa and his declared opposition to international terrorism.
Siad Bare
Siad Barre's legacy is complex, with his rise to power and subsequent authoritarian rule being both a hero and a villain in the eyes of many. His early reforms and the Ogaden War were seen as positive contributions to modernising Somalia and uniting the Somali people, while his later authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and human rights abuses were viewed as negative. Barre's regime was characterised by a personality cult, the National Security Service, and a focus on clan loyalty, which led to increased conflict and division within the Somali society. His rule was marked by a decline in popularity, domestic resistance, and the eventual overthrow by a popular uprising in 1991
Idi Amin
Viewed as a villain by many, widely regarded as one of the 20th century's worst dictators due to his brutal rule and human rights abuses
However, some Ugandans, particularly younger generations, see him as a hero, a nationalist, and a builder who improved infrastructure and promoted economic independence. His supporters point to high-quality infrastructure like roads and hospitals built under his leadership, while critics highlight the violence and terror of his regime.
Arguments for villain
- Brutality and human rights abuses: Amin's regime is infamously linked to widespread violence and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
- Violent takeover: He came to power through a military coup, overthrowing the previous government in 1971.
- Western condemnation: In the West, he is predominantly viewed as one of the worst dictators of the 20th century.
Arguments for hero
- Nationalism: Some argue he was a nationalist who loved his country and tried to achieve its economic independence.
- Infrastructure: His supporters point to the construction of roads, hospitals, and other infrastructure as positive achievements.
- Self-esteem: Some believe he fostered a sense of strong self-esteem and independence among Ugandans.
Kenneth Kaunda
Kenneth Kaunda's legacy as a hero of African liberation is undeniable. He led Zambia to independence in 1964 and served as the country's first president until 1991. His leadership was marked by his commitment to African liberation and his role in the fight against apartheid and colonial oppression in Southern Africa. Kaunda's vision of" One Zambia, One Nation "became a national identity and a rallying cry for the Zambian people. However, his later years in power were marred by economic hardship and political unrest, leading to his peaceful resignation in 1991. Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, Kaunda is remembered as a giant of 20th-century African nationalism, a leader who gave refuge to revolutionary movements and advocated for peace and development.
Modibo Keyetta
Modibo Keïta - From a rebel in the Tigray mountains to a global statesman, Meles Zenawi led Ethiopia through radical economic reforms, war, and political transformation.
He was a Malian politician who served as the first President of Mali from 1960 to 1968. He espoused a form of African socialism. He was deposed in a coup d'état in 1968 by Moussa Traoré. Born and raised in Bamako, Keïta began a career as a teacher in 1936 under French colonial rule before entering politics during the 1940s. In 1945, he co-founded the Sudanese Union with Mamadou Konaté which became part of the African Democratic Rally the following year to form the US-RDA. Being elected to several positions, his political prominence grew in the 1950s, and in 1959, he became Prime Minister of the Mali Federation, a short-lived federation of Mali and Senegal. Following the federation's collapse in 1960, Mali became an independent state, and Keïta became the new country's inaugural president.
Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyatta's legacy, his image as a hero of the nation overshadowed by his controversial actions and policies. His leadership during the Mau-mau Uprising and his subsequent policies have been both praised and criticised.
Kenyatta's use of myth and literature to shape his image as a saviour and protector of the nation has been a significant aspect of his legacy. However, his government's heavy-handed tactics against political opposition, favoring his ethnic group in policies, and compromising human rights and political freedom have led to a more critical view of his leadership. Kenyatta's influence on Pan-Africanism and his role in the constitutional development of Kenya have also been pivotal in shaping the country's path towards independence.
Patrice Lumumba
Patrice Lumumba was the prime minister of the Congo for only ten weeks, but his legacy is one of a beloved revolutionary and a martyr who gave dignity to the Congolese people emerging from the backdrop of Belgian colonial rule, perhaps the most brutal episode of European colonialism in history.
Nelson Mandela
The perception of Nelson Mandela as a hero surrounds subjective issue. While he is widely regarded as a hero for his role in the fight against apartheid and his efforts to promote reconciliation and unity in South Africa, some view him as a villain due to his actions during the apartheid regime.
Mandela's path to becoming the first Black president of South Africa and his record while in office have led to differing opinions on whether he deserves the title of hero.
Mandela's journey from a political prisoner to a global symbol of hope and resilience is a testament to his commitment to human rights and justice. However, his actions during the apartheid era, including his involvement in violent resistance and his eventual release of political prisoners, have sparked debate about the morality of his choices for some.
The debate over Mandela's legacy continues to be a topic of discussion, with some arguing that his actions were necessary to end apartheid and others contending that they were unjustified.
The question of whether Mandela is a hero or a villain remains a nuanced and evolving topic, reflecting the complexities of humanrights and the pursuit of justice
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE - Africa's Greatest Freedom Symbol
Son of a chief, Nelson Mandela studied law and became one of South Africa's first black lawyers. Early in the 1950s he was elected leader of the youth wing of the ANC (African National Congress) liberation movement. When the country's white minority government prohibited the ANC in 1960, Mandela became convinced that armed struggle was inevitable. Inspired by the guerrilla wars in Algeria and Cuba, he organized a military underground movement that engaged in sabotage. In 1962 he was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for high treason and conspiracy against the state.
From 1964 to 1982 he was confined to the notorious prison island Robben Island, together with several other resistance leaders. He was then moved to prison on the mainland until his release in 1990. During his imprisonment, Mandela became a rallying point for South Africa's oppressed, and the world's most famous political prisoner.
Nelson Mandela shared the Peace Prize with the man who had released him, President Frederik Willem de Klerk, because they had agreed on a peaceful transition to majority rule.
Julius Malema
Julius Malema's rise to prominence in South African politics is often debated, with some viewing him as a hero for his role in defending ANC Struggle songs and others as a villain for his controversial views and actions.
His political career has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies, reflecting the complex nature of leadership in a polarised society.
Tom Mboya
Tom Mboya's legacy is a tapestry of heroism and villainy. While he is celebrated for his role in Kenya's independence and his efforts to empower African workers, his assassination has led to speculation and debate about the motivations behind his murder. Some view him as a hero for his contributions to the nation's development and his advocacy for African rights. Others, particularly within the Luo community, the debate over Mboya's legacy continues, reflecting the broader political and social dynamics of post, reflecting the broader political and social dynamics of post-independence Kenya.
Robert Mugabe
The debate over Robert Mugabe's legacy continues, with his supporters and critics alike presenting their own narratives.
Some view him as a hero for his role in Zimbabwe's independence from British colonial rule and his efforts to promote African nationalism. Others argue that his rule was marked by dictatorship, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement, and economic mismanagement, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the country.
He had the guts to openly criticise the hypocrisy of the West on such public platforms as at the United Nations Assembly meetings.
Dr Kwame Nkrumah
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's legacy is mixed tapestry of heroism and controversy like many world leaders. He is celebrated for his role in Ghana's independence and his advocacy for Pan Africanism, which has led to his being seen as a hero by many. However, his authoritarian rule and suppression of political opposition have led to his being viewed as a villain by others. Nkrumah's use of metaphor to portray himself as a valiant leader and a noble revolutionary has been analysed, revealing how he constructed his image to inspire and unite his people. Despite the controversies, Nkrumah's contributions to Ghana's development and his influence on African nationalism continue to be recognised.
Julius Nyerere
Julius Nyerere is often viewed as both a Hero and a Villain.
Heroic Actions: He was a key leader in the fight for independence from colonial rule, advocating for peaceful non-violent methods and promoting African socialism through his philosophy of Ujamaa (familyhood). His leadership laid the foundation for a unified national identity and social equality in Tanzania.
Dr Apollo Milton Obote
Dr. Apollo Milton Obote is a figure in Ugandan history.
He played a crucial role in Uganda's independence from British colonial rule in 1962 and was the second Prime Minister and President of Uganda, leading the country through significant political changes.
Haile Selassie
Haile Selassie in figure in Ethiopian history, often viewed as both a hero and a villain.
He is celebrated for his efforts to modernise Ethiopia and for his role in the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which he helped establish as a symbol of African unity against colonialism.
Thomas Sankara
As President of Burkina Faso (1983–1987), he championed self-reliance, anti-corruption, and women’s empowerment, pushing for African nations to break free from neo-colonial dependency. His radical policies and unwavering stance against imperialism made him a hero to many—but also a target.
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is often regarded as a hero for her significant contributions to Liberia's post conflict recovery and her advocacy for women's rights. As the first elected female head of state in Africa, she played a crucial role in stabilising the nation after decades of civil war and establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to address corruption and ethnic tensions. Her leadership was recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, highlighting her effort stop remote peace and gender equality. Sirleaf's resilience and commitment to democratic governance have made her a symbol of hope and empowerment for many.
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE - Africa’s first female democratically elected head of state
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her non-violent efforts to promote peace and her struggle for women’s rights. She is the first female democratically elected head of state in Africa. Johnson Sirleaf came to power in 2005, creating peace and economic progress in the country. She strengthened women’s rights, expanded freedom of speech and became an example for other African leaders.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had studied in the US, where she took a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She returned to her home country and served as Minister of Finance, but the government was overthrown in a military coup in 1980. Forced into exile, she worked for the UN Development Program for Africa and the Development Fund for Women.
Johnson Sirleaf lost the presidential election in 1997 to the corrupt Charles Taylor, but after he was forced to flee the country, she won the presidential election in 2005.
Charles G. Taylor
Charles G. Taylor involvement in the First and Second Liberian Civil Wars, considered a prominent war lord responsible for widespread human rights abuses and atrocities. His actions during the civil war in Liberia and his support for the Sierra Leone Civil War have led to his conviction for war crimes, making him a controversial figure in history. He was forced into exile 2003.
He was convicted by an international tribunal on Thursday of arming, supporting and guiding a brutal rebel movement that committed mass atrocities in Sierra Leone during its civil war in the 1990s. He is the first head of state to be convicted by an international court since the Nuremberg trials after World War II
Taylor was the son of a judge, a member of the elite in Liberia descended from the freed American slaves who colonised the region in the early 19th century. He attended college in the United States, where in 1977 he received a degree in economics from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts. He then became the director of Liberia’s General Services Administration under Pres. Samuel K. Doe, the military leader who had gained power in a bloody coup in 1980. In 1983 Doe accused Taylor of having embezzled nearly $1 million, and the following year Taylor fled to the United States, where he was jailed. Before he could be extradited, he escaped and subsequently appeared in Libya, where he formed the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), a militia group that invaded the country in late 1989.
Ibrahim Traoré
Ibrahim Traoré's leadership in Burkina Faso can be viewed both as a hero and a villain. Appears younger generation hr id most popular leaning more towards a hero at present times.
Heroic Actions: expelling French soldiers, and promoting economic self, and promoting economic self-reliance, which resonates with many in Africa seeking independence from Western influence. His rhetoric emphasises dignity and sovereignty, appealing to a generation disillusioned by global power structures.
Critics argue that his actions may undermine democratic institutions and lead to further violence and instability.
Meles Zenawi
Meles Zenawi was a significant figure in Ethiopian politics, serving as the Prime Minister from 1995 until his death in 2012. He was born Legesse Zenawi Asres and became involved in the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in 1975, leading to his rise in the Ethiopian political landscape. His administration was marked by ethnic federalism, significant economic growth, and major reforms, although it also faced criticism for authoritarianism and human rights abuses. His policies and the EPRDF he led were pivotal in reshaping Ethiopia's political and economic structure, leaving a complex legacy that continues to be studied and debated.
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