SHIFTING A CULTURE: BLACK ARISTOCRACY
In the 21st century black culture has grown increasingly popular, even spreading its roots in historically racist nations, where it can be accepted or, unfortunately, exploited. Without a question, the Atlantic slave trade comes to mind when we consider the link between people of African heritage and Europe.
So, what about the black people who contributed to the cultural development in 18th-century England? What does this represent for the Black diaspora in Britain? Let's explore.
CHARLES IGNATIUS SANGO
The first African to cast a vote.
In Greenwich, England, a born slave who was given to three sisters. The Duke of Montagu became fond of Charles and assisted him with his education. After learning about the injustices of slavery and the slave trade with the aid of education, Charles moved to Montagu and immersed himself in the arts of music, poetry, and writing. Eventually going on to write plays, publish a book, and compose 62 pieces of music. He later became known as a man of accomplishment, refinement, and aider in 18th-century anti-slavery literature.
OLADAH EQUIANO(GUSTAVUS VASSA)
The community leader for black citizens in Britain.
Born in Nigeria, his father was a village chief who sold prisoners into the slave trade. Oladah became a slave after being held captive, then eventually went on to being purchased by a lieutenant in the royal navy, he traveled to Europe and participated in the battles. He was sent to England for schooling but ended himself back in the Caribbean after being sold again. Because of his education, Oladah was able to work as the merchant slave owner's secretary and earn enough money to buy his freedom.
Following his travels, he came back to London where he lectured about his time as a slave and fought for the abolition of slavery among the British people. He later wrote a memoir about his experiences, which was published and became a significant motivator for the anti-slavery movement.
DIDO ELIZABETH BELLE
The girl born into aristocracy.
Born to a British aristocrat named Sir John Linsday and an enslaved African lady. Dido, along with her orphan cousin, came to England when she was 4 years old and was raised by Sir John Lindsay's aunt and uncle.
She was given a good education and a nice lifestyle, and as she grew, she took on the management of estates—a job traditionally held by noblewomen at the time—and served as William Murray, Earl of Mansfield's secretary.
Dido inherited 500 pounds after her father passed away, which is equivalent to more than 10 million pounds today. And 500 pounds more once her uncle passed away. She and her husband afterwards bought a home in London.
Her biography has been adapted for the big screen, as the 2013 film Belle shows.
So what does this mean for the black diaspora in Britain?
There are certain similarities between the stories of some black aristocrats in England. Education is frequently mentioned as a defining factor for them, as it gave them access to knowledge that they could use to advance wealth and justice movements at the time.
In the 21st century, most institutions are still dominated by the white race. This raises the question, can black people within England succeed without a formal education? and how the era of social media will be directly contrasted with this.
According to The DfE NPD data, 61 percent of Black African children in England schools achieve above the national average, yet 1.5 percent of top management roles in the UK private sector belong to black employees.
Does education still have a significant impact on "Black Britain," or is there still more protesting to be done?
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