Black British people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,904,684 (3.0%) (2011 census) |
|
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United Kingdom |
|
 England |
1,846,614 (3.5%) (2011 census) |
 Scotland |
36,178 (0.7%) (2011 census) |
 Wales |
18,276 (0.6%) (2011 census) |
| Northern Ireland | 3,616 (0.2%) (2011 census) |
| Languages | |
| English (British English, Black British English, Caribbean English, African English), Creole languages, French, languages of Africa, other languages | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Christianity (69%); minority follows Islam (15%), Traditional African religions and other faiths (8%) or are irreligious (6%) 2011 census, Great Britain only |
|
Black British people are citizens of the United Kingdom who have Black African or Black African-Caribbean backgrounds. This also includes people with mixed ancestry from these groups.
According to the 2011 UK census, there are about 1.9 million Black British people. This means they make up about 3% of the total population of the United Kingdom.
In the past, the term "Black British" was sometimes used differently. Some people used it to describe any immigrant who was not English, including British Asians. This wider use of the term is now seen as outdated.
Contents
Who Are Black British People?
Black British people are a diverse group. They come from many different countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Many families have lived in the UK for generations. Others have arrived more recently.
Where Do Black British People Live?
Most Black British people live in England. The largest communities are found in big cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Smaller numbers live in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- In England, about 3.5% of the population is Black British.
- In Scotland, it's about 0.7%.
- In Wales, it's around 0.6%.
- In Northern Ireland, it's about 0.2%.
Languages and Religions
Most Black British people speak English. Some also speak Creole languages or languages from Africa and the Caribbean.
When it comes to religion, most Black British people are Christian. A smaller number follow Islam or other faiths. Some people do not follow any religion.
A Brief History of Black People in Britain
Black people have lived in Britain for a very long time. Records show their presence even in Roman times.
Early African Presence
One of the earliest known Black figures in British history is John Blanke. He was a trumpeter in the court of Henry VIII in the early 1500s. His image can be seen in a famous painting from that time.
Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, more Black people came to Britain. Many were servants, but some were also free people. Paintings from this time sometimes show Black individuals alongside wealthy British families.
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Fighting for Freedom
The 18th century was also a time when many Black people in Britain fought against slavery. One important person was Olaudah Equiano. He was a former enslaved person who wrote a book about his life. His book helped people understand the horrors of slavery and pushed for its end.
Another notable figure was Billy Waters. He was a well-known street performer in London in the early 1800s.
The Windrush Generation
A very important moment in Black British history was the arrival of the Empire Windrush ship in 1948. This ship brought the first large group of immigrants from Jamaica to the UK. These people, and others who followed from the Caribbean, are known as the "Windrush Generation." They came to Britain to help rebuild the country after World War II. They worked in many important jobs, like in the National Health Service (NHS) and on public transport.
Contributions to British Society
Black British people have made huge contributions to British society in many areas.
- Culture: They have enriched British culture with new music, food, and traditions. The Notting Hill Carnival in London is a great example of this vibrant cultural mix. Markets like Ridley Road Market in Dalston also show the rich Afro-Caribbean culture through food and goods.
- Sports: Many famous athletes in the UK are Black British, excelling in sports like football, athletics, and boxing.
- Politics and Leadership: Black British people have become important leaders in politics, business, and religion. For example, Lord Sentamu was a former archbishop of York, a very senior position in the Church of England. Lord Adebowale is a respected leader in social care.
- Military: Black soldiers have served in the British military for centuries. The British West Indies Regiment fought bravely in World War I. More recently, Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in Iraq.
- Healthcare: Mary Seacole was a nurse during the Crimean War in the 1850s. She is famous for her caring work and has been called the "Greatest Black Briton."
Images for kids
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Extract from the Westminster Tournament Roll almost certainly showing John Blanke, the only figure wearing a brown turban latticed with yellow.
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Members of the British West Indies Regiment on the Somme, September 1916. All of the men pictured were Afro-Caribbean people who volunteered to fight for the British Army.
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Firefighters douse a shop and flats destroyed by arson during the initial rioting in Tottenham.
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Community organizers in London.
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Ghanaian independence day celebrations in the London Borough of Barnet.
