Why Stories of Black Excellence Haven’t Changed Racism and Prejudice

 Systemic Racism Persists Across Centuries

Racism in the UK isn’t limited to individual prejudices but is embedded in institutions. For example, during the 18th century, Olaudah Equiano, a formerly enslaved African, became a leading abolitionist and author whose autobiography brought attention to the horrors of slavery. While his work contributed to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807, systemic racism persisted in Britain through colonialism and discriminatory laws that disproportionately affected Black communities.

Fast-forward to the 20th century: Mary Seacole, a nurse during the Crimean War, overcame immense racism to aid soldiers on the battlefield. Despite her significant contributions, her legacy was largely erased from British history until recent efforts revived her story. This erasure is part of a broader pattern where Black contributions are acknowledged only when convenient, leaving systemic inequalities intact.

Even today, Black scientists like Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock and mathematicians like Dr. Nira Chamberlain are celebrated for their achievements, yet Black professionals face underrepresentation and wage gaps in STEM fields. These persistent inequalities demonstrate that individual stories cannot dismantle systemic barriers on their own.

2. Racism Endures Beyond Rational Evidence

Prejudice is not always rooted in ignorance but often in emotional biases and stereotypes. During the Victorian era, Black British people such as Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a composer hailed as the “Black Mahler,” challenged racial stereotypes through their excellence. Despite his success, Coleridge-Taylor faced significant racism, and his achievements were often framed as exceptional rather than indicative of the broader potential of Black people.

A contemporary example is Marcus Rashford, the England footballer who has campaigned tirelessly for child food poverty relief. Despite his activism and recognition, Rashford has been subjected to racist abuse online and in stadiums. These incidents highlight how deeply ingrained biases persist, regardless of visible evidence of Black excellence.

3. Historical Erasure and Selective Recognition

Black contributions to British society are often erased or downplayed in history. For instance, the contributions of the Black Tudors, such as John Blanke, a trumpeter in the court of King Henry VIII, challenge the narrative that Black people were absent in British history before the 20th century. However, these stories are rarely included in mainstream education.

Similarly, in the 20th century, the Windrush generation played a critical role in rebuilding post-war Britain. While celebrated today, members of the Windrush generation faced systemic discrimination, housing segregation, and were later subject to the Windrush scandal, which saw lawful Black British citizens wrongly detained and deported.

4. Excellence Alone Doesn’t Change Power Structures

Stories of Black excellence are often framed as exceptions rather than reflections of systemic potential. Dr. Harold Moody, a Jamaican-born doctor who moved to Britain in 1904, founded the League of Coloured Peoples to combat racial inequality. While his activism laid the groundwork for later civil rights movements, structural inequalities remain entrenched.

Similarly, Claudia Jones, a political activist and founder of the Notting Hill Carnival, created spaces for Black cultural celebration and activism. Yet, economic inequality in the UK remains stark: Black entrepreneurs today are less likely to secure funding, and Black workers face higher unemployment rates and lower wages compared to their white counterparts. These disparities show that celebrating individual successes does not address systemic barriers to power and resources.

Examples of Black Excellence Across Centuries and Fields

1. The 18th Century: Olaudah Equiano

Equiano’s autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, was a bestseller that helped sway public opinion against the transatlantic slave trade. As a prominent abolitionist, Equiano’s work challenged the idea of Black inferiority in a time of widespread enslavement.

2. The 19th Century: Mary Seacole

Mary Seacole’s self-funded efforts to care for soldiers during the Crimean War demonstrated extraordinary resilience and compassion. Yet, her contributions were overshadowed by those of Florence Nightingale until recent campaigns restored her rightful place in history.

3. The 20th Century: Harold Moody

Dr. Harold Moody not only provided medical care but also led the fight against racial discrimination in Britain. His activism laid the foundation for future equality movements.

4. The 21st Century: Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock

As a space scientist and advocate for diversity in STEM, Dr. Aderin-Pocock continues to inspire young people, particularly girls, to pursue science careers. Her work challenges stereotypes about who belongs in science but also highlights the systemic underrepresentation of Black professionals in STEM fields.

What Needs to Change

1. Reform Education to Address Historical Erasure

The UK education system must include comprehensive lessons on Black history, including the stories of the Black Tudors, the Windrush generation, and Black contributions to science, art, and activism. Teaching these histories can provide context for current inequalities and challenge racist narratives.

2. Address Institutional Racism

Institutions must implement policies that address systemic disparities. For example, the ethnicity pay gap and underrepresentation of Black professionals in leadership roles require urgent action. Public accountability through transparent reporting is crucial.

3. Invest in Black Communities

Targeted investment in Black businesses, schools, and cultural institutions is essential. Initiatives like Stormzy’s scholarship program for Black students at Cambridge are a step forward but must be matched by systemic reforms to improve access to education and resources.

4. Amplify Grassroots Activism

Supporting grassroots organizations that combat racism and empower Black communities is key. Groups like the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton preserve history and advocate for change, but they need greater funding and support.

5. Create Systemic Change

Policy reforms must address structural inequalities in housing, policing, and employment. Reparations or wealth redistribution policies could address historic and ongoing injustices, ensuring that Black communities have access to the same opportunities as others.

Black excellence, whether exemplified by Olaudah Equiano, Mary Seacole, Harold Moody, or Marcus Rashford, is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and brilliance of Black individuals throughout history. However, these stories alone cannot dismantle systemic racism and prejudice.

To create lasting change, we must pair the celebration of Black achievement with structural reforms that address historical injustices, redistribute resources, and challenge institutional racism. By doing so, we can move beyond tokenistic recognition to build a truly equitable society.