Black British Communities from the 1700s to the 21st century
We’ll explore the presence and experiences of Black communities in Britain, from the 1700s to the present. We’ll also analyse the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved, and community resistance to them.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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In the first half of this course, we will identify both well and lesser known figures of political change, particularly in relation to anti-slavery, anti-colonial and worker’s suffrage movements, and the growth of Black communities in urban spaces throughout the 19th century. This course will also provide insight into the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved alongside capitalist expansion, and Black community resistance to them. The second half of the course focuses on the 20th century as a significant period of change and social transformation. We will assess the contributions of Black soldiers during the First and Second World Wars, city-wide ‘race riots’ and campaigns for civil rights, Black Power and Black Feminist organising, during the 1960s-1980s, as well as the longstanding impact of African and Caribbean arts and cultures on British popular culture into the 21st century.
What will we cover?
• The notable influence of people of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain’s major social and political movements since the 1700s. • The role of slavery, imperialism, and capitalism, in shaping ideas around race in British society • The political ideas that helped to fuel resistance to racism by Black individuals and communities • The nuanced experiences of Black Britons throughout history • The intersections of race, gender and class in Black British historical experiences • Political movements such as workers’ suffrage, anti-colonialism, Pan-Africanism, Socialism, Black Power, and Black Feminist traditions in Britain • Cultural influences of Black British communities on wider British culture.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
You can expect to have gained a great level of knowledge on the various societal shifts and changes that have taken place throughout the last 4 centuries in Britain, from the perspective of Black individuals and communities, and gain insight into the movements and ideas that have inspired these communities in working for positive change throughout this time period.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
A general knowledge of modern British history, good English language and reading skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, group discussions, tutor-guided analysing of key texts, archive materials such as images, documents, and video clips. There will be a list of recommended reads if you’d like to continue studying outside of class, but this is not essential.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses on British and Global history. Please see the City Lit website.
A.S. Francis is a Historian of Black British History, and is completing her PhD research, charting women’s involvements in Britain’s Black radical organisations during the 1960s-1980s, and the development of a Black women’s movement. In addition to this PhD research, her debut book, Gerlin Bean: Mother of the Movement, presents the longstanding and far-reaching activism of community activist and pioneering Black Feminist Gerlin Bean. Francis is also a consultant to the Young Historians Project, member of the History Matters collective and co-founder and editor in chief of the History Matters Journal. Alongside historical research, Francis also has a passion for teaching, and has taught in various capacities, including as a Lecturer at the University of Chichester, and Gallery Educator at the National Portrait Gallery.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
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We’ll also analyse the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved, and community resistance to them.003062839Black British Communities from the 1700s to the 21st century8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/l/black-british-communities-hbh92-square_3.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHBH928989Black British Communities from the 1700s to the 21st century895889A. Sblack-british-communities-from-the-1700s-to-the-21st-century/hbh92-2627We’ll explore the presence and experiences of Black communities in Britain, from the 1700s to the present. We’ll also analyse the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved, and community resistance to them.0000-Available|2026-10-21 00:00:00In the first half of this course, we will identify both well and lesser known figures of political change, particularly in relation to anti-slavery, anti-colonial and worker’s suffrage movements, and the growth of Black communities in urban spaces throughout the 19th century. This course will also provide insight into the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved alongside capitalist expansion, and Black community resistance to them. The second half of the course focuses on the 20th century as a significant period of change and social transformation. We will assess the contributions of Black soldiers during the First and Second World Wars, city-wide ‘race riots’ and campaigns for civil rights, Black Power and Black Feminist organising, during the 1960s-1980s, as well as the longstanding impact of African and Caribbean arts and cultures on British popular culture into the 21st century.We’ll explore the presence and experiences of Black communities in Britain, from the 1700s to the present. We’ll also analyse the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved, and community resistance to them.<br>• The notable influence of people of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain’s major social and political movements since the 1700s. <br>• The role of slavery, imperialism, and capitalism, in shaping ideas around race in British society <br>• The political ideas that helped to fuel resistance to racism by Black individuals and communities <br>• The nuanced experiences of Black Britons throughout history <br>• The intersections of race, gender and class in Black British historical experiences<br>• Political movements such as workers’ suffrage, anti-colonialism, Pan-Africanism, Socialism, Black Power, and Black Feminist traditions in Britain<br>• Cultural influences of Black British communities on wider British culture.You can expect to have gained a great level of knowledge on the various societal shifts and changes that have taken place throughout the last 4 centuries in Britain, from the perspective of Black individuals and communities, and gain insight into the movements and ideas that have inspired these communities in working for positive change throughout this time period.A general knowledge of modern British history, good English language and reading skills.Tutor presentation, group discussions, tutor-guided analysing of key texts, archive materials such as images, documents, and video clips. There will be a list of recommended reads if you’d like to continue studying outside of class, but this is not essential.No other costs.Other courses on British and Global history. Please see the City Lit website.HistoryBritish & Irish historyvirtual898958HBH92NONEWed21/10/26 - 11/11/2619:30 - 21:0019:3021:004 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineA. SAvailable courses2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00EveningOct 2026Culture, history & humanities8989Black British Communities from the 1700s to the 21st centuryblack-british-communities-from-the-1700s-to-the-21st-century/hbh92-2627We’ll explore the presence and experiences of Black communities in Britain, from the 1700s to the present. We’ll also analyse the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved, and community resistance to them.0000-Available|2026-10-21 00:00:00In the first half of this course, we will identify both well and lesser known figures of political change, particularly in relation to anti-slavery, anti-colonial and worker’s suffrage movements, and the growth of Black communities in urban spaces throughout the 19th century. This course will also provide insight into the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved alongside capitalist expansion, and Black community resistance to them. The second half of the course focuses on the 20th century as a significant period of change and social transformation. We will assess the contributions of Black soldiers during the First and Second World Wars, city-wide ‘race riots’ and campaigns for civil rights, Black Power and Black Feminist organising, during the 1960s-1980s, as well as the longstanding impact of African and Caribbean arts and cultures on British popular culture into the 21st century.We’ll explore the presence and experiences of Black communities in Britain, from the 1700s to the present. We’ll also analyse the concept of race and racist ideologies as they evolved, and community resistance to them.<br>• The notable influence of people of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain’s major social and political movements since the 1700s. <br>• The role of slavery, imperialism, and capitalism, in shaping ideas around race in British society <br>• The political ideas that helped to fuel resistance to racism by Black individuals and communities <br>• The nuanced experiences of Black Britons throughout history <br>• The intersections of race, gender and class in Black British historical experiences<br>• Political movements such as workers’ suffrage, anti-colonialism, Pan-Africanism, Socialism, Black Power, and Black Feminist traditions in Britain<br>• Cultural influences of Black British communities on wider British culture.You can expect to have gained a great level of knowledge on the various societal shifts and changes that have taken place throughout the last 4 centuries in Britain, from the perspective of Black individuals and communities, and gain insight into the movements and ideas that have inspired these communities in working for positive change throughout this time period.A general knowledge of modern British history, good English language and reading skills.Tutor presentation, group discussions, tutor-guided analysing of key texts, archive materials such as images, documents, and video clips. There will be a list of recommended reads if you’d like to continue studying outside of class, but this is not essential.No other costs.Other courses on British and Global history. Please see the City Lit website.HistoryBritish & Irish historyconfigurable
16301178British & Irish historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/16301/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history
