Five pioneering Black women who’ve shaped British history
Discover five inspiring stories of pioneering Black women who have shaped British histoy, featured in The Black Curriculum: Legacies.
Winifred played a newer sound called ragtime and boogie-woogie and went on to be one of the first Black faces to be seen on early TV screens and had a total of three number one hit singles – a first for any Black musician in the UK.
Her determination and passion led her to get a degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. She is a specialist in telescope and satellite systems, as well as a television presenter, inspiring the nation to look up at the skies.
The club was formed to promote women in sport. It really was a game changer, as it was rare for women to play football back then. Not only was Emma one of the first Black women to play football, but she was part of the first women’s team in the UK.
She is more famously known for her involvement in starting the Notting Hill Carnival. There was a lot of racial tension in the Notting Hill area of London during the 1950s. Claudia and her carnival crew were committed to bringing people together through Carnival celebrations.
As a Labour MP, Diane represents the borough of Hackney and Stoke Newington in London. Diane has opened the door for a whole host of other Black women in politics, including Dawn Butler and Marsha de Cordova. Her continued presence on the political scene has helped elevate different voices and change the face of British politics.