Community contributors
A Ghanaian-born activist and journalist, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo was instrumental in establishing Black History Month in the UK while working for the Greater London Council. His advocacy helped embed Black history within British cultural and educational narratives.
Diane Abbott made history in 1987 as the first Black woman elected to the UK Parliament. A lifelong advocate for racial equality, education, and healthcare, she has been a trailblazer in British politics, championing policies that support marginalised communities and continues as MP in her North London constituency to the present day.
A rapper, singer, and philanthropist from Croydon, Stormzy has been a leading voice in UK music and social activism. His #Merky Foundation provides scholarships for Black British students to attend the University of Cambridge and he uses his platform to challenge racial inequality and champion grassroots causes
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, June Sarpong is a broadcaster, author, and diversity advocate. She has been a trailblazer in British media, becoming one of the first Black women to present mainstream television shows. As the former Director of Creative Diversity at the BBC, she has worked to ensure greater representation of underrepresented communities in broadcasting.
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu is a nurse, professor, and health advocate who has dedicated her career to tackling health inequalities in the UK. As the first UK nurse specialist in sickle cell disease, she has been instrumental in raising awareness and improving care for those affected. An alumna of London Metropolitan University, she continues to champion diversity in healthcare.
Senior Academic Mentor at London Metropolitan University and award-winning author of Keisha the Sket, Jade LB's writing explores topics including Black women, Black British culture and the Black British working-class experience. She has written for publications such as Black Ballad. In June 2025, Jade LB joined Jahnine Davis in conversation at London Met, reflecting on the viral legacy 20 years on.
A leading space scientist and science communicator, Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock has inspired generations through her outreach work. As the host of The Sky at Night and an advocate for STEM education, she works to make space science more accessible to young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
A fearless activist, Olive Morris fought for Black women’s rights, squatters’ rights, and social justice in the UK. She co-founded the Brixton Black Women’s Group and the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent, leaving an enduring impact on the fight for racial equality.
Len Garrison was an educator, writer, and activist who played a key role in preserving Black British history. He founded the Black Cultural Archives, ensuring that future generations have access to the rich histories of African and Caribbean communities in the UK.
A poet, playwright, and activist, Benjamin Zephaniah was raised in Handsworth, Birmingham but lived and worked extensively in London. His powerful poetry tackled issues of race, social justice, and inequality, earning him a place among Britain’s most celebrated writers.
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known as Lady Phyll, is an Islington-born political activist known for her work for racial, gender and LGBTQ+ equality. She is Co-Founder and Chief Executive of UK Black Pride and former executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust. In 2024, Lady Phyll joined London Met's Centre for Equity and Inclusion Annual Lecture as the keynote speaker.
A pioneering writer, composer, and abolitionist, Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship and later became a leading voice against the transatlantic slave trade. As the first known Black Briton to vote in a parliamentary election, he used his literacy to challenge racial injustices through letters and essays. His published correspondence offered a rare and invaluable insight into Black life in 18th-century Britain.