'WE ARE OUR OWN LIBERATORS'
THE BLACK LIBERATION FRONT
1971–1993
This project explores the history and impact of the Black Liberation Front (BLF); a radical Black Power organisation active in Britain from 1971 to 1993. Following interviews with nine former members of the BLF and the Fasimbas, YHP produced an exhibition and a documentary film titled 'We are our own liberators: The History of the Black Liberation Front'. The project was developed to raise awareness of the history of Black activism in the UK. Our research focused on themes such as community engagement, anti-racism campaigns, the role of women activists, the Black British press, Black bookshops, and Black political culture during the '60s and '70s. See our project hub to view our outputs.
We would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this project. A full list of credits and thanks can be found here.
WHO WERE THE BLF?
The Black Liberation Front (BLF) was a radical Black Power organisation founded in 1971 in London, England. The BLF had significant impact on the Black British political landscape whilst also developing links with liberation struggles in Africa and throughout the African diaspora. The movement focused on developing Pan-African consciousness, consolidating Black political identity, and challenging the impact of racism in Britain. This was achieved through activities like establishing supplementary schools and community bookshops, finding affordable housing for Black families, and supporting the welfare of Black prisoners. The BLF also worked with contemporary political organisations in the UK on a range of issues and common goals, such as organising annual Africa Liberation Day celebrations.
In Memory of Cheryl Philips
1966–2016
CREDITS
With special thanks to all of our interviewees for sharing their stories with us:
Joan Anim-Addo
Jackie Daniel
Lennox Drayton
Nkrumah Pepuyaki
Terry Rocque
Desire Thomson–George
Winston Trew
Tee White
Ansel Wong
YHP Team, 2015–2017:
Sidney Biney
Jasmine Breinburg
Amelia Francis
Sherrie Gasana
Dr Aleema Gray
Ama Gray
Carol Pierre
Akosua Sarpong
Jemmar Samuels
Kabejja Serumaga
Aleja Taddesse
Enna Uwaifo
Hannah Williams
Selam Zeru
With thanks to:
Project Co-ordinators: Lwam Tesfay & Rosa Kurowska
Consultant Historian: Professor Hakim Adi
Exhibition Design: Yijing Li
Tony Soares
Dada Imarogbe
Maria Sara Santoro
Maddy Dann
Grassroots Community News
George Padmore Institute
Black Cultural Archives
London Metropolitan Archives
National Lottery Heritage Fund
On The Record
Rainbow Collective
This project was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Thanks to all National Lottery Players!