What are African Americans Called in Great Britain
The cultural shift in Great Britain has become more diverse over the years, allowing for recognition and acknowledgement of the African American community living in the country. African Americans have a long history in Great Britain, with records being found of their presence dating back to at least the 18th century. However, the group is often misunderstood and many are unaware of what African Americans are called in Great Britain.
Despite being located in the same continent, British culture, etiquette and norms are markedly different from those of the United States. Therefore, the terms used to refer to African Americans are different. ‘Afro-British’ is the most widely used term to denote this. This term is not only broad, but also encompasses both British nationals and people of African descent who are living in Britain.
The term ‘black British’ is also used, and is usually preferred by members of the African American community when referring to themselves. This term is generally used to refer to people who were either born in the UK to Caribbean or African parents, or are those who are of African descent and live in the UK. The ‘black’ part of the term refers both to the various hues of non-white skin tones, as well as to the various shared experiences and perspectives that have been accumulated over the years by those living in the UK.
African American culture in Britain is more diverse than ever with a large number of people of African descent living in the country. This brings with it an understanding of the unique experiences of this community as they try to adapt to a different culture, whilst still holding on to the values, beliefs and traditions of their own cultures.
Recent changes in the UK government policies have allowed for a better understanding and recognition of the African American community in the country. Since 2013, the government has implemented laws that aim to tackle racism and reduce discrimination against African Americans in all areas of public life. These policies have allowed for more African Americans to reach senior positions in government, the police, and other sectors of the UK.
Expert Insights
According to Dr Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt, a lecturer at the University of Manchester who specializes in African diaspora studies, African Americans in Great Britain ‘are part of an ongoing story of cultural exchange, positive integration and exchanges of values, experience and knowledge.’ She believes that the role of African Americans has been an important part of British history, and that there have been many cases where ‘African American culture and tradition has hugely enriched the lives and experiences of those living in the UK.’
Dr. Gordon-Nesbitt also points out that, ‘African Americans have been instrumental in the development of music, dance, fashion, entertainment and sports inside of Britain’. This has had a positive effect on many aspects of British culture, she states, ‘contributing to a more vibrant, diverse and rich experience for everyone’.
African American studies and literature professor Dr David G. Taylor of the University of Westminster adds that ‘African Americans in Britain bring a certain vibrancy and energy to the country that might not be evident without them. They have been integral in creating a more diverse, tolerant and inclusive society that is often lacking in the US.’
Dr Taylor points out that African Americans in Britain have also been influential in the development of the language spoken in the country, both ‘Brit-speak’ and ‘street-speak’. He claims, ‘they have brought with them a certain vernacular that has become ingrained into the country’s cultural lexicon. It has become a source of pride for many, as it has allowed generations of the African diaspora to connect with facets of their culture at home.’
Data and Analysis
According to the 2011 England and Wales census, there were an estimated one million African Americans in the UK, with the largest numbers living in London, Birmingham and Manchester. This figure has increased since then with data from the Office for National Statistics showing that the number of African Americans in Great Britain increased by 8% from 2013 to 2018.
Statistics also show that African Americans are more likely to live in poverty than any other group in the country, with data from the UK poverty and deprivation report showing that they have been 40% more likely to be in poverty than the UK average since 2011. This may be attributed to a lack of job opportunities, access to education and healthcare, as well as a lack of social mobility.
Studies have also found that African Americans have a greater risk of facing discrimination in the workplace and in everyday life. This is a key factor that has hindered social integration and acceptance of the African American community in the UK.
Despite this, African Americans have managed to create supportive spaces and communities in which their members can share and celebrate their culture and identity. African American-led organisations and initiatives have had an instrumental role in developing and sustaining a sense of shared identity amongst the group. The growth of online communities, such as Black Twitter, has also played a key role in this, providing a digital space for African Americans to interact, share experiences and offer mutual support.
Media Representation
The media plays a key role in how African Americans are represented in the UK. Despite progress being made in the representation of African Americans in films, TV shows and magazines, stereotyping and marginalisation remain prominent in many productions. This has led to a lack of understanding and appreciation of African American culture that is only perpetuated by these representations. Studies have found that many African Americans in Britain do not feel their experiences are accurately represented in the media and thus become disillusioned with their portrayal in society.
Recently, there has been more accurate and positive representation of African Americans in the UK, such as the critically acclaimed film ‘A United Kingdom’ (2016) which depicted the 1943 interracial marriage between an African Prince from Seretse and an Englishwoman from London, as well as ‘Afro-punk London’ (2017) which surveyed the experiences of young black music lovers in the capital.
These developments, combined with the rise of social media, have opened up new avenues for African Americans to express themselves. This has resulted in a renewed sense of pride and capability amongst African Americans in the UK, allowing them to develop their cultural identity despite the discrimination and stereotypes often associated with them.
Change and Progress
As acceptance and understanding of African American culture in the UK continues to grow, so too does the appreciation of the group’s history. Organizations such as the Negro Artists Association, which was established in 1953, are now credited with playing a major role in promoting and showcasing black culture in the UK. The 2015 landmark case brought by activist Olive Morris against the London Metropolitan Police for the wrongful arrest of black activists is a well known example of the progress made by the African American community in Britain.
In addition, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) launched a dedicated award for African American filmmakers in 2017, aimed at raising the profiles of new directors in the UK. Whilst the award falls short of providing cultural representation within the broader film industry, it is a step in the right direction.
Moreover, the rise of African American-led initiatives in the UK, such as the Black History Month and the Black Lives Matter movement, indicates the progress being made by African American people in asserting their identity in British society.
Overall, African Americans in Britain have come a long way in redefining and asserting their identity in the country. The term ‘Afro-British’ and ‘Black British’ are now widely used to denote this group of people. Though African Americans have had to face many hurdles and challenges to be accepted and understood in the UK, this group of people will continue to make their mark and influence British culture for years to come.
Indigenous Contributions
The influence of African culture on the UK extends far beyond just the African American population. It is estimated that around 5,000-10,000 of the African people brought to Britain under the slave trade stayed in the country and established their own independent communities. It is their descendants who continue to shape and influence British culture and identity to this day.
Organisations such as the Forum for Research on the Caribbean (FRC) have been instrumental in documenting, researching and encouraging the cultural integration and stability of Caribbeans in the UK.
In addition, the first permanent African-British theatre group, Talawa, was established in 1987 as a way of creating a platform which highlighted African-British contributions, stories and entertainment. This is just one of many examples of how African culture has been embraced and celebrated in the UK.
Such initiatives are essential in creating an environment in which African Americans can experience and appreciate the distinct cultural influences and contributions that they have made to the British society. From music that is popular in Britain to the African crafts and arts, African Americans have a rich and precious heritage that is proudly celebrated throughout the country.
Stereotyping and Discrimination
Despite the progress and acceptance that African Americans have experienced in the UK, there are still instances of discrimination and stereotyping in the region. Lack of cultural competency is still a major hurdle which prevents African Americans from thriving and achieving full integration in the UK. This is particularly true in media and other forms of public representation, with stereotyping a common theme of many depictions.
Stereotyping was most potently highlighted in the controversial Windrush scandal of 2018. Thousands of citizens – mostly of Caribbeans descent
