Black British is a term used to refer to people of African or Afro-Caribbean origin and may also include British South Asians or others of non-European descent.
There is a history of African people in Britain for thousands of years from Nigeria and Ghana in West Africa, Somalia and Kenya in East Africa and Zimbabwe and South Africa in Southern Africa. The largest arrival of black Caribbeans in Britain occurred after the Second World War and the term “Black British” was introduced.
Values and tradition
The Black British culture has influences of African, Caribbean and British culture. Over generations the combination of cultures from different national backgrounds have flourished and become an accepted and vital part of the culture of modern Britain.
Language
Generations of Black Britons born in the UK will usually speak English as their principal language. Those who follow the cultural values of the country of their descent may also have knowledge of African languages such as Arabic, Swahili and Hausa or Caribbean languages such as Patios and Creole.
Recreation
Black Britons have enjoyed significant success in the sporting arena with personalities such as Frank Bruno, Kelly Holmes, Daley Thompson, Linford Christie and several members of the English National football team.
Black British music reflects Caribbean influences and inspiration from Black American music. Hip hop, or rap music was introduced to Britain from Caribbean influences in the 1990s and has enjoyed significant success in British popular music charts.
Black artists working in the media have provided new representations of Black Britons and a multi-ethnic Britain. Black British filmmakers have been centrally involved in the cultural identities that have flourished in the decades leading up to the 21st century.
Cuisine
Cuisine enjoyed by the Black British community will combine traditional African and Caribbean dishes as well as International cuisine available in Britain.
