Claudia Jones

Claudia Jones was a pivotal figure in the British civil rights movement, particularly renowned for her activism in Notting Hill and her efforts to reclaim the narrative of Black history. Born in Trinidad in 1915, Jones immigrated to the United Kingdom in the 1930s and quickly became a leading voice for racial equality and social justice.

Jones's activism was deeply rooted in her experiences of discrimination and prejudice. She was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain and she founded Britain's first commercial Black newspaper, the West Indian Gazette (WIG), in 1958. In the same year, serious race riots broke out in Notting Hill and Nottingham. At WIG they looked at ways to ensure this didn't happen again. An idea was born to celebrate West Indian culture and heritage to uplift Black British Communities. In 1959, the Notting Hill Carnival was launched, taking place at St Pancras Town Hall.

The carnival, initially conceived as a celebration of Caribbean culture, became a symbol of resistance against racial tensions and police brutality in the neighbourhood. Jones's involvement in the carnival helped to shift perceptions of Black people in Britain and to challenge stereotypes.

Beyond her work on the carnival, Jones was a prolific writer and journalist. She used her platform to advocate for Black people's rights and challenge the dominant narratives about race and history. Jones's writings often focused on the importance of reclaiming Black history and culture, and she argued that the experiences of Black people were essential to understanding the broader history of Britain.

Claudia Jones's legacy continues to inspire activists and scholars today. Her contributions to the civil rights movement and her efforts to reclaim the narrative of Black history have had a lasting impact on British society.

Karleigh Osborne

Karleigh Osborne is a prominent figure in football and has used his platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion. As a former professional footballer and current Brentford Women's FC manager, Osborne has a unique perspective on the industry and its challenges.

One of Osborne's key contributions has been his work in reclaiming the narrative surrounding Black athletes. He has spoken openly about his experiences in the sport, highlighting the systemic racism and discrimination that Black players can face. Osborne has inspired others to speak out and demand change by sharing his story.

Osborne has also become a significant sports influencer. His social media presence allows him to reach a wide audience and raise awareness of important issues. He uses his platform to promote positive messages, encourage young people to pursue their dreams and challenge harmful stereotypes.

Through his personal experiences, advocacy work, and influence, he is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all athletes. His commitment to social justice and his ability to inspire others make him a true leader in his field.

Femi Koleseo

Femi Koleseo is one of the founding members and drummer of the British jazz quintent Ezra Collective who have been making waves in the music scene, particularly for their unique blend of jazz, afrobeat, calypso, reggae, hip-hop, and Salsa. The band's music is characterised by its energy, innovation, and ability to connect with audiences across various cultural backgrounds.

One of the core elements of Ezra Collective's identity is their commitment to brigning their own identity to the genre of jazz. Historically, jazz has been associated with a particular image and sound, often excluding certain voices and experiences. Ezra Collective challenges these stereotypes by incorporating influences from their diverse backgrounds and creating a fresh, contemporary sound. In September 2023 they were the first jazz act to receive the Mecury Music Prize award in its 31 year history for their album 'Where I'm Meant to Be'

The band is committed to supporting young musicians and artists, providing opportunities and mentorship to the next generation of talent. Last year the group donated a portion of their gig fees to youth organisations. Femi and his brother TJ also part of Ezra Collecitve donated money from their Glastanbory set to their school. Having attended a youth club, Femi understands the importance of youth services and giving young people opportunities.

By reclaiming the narrative and creating their own space within the jazz world, Femi and the rest of Ezra Collective is not only making a significant contribution to the genre but also inspiring a new generation of musicians to embrace their own unique identities and tell their own stories.

Candice Carty-Williams

Candice Carty-Willams is a renowned British author. Carty-Williams started her career in media and moved into publishing in 2014 as Marketing Assistant at HarperCollins imprint 4th Estate. Within this role Candice became aware of the underrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers within the world of publishing. In 2016she created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate Short Story Prize encouraging greater diversity in the industry, it was also the first inclusive initiative of its kind.

In 2019 Carty-Williams released the novel ‘Queenie’ celebrating and providing an honest reflection of a young Jamaican Brit black woman in London. The book became a Sunday Times bestseller. A television drama based on the book was commissioned by Channel 4. Carty-Williams was also wrote the musical drama Champion commissioned by the BBC. She has also written for publications including The Guardian, Vogue and The Sunday Times and more.

Carty-Williams has been vocal about the importance of representing Black experiences in literature. She aims to reclaim the narrative by focusing on authentic stories that resonate with Black communities.

Dr Harold Moody

Dr Harold Moody was a prominent figure in the British West Indian community and a pioneer in the fight against racism and discrimination and civil rights in the UK.

Born in Jamaica in 1882, Moody moved to Britain in 1904 to study medicine at King's College London and graduated top of his class in 1910. Moody was refused work due to racial prejudices. However, he did not let this deter him and he set up his own practice in Peckham in 1913. This was not just a medical practice, but a place in the community that provided sanctuary for people struggling with hardship. He offered free healthcare for those that could not afford it.

Moody became deeply involved in the struggle for racial equality and justice. In 1931 The League of Coloured Peoples was formed, and he was elected their first president. The League became one of the most influential groups campaigning for the civil rights of Black people in the UK. His work also included fighting for lifting the colour bar in British armed forces. Moody's continuous campaigning for civil rights has been credited to influencing the Race Relations Act 1965, which was the first legislation in the UK, prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of colour race, ethnicity, race or national origins illegal.

Moody's legacy continues to inspire and influence the Black British community today. His work helped to pave the way for future generations to reclaim their narrative and continue to push boundaries for equality.

More Inspiring Figures

Read about more individuals who have reclaimed their narratives and featured in our list last week by clicking here.