The British Civil Rights Movement Flashcards
(15 cards)
When did the Windrush arrive?
22 June 1948
How many passengers did the Windrush have
492 Caribbean passengers from Jamaica to the UK
Why did the windrush come?
• Britain needed workers to rebuild the country after WWII
• Caribbean migrants were invited as citizens of the British Empire/Commonwealth
• Many took up jobs in public services, like the NHS, transport, and construction
What was the Windrush scandal?
• The Windrush Scandal (2010s) was when some Windrush migrants were wrongly detained, denied legal rights, or deported. This was caused by lack of official paperwork & the UK’s “hostile environment” immigration policies.
• Many had lived in the UK for decades but were told they were in the country illegally
• The government issued a formal apology in 2018
When did the first Notting Hill Carnival take place?
• First took place in 1966 in Notting Hill, London
Why was Notting Hill Carnival organised?
Response to Racial Tensions: Organised following racial attacks and riots in the area, especially the Notting Hill Riots of 1958. Aimed to promote unity and healing in the wake of racist violence against the Caribbean community
• Celebration of Caribbean Culture: Created as a way for the Windrush Generation and their descendants to celebrate their heritage and traditions. Inspired by Caribbean carnivals like Trinidad’s—featuring music, dance, food, and costumes Community Empowerment: Intended to bring people together, promote cultural pride, and increase visibility of the Black community in Britain
Who was Notting Hill Carnival inspired by?
• Inspired by Claudia Jones: A Trinidadian activist and journalist who organised a Caribbean indoor carnival in 1959 to promote cultural unity and resistance. Her efforts laid the groundwork for what would become Notting Hill Carnival
When did the Bristol Bus Boycott take place?
• Took place in Bristol, England in 1963
Why did the BBB take place?
• The Bristol Omnibus Company refused to hire Black or Asian bus drivers or conductors
• This was due to a “colour bar” supported by the Transport and General Workers’ Union
Who was the BBB led by?
• Led by Paul Stephenson, a Black activist and inspired by the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the USA.
What were the consequences of the BBB
• After a 4-month boycott (not using the buses), the company dropped the colour bar in August 1963. Soon after, the first non-white bus crews were hired
• Helped pave the way for the Race Relations Act 1965, which made racial discrimination illegal in public places
When did the Brixton Uprising take place?
• The Brixton Uprising took place in April 1981 in South London,
Why did the Brixton Uprising take place?
sparked by long-standing tensions between the police and the local Black community.
• The immediate trigger was the police’s handling of a stabbing incident, but deeper causes included racism, high unemployment, poor housing, and the use of oppressive police powers like stop and search under the “Sus” law.
What happened in the Brixton Uprising?
• Over three days, violent clashes broke out between young Black residents and the police. Hundreds were injured, dozens of buildings were damaged, and more than 80 people were arrested.
Consequences of the Brixton Uprising?
• The events drew national attention and led to the Scarman Report, which acknowledged racial disadvantage and called for reforms in policing and community relations.
• The uprising became a turning point in the conversation about race, inequality, and justice in Britain, highlighting the need for change.
