Uncovering hidden histories of black wartime service: Mapping complementary work in the area

One of the objectives of the Minding Black Histories in War Times project (see previous post) is to map out complementary work on African and West Indies involvement in the WW1 being undertaken in the West Midlands and nationally. In addition to recent academic presentations/outputs, there are a number of community organisations (many of whom are funded through the HLF) seeking to uncover hidden histories of black wartime service.

Two recent events brought together different groups working in this area. First was the launch of an HLF-funded project They Also Served: Uncovering the Experiences of African and Caribbean Servicemen During the Great War, led by Churches Together in England and managed by Dr Angelina Osborne. Dr Osborne has been doing research at the National Archives (War Office and Colonial Office), and will be visiting other archives. As it’s a church-led project, one of the central research questions is about the role of clergy in either encouraging or discouraging enlistment. They’re planning a mobile exhibition, workshops in churches, and producing a DVD as well as a book. The push will be to get the stories of black soldiers into black communities, via churches in the Midlands to start, and with other groups in future.

Second was a conference day hosted by Care Link West Midlands as part of their Discovering Soldiers of African and West Indian Heritage Who Served in World War One project; the day included presentations from different community research projects on this theme, as well as a display board of historical research undertaken by Care Link West Midlands.

A number of presenters – for example, BlackPoppyRose, Recognize Black Heritage & Culture, and Why Are West Indians in this Country? – have been working on different aspects of black military history and remembrance thereof prior to the current wave of Great War centenary activity. Throughout the day, there was a concerted refutation of a persistent narrative that the non-combatant roles held by a significant proportion of black servicemen were somehow lesser than other forms of military service; all service is equally deserving of respect and remembrance, as is recognition of the effect of Great War military campaigns on women, children, and the environment of African communities.

In response to connecting with these groups, we are organising a Community Development Day, designed to bring together representatives from these different projects to discuss the different agendas and objectives of community organisations working in the area, and reflect on issues of public engagement and impact, especially in relation to the strengths and shortcomings of academic-community exchange models. This event will be held on Friday September 30, 2016 at Birmingham City University Parkside campus. Please join us and help spread the word: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/minding-black-histories-community-development-day-tickets-26802097796

Charlotte Stevens