Black History Bites

This week on Black History Bites by BLAM UK, we honour the life and legacy of Eric Huntley (1930–2026), Guyanese-born activist, educator and publisher who dedicated his life to fighting for Black liberation and educational justice in Britain. From co-founding Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications and the Walter Rodney Bookshop to organising the Black Parents Movement and the 1981 Black People’s Day of Action, Eric Huntley helped shape Black political and cultural life in the UK.

In this episode, we reflect on his lasting impact and how his commitment to putting Black history and literature at the centre of education continues to inspire our work today.

On this episode of Black History Bites, BLAM UK investigates the deep connection between the climate crisis and the legacy of white supremacy and colonialism. The discussion is centered around the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Jamaica, which amplified calls for climate justice and reparations.

In this special Black History Month edition of Black History Bites, we discuss our groundbreaking curriculum research report: “Eradicating Anti-Blackness in the UK Education System: Achieving Curriculum and Policy Reform Through Litigation.”

Jamila, one of the report’s authors, helps to unpack the realities of anti-Blackness in schools, explore how it impacts Black students’ racial esteem and educational experiences, and examine why litigation can be a powerful tool for systemic change.

Tune in to learn about:- Why this research was urgently needed- The most striking findings from Black students and teachers- How education policy can be challenged through the courts- What parents, educators, and young people can do to push for reform

🔗 Read the full report at: https://blamuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blam-uk-eradicating-anti-blackness-in-the-uk-education-system_-1-1.pdf

This episode looks at the growing use of the term “global majority” as a powerful alternative to “ethnic minority.” It challenges white-centered narratives by highlighting that people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Indigenous heritage make up most of the world’s population. By shifting our language, we shift our perspective, centering global communities of colour, reclaiming power, and resisting marginalisation. Words matter, and calling ourselves the global majority is a bold, empowering step toward decolonising identity and embracing solidarity.

On this week’s episode of Black History Bites, we honour and remember Joy Gardner, a Jamaican-born mother, student, and member of the North London community, whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of UK immigration officers in 1993.

We explore how Joy Gardner's story connects to broader patterns of state violence and institutional racism in the UK.

Her name may not appear in history books, but it should remain our collective memory.

Content warning:

This episode includes a description of police violence and restraint between minute 1 and 2.

In this powerful mini-episode, Maruf explores the history and meaning behind Jab Jab, a masquerade tradition rooted in Caribbean resistance and rebellion. Far from being “evil,” Jab Jab is a vibrant symbol of defiance, memory, and cultural survival—echoing the strength of ancestors who turned pain into power. Tune in to rethink what resistance looks like through rhythm, fire, and paint.

In this stylish and soulful episode of BLAM Black History Bites, we explore the rich legacy of Black Dandyism, from the bold elegance of the Congolese Sapeurs to Harlem’s legendary Dapper Dan, and how fashion has long been a form of protest, pride, and protection for Black men.

Tied to this months Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week, this episode unpacks how Black men have used clothing not just to look good, but to feel seen, respected, and whole in a world that too often misreads them. We dive into the threads between style and survival, and why a sharp suit or a clean fade can be an act of self-love.

2025 marks 100 years since the birth of Malcolm X! He was a revolutionary leader whose impact went far beyond the US civil rights movement. In this episode, we explore Malcolm X’s powerful legacy, from his early life shaped by racism and injustice, to his radical message of Black pride, self-determination, and Pan-Africanism.

We focus on his visits to the UK, including his powerful Oxford Union speech and his stand against racism in Smethwick. We reflect on why his message still resonates so deeply with Black British communities today, from education and empowerment to global solidarity and resistance.

In this episode, we explore racial empathy bias, the tendency to show more compassion and outrage for suffering in white or Western communities, while often ignoring or downplaying the pain experienced by Black and African communities. Why do global leaders and media respond differently to crises in Congo or Sudan compared to those in Europe? How is this selective empathy rooted in colonial history and racism? We break down the impact of this bias, how it devalues Black lives, and what we can do to challenge it. From shifting media narratives to supporting African-led initiatives, this episode is a call to action for justice, solidarity, and equal compassion.

This week, we're diving into the vibrant world of Black literature. Just a month after World Book Day – and you might have caught our fun 'me then vs me now' trend on TikTok, where the BLAM team shared childhood reading memories alongside our current favorites – we've curated a list of must-read books by Black authors. Whether you're looking to build a reading habit, need something for your commute, or want to add to that ever-growing 'To Be Read' pile, we've got something for you. We'll also be highlighting recommendations from fantastic book clubs like TNSReads, insightful BookTok creators such as John Paul, and other essential sources for discovering incredible Black voices in literature. So, let's turn the page and get started!