When it comes to British national treasures, Patrick Vernon OBE is high up on the list. An activist, historian, former politician and cultural curator whose work spans decades, he’s one of the Black Britons who has been instrumental in uncovering a Black British identity. From fighting against systemic and societal inequalities to his Afrofuturistic exploration aboard the SS Sankofa on his podcast Museum of Grooves, Patrick’s continuing impact is felt wide and far. Today, we discuss his formative beginnings as an activist, the enduring impact of Enoch Powell’s 'Rivers of Blood' speech, why Afrofuturism is a tool to better agitate for our future today and the many manifestations of our activism: he says activism is not just protesting and lobbying; it’s also the visionary and creative reimagining of our lives.

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Patrick Vernon OBE is an activist, creator, historian and agitator for justice whose podcast, Museum of Grooves, is a must-listen.

This episode features David Lammy's electrifying address to Parliament and A Guy Called Gerald's 'Voodoo Ray'

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@_busybeingblack is the podcast exploring how we live in the fullness of our queer Black lives. Supporting this podcast doesn't cost any money; your retweets, ratings, reviews, shares and feedback all help, so please keep it all coming #busybeingblack

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Thank you to our partners, UK Black Pride and BlackOut UK.

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