Patrick Vernon

World Wars and Black Soldiers. African Odysseys @BFI

As the UK marks 60 years since the passing of the Race Relations Act of 1965, the first legislation to address racial discrimination, the question of how we protect and preserve Black history media has never been more urgent. Against a backdrop of increasing right-wing activity and efforts to rewrite or erase narratives, Professor Patrick Vernon OBE – a leading activist, historian, and cultural advocate – reflects on the ongoing fight to safeguard the stories that shape Britain’s diverse identity.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Preservation

Professor Vernon’s lifelong work has been defined by one consistent mission — ensuring that Black British history is documented, recognised, and celebrated. From launching the 100 Black Britons campaign in 2003 (and later publishing the best-selling book in 2020), to securing national recognition for Mary Seacole, his contributions have permanently altered Britain’s cultural landscape.

He was instrumental in exposing the Windrush scandal and forcing the government to establish Windrush Day as a national event in 2018. His platform, the Every Generation educational website, became a vital archive of Black history — even after being destroyed by racist hackers, he rebuilt it, a testament to his resilience and commitment to truth.

The Fight for Representation in Media and Archives

Vernon’s work extends far beyond academia. His Museum of Grooves radio show on Afrofuturism and Black history (2016–2020) and his films on Caribbean World War II veterans like Eddie Noble (A Charmed Life) highlight how mainstream narratives often exclude or distort the Black experience.

He continues to advocate for the preservation of Black cultural archives through the “Save 17 Years of Black History at BFI: African Odysseys” campaign, which has gathered over 17,000 signatures. The African Odysseys programme, run by volunteers since 2007, has screened powerful, anti-racist films with public discussions at the BFI Southbank  often filling 450 seats on Saturday afternoons when cinemas are usually empty. Despite its success, the BFI cancelled the programme under the pretext of “cost-cutting and promoting diversity,” sparking widespread criticism.

Why Preserving Black Media Matters

In his upcoming presentation and film discussion, Professor Vernon will address key issues, including:

• The importance of history, archives, and documentation in countering erasure.

• The whitewashing of World Wars in mainstream media.

• The role of independent Black filmmakers in reclaiming narratives.

• The link between mental health, politics, and history, and how trauma and resilience shape Black British identity.

• The evolution of race equality laws, and their application across institutions such as the police, universities, hospitals, and cultural organisations.

These discussions will draw on Vernon’s decades of experience to explore both the problems and the pathways forward ensuring that Black history is not treated as a seasonal topic, but as a permanent, evolving part of the British story.

Continuing the Mission

Beyond this talk, Black History Walks continues to run a vibrant calendar of events including “20 Banned Black Films You Need to See,” “Black History Steam Train Trip,” “How Black People Won World War II,” and the Black History Bus Tour, among others. These experiences bring hidden histories to life and challenge the structural forces that have long marginalised Black contributions.

About Professor Patrick Vernon OBE

An Honorary Professor for Community Leadership and Heritage and Pro Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, Patrick Vernon is also a writer, broadcaster, and EDI adviser. Named one of British Vogue’s Top 20 Campaigners, and consistently listed in the Powerlist of influential Black Britons, he remains a leading voice for justice and representation.

In 2024, he co-authored Black Grief and Healing, the UK’s first major anthology exploring grief and bereavement through a Black lens. His work continues to blend history, activism, and healing — pushing institutions, policymakers, and the public to reckon with the realities of Britain’s racial past and its ongoing implications.

📅 Event: World Wars and Black Soldiers. African Odysseys @BFI
🕒 Date: Friday, 7th November, 2025
📍 Venue: Lewisham Way
👉 To register, click: here