The Portsmouth Black History group has been established to ensure that Portsmouth’s Black history is embedded as an integral part of our local history, and British history more broadly.
This initiative hopes to engage with the ordinariness of people’s experiences. It seeks to uncover the richness and diversity of Black lives in Portsmouth as an intrinsic part of our social fabric, as well as exploring what these stories can tell us about Portsmouth’s connectedness to and place in the wider world, as a port city and hub of international exchange.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Portsmouth Black Stories project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to document the experiences of the pioneering African and Caribbeans who made the city their home after the Second World War.
Find articles, photos, videos and stories all celebrating the fascinating black history of the city of Portsmouth.
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We’re constantly looking to grow our archive in order to raise the visibility of Portsmouth’s Black history. If you have something interesting you’d be happy to share with us please get in touch!
Add a contributionI don’t think anyone who came here as an African Caribbean in the 1970s could have thought we would come so far. It is changing for the better and I hope as more black children are born in the city, they will carry that further.
Marie Costa
Former Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth 2022-2023
