Black History Month - Standing firm in Power and Pride, Trailblazers

As we continue writing about Black History Month we focus on theme of Standing firm in Power and Pride. 

This month we honour trailblazers like John Edmonstone, Dido Elizabeth Belle, Fanny Eaton, and George Bridgetower — figures whose legacies shaped our culture, challenged prejudice, and inspired generations. 

George Bridgetower was born in the 18th century and was a violinist prodigy, performing with the likes of Beethoven at the age of 25. 

"The appearance of a black virtuoso violinist was not in itself something new in Georgian London. Any prodigious new talent on the violin would have provoked curiosity – but the fact that George Bridgetower was only twelve and of mixed race guaranteed he would be taken note of in a society where black people featured only as exotic servants. The unanimous praise for young Bridgetower's gifts prompted a reappraisal of received attitudes to race, for here was a gifted young black who clearly demonstrated that he was an artistic force to be reckoned with...George Bridgetower's stunning London debut in 1790 had overturned many preconceptions about the intellectual and artistic abilities of black people. It demonstrated that they could display equally prodigious artistic talents as white musicians."

Source: https://helenrappaport.com/mary-seacole-black-victorian-history/george-bridgetower-the-black-violinist-at-the-court-of-the-prince-of-wales/

We encourage you to research these historical figures and discover their stories. By doing our research and understanding this history we can help their legacies continue. 

Scan the QR codes on the poster below to hear the stories of Black Men and women who have stood on British Frontlines. 

The RC Team

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