black people and water - a little history

The history of black people in the UK is long and complex, and it is closely tied to the history of the British Empire and its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

The presence of black individuals in Britain has been recorded as far back as Roman times, but the population remained relatively small until the 16th century. The advent of the transatlantic slave trade in the late 15th century led to a significant increase in the black population in Britain, although the majority of enslaved Africans were transported to colonies in the Americas.

In the 18th century, London, Bristol, and Liverpool became major slave-trading ports, and the wealth generated from the slave trade contributed significantly to the growth and development of these cities. Many of the grand buildings, docks, and warehouses in these cities were financed by the profits from the slave trade.

The docks in London, Bristol, and Liverpool would have been the site of much activity related to the slave trade. Ships would have been built and fitted out for slave voyages, and goods produced by enslaved people in the colonies, such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, would have been unloaded and sold.

However, it's important to note that the enslaved Africans were generally not brought to Britain to be sold. Slavery was never formally recognized by English law, and in the late 18th century, a series of court cases effectively established that slavery did not exist in England.

The transatlantic slave trade was abolished in 1807, although slavery itself was not abolished in the British colonies until 1833. In the years following the abolition of the slave trade, the black population in Britain became more diverse, with new arrivals from the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia.

Despite the dark history of the slave trade, black people in Britain have made significant contributions to British society and culture, and the struggle for racial equality continues to this day. The legacy of the slave trade and the role of cities like London, Bristol, and Liverpool in this trade is a topic of ongoing debate and discussion.

The history of Black people fishing in the UK isn't extensively documented or studied. This could be due in part to the fact that fishing has traditionally been seen as a predominantly white activity, and historical records often overlook the experiences and activities of marginalized communities.

However, in the UK, especially in coastal towns and cities, fishing has long been an integral part of life, and it's likely that Black communities would have also participated in fishing activities. In cities like Liverpool and Bristol, which have long-established Black communities due to their maritime histories, fishing could have been a part of life for some, be it for work, for sustenance, or for leisure.

In more recent years, there are growing efforts to diversify the sport of fishing and encourage more participation from Black and other minority ethnic communities. Organisations such as the Black Swimming Association are working to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in all water sports, including fishing.

While it's important to acknowledge the historical lack of diversity in fishing and other outdoor activities, it's also crucial to celebrate and encourage the growing participation of Black people and other minority groups in these activities today. The Black Fish community is making a step in thus direction.