Pioneering, Bold and Brave – the faces that inspired British culture

During Black History Month 2024, we celebrate those with truly inspiring stories that pioneered British Culture from their sporting achievements to their work in arts and literature. This is a month which should highlight accomplishments and overcoming adversity and hardship to achieve their goals and ambitions. We celebrate those with intriguing stories some of which moved the nation to tears and some of which moved the nation to joy and splendour. Yusuf Amin, Legal Assistant, shares his thoughts.

Paul Canoville

The first Black Chelsea Football Player. A skilful winger, he was scouted from non-league side Hillingdon during which he was homeless. He made 79 appearances for the side in which he scored 11 goals all of which had important meaning not only for pitch results but for the young fans in the stands or watching on television that needed an inspiration on the pitch to look up to. The fans that go to Sunday League every weekend with dreams of becoming a professional footballer. He is also a person that inspires off the pitch as well with his honest character going public with his battle against heroin addiction later publishing the widely received autobiography “Black and Blue” turning his life around from a post career depression.

David Harewood

The first Black Actor to play Othello in theatres. David is somebody who has inspired many from his acting in Mandela to Homeland. Moreover, “Maybe I Don’t Belong Here” is a book that has inspired many. It is a book that describes David’s sectioning in a Mental Institution in the late 1980’s. He describes the feelings he had during the arrest, the mental health struggles that he went through then and now as well as the challenges that he had with the police. He is the true definition of a pioneer and true inspiration for young people with mental health issues. He is also the producer of a documentary called “Psychosis and Me” which is greatly reviewed. Despite all of his hardships, he overcame and conquered his tribulations to inspire many young children who have aspirations to go to London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art or Royal Academy of Dramatic Art from his brilliant work on our screens.

Keith Valentine Graham – “Levi Roots”

Levi has been putting music in his food for decades now. Funded by Peter Jones, his business “Levi Roots”  has amassed millions of pounds and has inspired many young entrepreneurs to chase their dreams. He is somebody that had to conquer the hardship that came with him moving from Jamaica at a young age. With a smile on his face, Levi charmed millions watching television around Britain. He is truly an inspiration to those wishing to build their own business.

Michael Fuller

The first Black Chief Constable in the United Kingdom. He provided stellar service to the British Public and successfully worked with the police to reduce burglary crime in Kent with a special initiative that has been coined as the system used across the United Kingdom now. This was special because at the time, burglary and other dwelling crimes were rife and with his initiative and forward thinking, he devised a solution. He is an inspiration to young people that want to join the police force. Michael is somebody that had to work his way up and learn his trade. Since then, Michael has published the autobiography which is critically acclaimed and has worked to give talks around schools highlighting the positive and fulfilling role policing can have on society even with the need for reform and accountability.

Skepta

Boy Better Know. Skepta shutdown the grime scene and changed the hip hop sound in Britain. He commercialised the sound with his brother JME and gave new insight into the artistry and storytelling that is rap. He produced iconic albums such as Microphone Champion, Ignorance is Bliss and Blacklisted which took the underground scene by storm. He has also brought a Caribbean sound to rap inspiring many to bring a melodic sound to fast beats. A true great and face of British Music.

Dina Asher Smith

Dina is a World Champion. Not many people can say that let alone young black women who grew up on the outskirts of South London. She is a professional in every sense of the word and always looks to put her best foot forward wearing her heart on her sleeve every time she laces up those boots. She has inspired thousands of young black adults to chase their dream of running and one day make it to the grand stage.

Marcus and Melanie Rashford

Many know him for his goals in the Premier League. However some will recognise him for the community work he has done during the pandemic campaigning for free school meals and football academy opportunities in schools. The Number 10 has looked to never forget his roots even with the stardom he has achieved. Marcus is a true great both professionally and personally coming through adversity during his childhood.

Many know Marcus but few know Melanie; his mother and the guiding force behind all of the success Marcus has achieved. She has always looked to put Marcus’ feelings first and never pressured him into doing anything he did not want to. Moreover, she supported his dream of becoming a Premier League Footballer even when at times it did not seem possible. Melanie is a true inspiration just as much as Marcus is.

Anthony Joshua

A boxing icon. The face of British Boxing. A former world champion. Brand Ambassador to Under Armour. Anthony has inspired millions to take up boxing across the world and with his charm, has brought new eyes to the sport that needed reinvigorating. An Olympic Gold Medallist, he took up the sport of boxing later than most of his peers at 17. Nevertheless, he endured hardship and suffered immensely to get to the top. His most notable fights are the Dillion Whyte saga, Klitschko Flight and Joseph Parker fight. AJ has made British Boxing a Commercial Asset.

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.