BLACK AFRICANS IN UK

Black Africans in UK

Black Africans in UK

Introduction

The history of black Africans in UK is full of racism and their resistance to discrimination. Ever since the first five Africans arrived in Great Britain in 1544, they have faced unabated discrimination over the coming centuries. A number of political, social and economical factors have contributed towards the impending discrimination against the blacks in UK. They have been discussed in this report along with the many problems surrounding access to and the minority group's experience of mainstream mental health services. Some recommendations to overcome these ills in the mental health services have also been provided (RAI-ATKINS, 2002, pp 12).

Historical account of black African group's vulnerability to discriminatory pressures

Starting from earlier times, there were a few slave and free Africans living in Great Britain. The interactions between these blacks and the local whites became blotted with racism, prejudice and discrimination. The society never accepted them as equals. Discrimination at the social level became so rampant that it finally exploded on the political front with the then queen Elizabeth I ordering the blacks to be expelled from Britain as she felt that they were responsible for the social problems in Britain (RAI-ATKINS, 2002, pp 13).

At the onset of the 18th century, there were around 15,000 blacks living in Britain. Slavery was not termed legal according to any law then and a court decision in 1772 made it a crime to send an African who was living in Britain back to slavery. Some of the American blacks who won their freedom in exchange for supporting the revolution also came to Britain. The society still did not accept the blacks as equal and in the political front, discrimination continued. A law passed in 1731 barred blacks from learning trades. This meant that economically, the blacks could never be independent (RAI-ATKINS, 2002, pp 14).

After slavery was abolished, social, economical and political relations between the blacks and whites in Britain were determined by the colonialism mindset. The industrial revolution created the demand for workers and new markets where Britain could sell it goods. By the 20th century, some blacks came to Britain to look for jobs. The blacks were not allowed to serve in the world war but were allowed to work in factories. After the war was over, they lost their jobs. When unemployment rate went high, the locals blamed the blacks for the social unrest which accompanied the joblessness. There were race riots in 1919 (RAI-ATKINS, 2002, pp 15).

Modern account of black African group's vulnerability to discriminatory pressures

In the coming decades, this minority community continued to face discrimination in all walks of life in the host country. The black Africans faced discrimination and legislation that barred other black Africans from entering UK. The Commonwealth Immigrants Bill of 1962 was followed by the Immigration Acts of 1968 and 1971 which resulted in the entry of colonial subjects including Africa being restricted from entering UK. The blacks responded to the discrimination due to the various ...