Black History in Co-operation

October is Black History Month, a month to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Black people to British society. The theme for this year is “Reclaiming Narratives” - an important way to focus on correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.

To mark Black History Month this year, we wanted to share the stories of some of the Black British men, women and societies who championed co-operatives as tools for economic empowerment.

Akyaaba Addai-Sebo: Originally from Ghana, Addai-Sebo advocated for co-operative economics within Black British communities. He was actually instrumental in establishing Black History Month in the UK, which is likely why this month includes themes of economic empowerment and co-operative development in Black history education.

The Federation of Black Housing Organisations (1980s): This society brought together several Black-led housing co-operatives and community organisations to improve access to housing for Black and minority ethnic groups across the UK. Their work influenced broader housing policies, supporting rights to decent living conditions.

Olive Morris: A pioneering activist in the Black British community during the 1970s, Morris co-founded the Brixton Black Women’s Group and was involved in housing co-operatives that provided accommodation for Black and Asian women facing discrimination. She promoted solidarity and collective action, inspiring future generations.

The Ujamaa Housing Association (1977): Named after the Swahili word for "extended family", this co-operative was inspired by Tanzanian Ujamaa principles and was one of the first Black-led housing co-operatives in London. The Ujamaa Housing Association was set up by Black activists to address the housing crisis among Black Britons, advocating for equal access to quality housing and homeownership in London.

Barbara Ford and Rupert Alleyne: Both played significant roles in establishing and leading the Ujamaa Housing Association, pushing for affordable housing through Black-led co-operatives and promoting economic self-sufficiency for Black communities in London.

The Black Cultural Archives and the Co-operative Movement: Formed in the 1980s in Brixton, the Black Cultural Archives began as a co-operative project dedicated to preserving the history and contributions of Black people in Britain. Though primarily cultural, it embodies co-operative principles of shared ownership and community benefit.

Black people have had a significant role in the history of the co-operative movement, both globally and in specific regions where co-operatives have been influential in economic development and social justice. In the UK, Black-led co-operatives and community organisations have a particularly rich history during and after the 20th century, and have been vital for promoting financial independence and mutual support among African, Caribbean and other minority communities in the UK - addressing economic, social and racial inequalities.

Through these efforts, Black communities in the UK have used co-operatives to create opportunities, confront social injustices, and build resilient communities in the face of exclusionary economic systems.

Today, Black-led co-operatives in the UK focus on various areas, including food sovereignty, housing and social enterprises. Organisations like the Co-operative Heritage Trust have recently documented and promoted the contributions of Black Britons to the co-operative movement, helping to preserve and highlight the history of these contributions.

You can learn more about Black History Month through a co-operative lens at https://www.uk.coop/resources/webinar-black-history-month-through-co-operative-lens.