Black History Month Plaques

Over the years the Black History Month organisation in the South have made special efforts to recognise individuals, people and places that have made an impact on Black communities and Black culture in the region. We believe that it is important to mark and remember the positive contributions that Black people have made to the cultural history of the city.

To this end we created the “Black Plaque”, which is similar to the well-recognised Blue Plaques run by English Heritage and provides an opportunity to further popularise individuals and works that may have been forgotten or not known. These plaques are located in different parts of the city and below is a list of the individuals and places that have been recognised.

• Muhammad Ali: visited Hedge End in 1971 promoting Fine Fare Supermarket
• Bob Marley: played at The Coach House Inn Swaythling Southampton in May 1973
• Joe Harriott: Jamaican Born Jazz Saxophonist-Died in Southampton and buried in Bitterne Churchyard
• Mae Street Kidd: During World War Il Mae served as a nurse at Netley Hospital and also became assistant director of the Red Cross service for black soldiers in Southampton.
• The Windrush Generation: Brave Pioneers who journeyed from The Caribbean to The Port of Southampton
• Craig David: Southampton’s favourite son and International star
• Southampton Race Equality Council: Supporting the needs of those subjected to racism & discrimination
• Alf Charles: Southampton Football Club’s First Black Player