Union Blacks

This flag encapsulates African and Afro-Caribbean history in the UK by listing the names of key personalities from the 17th century to the present day.

Origins and Inspiration
In the mid-1990s, I was inspired to create the Union Blacks exhibition after reading Paul Gilroy’s influential book There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack (1987). Gilroy’s work challenged dominant narratives of British identity, foregrounding the long-standing presence and contributions of Black communities in the UK. His concept of the Black Atlantic illuminated how diasporic cultures forge transnational identities that resist narrow national definitions, a perspective that deeply shaped my approach to reclaiming Black British history.

Stuart Hall’s theories on cultural identity and representation further reinforced this direction. Hall emphasised the need to actively construct narratives that reflect diverse histories rather than accept monolithic national symbols at face value. His ideas on cultural storytelling and the politics of representation strengthened my belief that visual symbols, such as the flag, can operate as dynamic tools for social change, fostering pride, visibility, and critical reflection.