People at the annual Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating Black-British culture and history through dance, food and music. Photo by Glodi Miessi on Unsplash
Immigration has long contributed to the growth and development of societies. Culturally, socially, and economically, the fabric of society has been shaped by the assimilation of migrants into their adopted country. In the United Kingdom, one of the groups of immigrants making a significant impact through cultural integration, and economic and social contributions is the Black community cutting across several countries from Africa to the Caribbean.
Historically, Black immigration was said to have started during World War 1 and 2 when the British Recruited Anglo-Caribbean subjects for Naval service. Though they experienced segregation, they brought their significant experience to bear in military labor units, munitions factory, and other industries.
With the weakening of the British empire, advent of industrialization, and the growing economic needs of the British empire, the upsurge of Black immigrants into the United Kingdom grew exponentially.
Economic Contributions
Black immigrants have made considerable contributions to the United Kingdom’s economy since their arrival. Despite operating an unfamiliar system when juxtaposed with the system operating in their home countries, many immigrants who come into the UK make effort to enroll in programs or courses that would enable them assimilate faster as well as fill up the labor market gaps in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation amongst others.
According to the GOV.UK NHS data report for June 2022 which was published on April 13, 2023, data shows that for June 2022 with over 1.3 million people employed by the NHS and out of the NHS staff whose ethnicity was known, the Black staff made up 7.4% of the NHS workforce, and 4.4% of the working age population.
Such numbers and more can be seen in other sectors of the UK economy. Not only have they contributed to the 964.8 billion pounds’ tax revenue in 2022/23, their hard work has been crucial in driving economic growth. Also. Black immigrant entrepreneurs have set up businesses that have created employment and contributed to the UK economy.
Photo by Arthur Edelmans on Unsplash
Cultural Integration
In parts of the UK, it is not unusual to see a community of immigrants housed within a certain location. While this group gathering might be rooted in consideration of several factors, such communities provide an opportunity for the development of cultural variety to the UK society through the introduction of traditions, music, food, and language.
With attractive genres such as Afrobeat, reggae, calypso, and hip-hop taking root in the minds of the British public, and with more collaboration between British and African artist becoming a common sight, the influence of Black migrants in the UK music industry is growing exponentially.
In the world of literature and arts, Black immigrants have contributed to the English literature. Writers like Andrea Levy known for her books such as Fruit of Lemon (1999), Never far from Nowhere (1996), Uriah’s War (2014), and Samuel Selvon, known for his works such as The Lonely Londoners (1956), Moses Ascending (1975), Moses Migrating (1983), drew attention to plight and challenges of the Black immigrant communities and their journey towards integration.
Notwithstanding the challenges faced by Black immigrants in the past, and in their quest to integrate, they have significantly contributed to the growth of the UK. Generations after, their children are taking their pride of place in every sector of the society while earning international recognition for their accomplishments.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures.
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