Claudia Jones (Edexcel GCSE History) : Revision Note

Claudia Jones and Black activism in Notting Hill - Timeline & Summary

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Claudia Jones played a key role in organising and uniting the Caribbean community in London in the 1950s. She set up the West Indian Gazette, a newspaper that gave Black voices a platform at a time when mainstream media often ignored them. It helped people stay informed, share experiences, and campaign against racism.

After the 1958 Notting Hill Riots, Claudia Jones also helped organise the first indoor Caribbean Carnival in 1959 to bring people together and celebrate their culture. This peaceful event inspired the Notting Hill Carnival that still happens today. Her work made a lasting impact on Black British activism and helped build pride and community during a time of tension and prejudice.

Who was Claudia Jones?

• Claudia Jones was a civil rights activist, journalist, and political campaigner

• She was born in Trinidad in 1915 and later moved to the USA

• In America, she was involved in campaigning for Black rights

  • However, the US government deported Claudia Jones in 1955 for her political beliefs

• She came to Britain and quickly became an important voice for the Caribbean community in London

• Jones believed in fighting racism through:

  • Peaceful activism

    • She spoke to London Transport and persuaded them to allow Black employees to gain promotions

    • She campaigned against the 1962 Commonwealth Immigration Act

  • Journalism

    • She created the West Indian Gazette

  • Community events

    • She was involved in the organisation of the first Caribbean Carnival

The West Indian Gazette

• In 1958, Claudia Jones founded the West Indian Gazette

  • This became Britain’s first major newspaper aimed at the Caribbean community

• It was published monthly and covered stories about:

  • Racism

  • Civil rights

  • Culture

  • Caribbean politics

• The paper gave Black migrants a 'voice'

  • In the 1950s, many mainstream British newspapers ignored or misrepresented Black voices

  • The Gazette gave migrants their own platform to share experiences, report discrimination, and build a sense of identity and pride

The Notting Hill Carnival

• After the Notting Hill Riots in 1958, Claudia Jones helped organise an event to bring communities together

  • The event was called the Caribbean Carnival

    • It was held inside St Pancras Town Hall, London

  • It took place on 30th January 1959

  • It featured Caribbean music, dance, and food

    • One key Black entertainer at the event was Cleo Laine

  • The BBC broadcast the Caribbean Carnival

• The Caribbean Carnival was a success

  • Claudia Jones moved the event around the country

• The idea inspired the later development of the Notting Hill Carnival

  • The carnival was first held in 1966, two years after Jones' death

  • Organisers held the event outside in the streets of Notting Hill

  • It continues to be held every year, becoming the biggest street festival in Europe