Activism in Notting Hill (Edexcel GCSE History) : Revision Note

Black activism in Notting Hill, c1948–1970 - Summary

After 1948, Black communities in Notting Hill took action to support one another and challenge racism. Organisations like the Unity Association helped young Black people who were refused housing by racist landlords. Activist groups such as the British Black Panthers campaigned for better treatment and civil rights, and their headquarters on All Saints Road became important for protests, meetings and support networks.

Community-based solutions were also vital. The Black People's Information Centre gave advice and taught people about their rights, while Pardner schemes allowed Caribbean migrants to save money and buy homes when banks would not help.

Development of All Saints Road

• All Saints Road is located in the heart of Notting Hill, close to Portobello Road

• In the 1960s, it became the centre of Black activism and culture in the area

  • It was home to several key organisations and places of support for the Caribbean community

  • Many marches, meetings, and protests were organised from this street

The British Black Panthers

• The British Black Panthers was formed in 1968

  • Inspired by the American Black Panther Party

• The group aimed to fight racial discrimination in:

  • housing

  • employment

  • education

  • policing

• Their headquarters opened on All Saints Road in 1968, giving the movement a strong local base

• The British Black Panthers helped organise protests and provided legal support for Black people facing injustice

• The group brought national attention to racism in Notting Hill and beyond

The Unity Association

• Many landlords refused to house Caribbean migrants, particularly young men

  • This was even if they could afford to pay rent

  • The council often excluded Black male migrants from finding council housing

• The Unity Association provided emergency accommodation for homeless Black youth

• It operated in converted houses in and around All Saints Road and Westbourne Park

• Its work helped protect vulnerable members of the community and gave them a base to rebuild their lives

The Black People's Information Centre

• The Black People's Information Centre was a support centre that offered legal advice and welfare help to Caribbean migrants

  • Community activists, including members of the British Black Panthers, set up the organisation

• It also focused on:

  • Civil rights education

  • Teaching Black history

  • Raising awareness and pride

• Its impact was long-lasting in empowering people and spreading awareness of racial injustice

IMAGE

A black and white photograph of a Black People's Information Centre in London. The photograph was taken by Al Vandenberg in his series On a Good Day, 1970s

Pardner schemes

Why were pardner schemes needed?

• Banks and building societies refused loans to many Black migrants

  • This was even if they had regular income and could afford repayments

• This discrimination meant that Caribbean migrants often could not get mortgages or small business loans

How did pardner schemes work?

• A group of trusted people agreed to contribute a fixed amount of money each week

  • The group could be friends, family, or neighbours

• This money was put into a shared “pot”

• Each week, one member of the group received the full amount

• The rotation continued until everyone had received a full share, known as a “draw”

• People could use their draw to:

  • Pay a house deposit

  • Buy furniture

  • Start a business

• These schemes were built on trust, with no written contracts

IMAGE

A flowchart showing how the pardner system worked