British Black Politics: From Anti-Colonialism to Abolitionism

What is the history of radical black politics in Britain, and how has it shaped contemporary movements such as Black Lives Matter? Why is it so important to understand blackness in Britain as a global concept and part-history of black internationalism? This course bridges the connections between anti-colonial struggles against the British Empire, Britain’s Black Power Movement, urban rebellions, the neoliberal co-optation of Black politics, and Black Lives Matter. We will uncover how international networks of activists and movements made Britain an important focal point for radicals organising against racism and imperialism. This will include case studies of black political movements in former British colonies such as Trinidad, as well Britain’s Black Power movements. Vitally, this course will also explore how black radical ideas and identities were formed in Britain throughout the 20th century, drawing on thinkers such as C.L.R. James, Ambalavaner Sivanandan, and Paul Gilroy. Finally, we will explore how radical black movements have influenced our contemporary moment, asking: how have the politics of abolition today been shaped by the revolutionary black politics of previous decades?

Course Schedule

Monday, 6:30-9:30pm GMT (1:30-4:30pm ET)
November 11 — December 02, 2024
4 weeks

$335.00

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