Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the incredible contributions of black women throughout history. This year, we want to highlight the stories of six trailblazing women who have made lasting impacts in their respective fields. From the military and music to civil rights and literature, their legacies continue to inspire.  

Mary Prince (1788–1833) 

Mary Prince, born into slavery in Bermuda, made history as the first Black woman in Britain to publish an autobiography detailing her life as a slave. Her powerful narrative, ‘The History of Mary Prince’, provided a rare, firsthand account of the brutal realities faced by enslaved men and women, influencing the British abolitionist movement. 

Her courage in speaking out against slavery, despite the dangers she faced, makes her an enduring symbol of resilience and the fight for human dignity.  

Mary Seacole (1805–1881) 

Mary Seacole’s legacy as a pioneering nurse is an inspiring story of resilience and compassion. Born in Jamaica, Seacole moved to England in 1854. During the Crimean War, despite being rejected by the British War Office, she funded her own way to the battlefield, where she set up the British Hotel—a haven for wounded soldiers. 

Although overshadowed by Florence Nightingale at the time, Seacole’s contributions were invaluable. Her work was largely forgotten after her death, but in 1991, a campaign to recognise her began, and in 2004, she was voted the greatest Black Briton in a BBC poll. Her story reminds us of the often-overlooked contributions of Black women in history. 

Lilian Bader (1918–2015) 

Lilian Bader’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the first Black women in the British Armed Forces is a remarkable story of perseverance. Born in Liverpool in 1918, she started her career as a canteen assistant at an army base in Yorkshire. However, she didn’t stop there—she trained as an instrument repairer, eventually rising to the rank of Corporal as a leading aircraftwoman.  

Her family’s dedication to the Armed Forces didn’t stop with her; three generations of the Bader family have served in the military. After leaving the Army to start a family, Lilian retrained, earning a degree from the University of London and becoming a teacher—a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and service. 

Margaret Busby (1944–Present) 

Margaret Busby is a literary trailblazer. In 1967, she co-founded Allison & Busby, becoming the UK’s youngest and first black female book publisher. Her publishing company helped to amplify the voices of black writers, significantly contributing to the diversification of British literature. 

Today, Busby continues to be a major influence in the world of publishing and literary activism. She encourages young people to write, advising them to “write because you enjoy it” and to read voraciously, recognising the power of words to reshape society. 

Joan Armatrading (1950–Present) 

Joan Armatrading’s musical career is one for the history books. Born in Saint Kitts and arriving in the UK at the age of seven, Armatrading started writing songs at 14 and taught herself to play guitar. She later became the first female UK artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the blues category, achieving this feat three times. 

Her success transcended borders; in the 1970s, she became the first Black British singer-songwriter to achieve international acclaim. In 2007, she became the first female UK artist to debut at number 1 on the Billboard Blues chart, an achievement that cemented her as a pioneer in the music industry. 

Olive Morris (1952–1979) 

Olive Morris was a fierce advocate for civil rights, making her mark in both South London and Manchester. Born in Jamaica and raised in the UK, she fought for the rights of black people, particularly women, and played a key role in movements aimed at addressing racial inequality. 

She co-founded influential groups such as the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD) and the Brixton Black Women's Group, striving to bring attention to the struggles of black communities in the UK. Although her life was tragically cut short at the age of 27, her activism and dedication to social justice left a profound impact that continues to resonate today. 

These six women broke barriers, challenged societal norms, and made their mark in history. During Black History Month, we celebrate their achievements and