The UK’s Black History Month is October, and we are using this month to recognise two black local heroes who lived in Wandsworth.

We understand the argument that we should not need Black History Month but until we are all familiar with the stories, we need this celebration.  It gives us a moment to recognise people like Paul Boateng, Bernie Grant and Diane Abbott, the 3 first black MPs, elected in 1987 and for Liberal Democrats our new black MPs who are making history today. Congratulations to Josh Barbarinde on becoming MP for Eastbourne. 

Too often in October, we hear the well-known and fantastic stories of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. These were incredible people but this is not the month to tell their stories, October is the month for us, here in Wandsworth, to find out the stories of people who changed the UK and laid the foundations for a better society. 

In this blog, we go back to the beginning of the 20^th century and the hotbed of radicalism that was 55 Brynmaer Road in Battersea.

John Archer

The story begins with John Archer, born in Liverpool to Richard Archer, from Barbados and Mary Theresa Burns from Ireland.  

He travelled the work as a seaman but in the 1890s, he made his home in Brynmaer Road, Battersea.  In 1906, he was elected as a Progressive Liberal. In 1913 he was nominated for the post of Mayor (which meant, at that time.  real political leadership of the Council).  He won by one vote but in the campaign faced allegations that he did not have British nationality. (sound familiar?)  

His victory was so significant that it was reported in the US. He said about Battersea in his victory speech ‘the greatest thing (Battersea) has done has been to show that it has no racial prejudice and that it recognises a man for the work he has done’.  He successfully campaigned for a minimum wage for council workers of 31 shillings week – a significant achievement for workers rights.   

You can find blue plaques and institutions named after him now and Battersea Arts Centre put on a show about his life BAC evening celebrating John Archer Joyce Fraser describes his political career as someone who took on racism (at home and abroad), the demonisation of the poor and bigotry in the criminal justice system and who fought for the self-determination of the African diaspora. 

To find out more about John Archer, go to: John Archer (British politician) - Wikipedia  John Archer: Black Heroes Foundation (sources for this blog)

Jane Roberts

Let’s go now to his lodger, the extraordinary Jane Waring Roberts. Born in Virginia, US, in 1820, she moved to Liberia where she married the man who was to become the Governor and President. She raised money for a hospital and campaigned for women’s education.  She represented Liberia to Queen Victoria twice and persuaded the President of the USA to donate to the hospital. She lodged with the Archers from 1906 until her death in 1914 when she was well in her 90s.

To find out more about Jane Waring Roberts, go to:  Jane Rose (Waring) Roberts (1820-1914) | WikiTree 

It is thought that Jane and John became friends through their shared interest in social and political causes and their involvement in the African diaspora community in London.

Its lots of fun to imagine how stimulating the progressive conversations must have been in 55 Brynmaer Road.  If you too see how politics can change lives, come and join us.