October is Black History Month. Now in its 30th year, this UK-wide event documents the experiences of black people in Britain, whilst celebrating their achievements and recognising their rich contribution to national life and culture.
To mark the month, our archive department has been scouring back issues of the Catholic Pictorial, which date from 1962 to provide an insight into the vital role that the black community has played in Catholic life across the diocese.
Toxteth is a community that appears most often in the pages of the Catholic Pictorial, and a search through old editions, gives a fascinating and sometimes surprising glimpse into how the community has been reported.
We’ve discovered articles about a nearly-forgotten black boxer who became a world champion, a feature on an innovative child-minding initiative, and we’ve also brought to light a less savoury incident relating to early football hooliganism causing racial tensions in Liverpool. Perhaps you have your own story that you know was featured in the Pictorial? If you know of a report that our research hasn’t uncovered, do let us know.
Join us Monday – Friday throughout October to explore further. Email n.sayer@metcathedral.org.uk to book your visit.
