#19thCenturyTrailblazers Archives

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The Extraordinary Journey of the Met’s First Black Superintendent

Robert Branford, who became the Metropolitan Police's first black officer to rise through the ranks to become a superintendent in 1856

BWSMSeptember 17, 2023

Black Parenting: Discipline as ProtectionApril 5, 2026
They call it harsh. They rarely call it what it is. Black parenting has long been judged without context, misunderstood as severity rather than seen as protection. But in a world where Black children are too often viewed through a harsher lens, discipline becomes something deeper than control. It becomes preparation. It becomes survival. In the wake of events on Clapham High Street, the question of parenting has once again taken centre stage. But before we ask where the parents are, perhaps we should ask what they are up against. This piece explores the truth behind Black parenting, the tension between protection and perception, and the shift towards healing in a world that still demands resilience.
Editor’s Letter April 2026April 5, 2026
We need to talk about the truth behind being overqualified and underpaid. As we step into a new financial year, the same uncomfortable question keeps resurfacing: Who really benefits from our labour—and at what cost? From pay gaps to invisible work, from limited representation to the constant pressure to prove ourselves, the economics of being Black is lived every day. This month’s Editor’s Letter breaks it down with honesty, evidence, and urgency. Read on, because naming the truth is the first step to changing it.
The Homecoming, as MOBOs marks 30 years with epic celebration.April 2, 2026
It was a night of legacy, star power and cultural pride as the MOBO Awards marked an incredible 30 years with a landmark celebration in Manchester. Bringing together global icons like Pharrell Williams, Estelle and Tiwa Savage, the milestone event proved why the MOBOs remain a cornerstone of Black music and culture. At the heart of it all was Estelle’s powerful homecoming, a full-circle moment that perfectly captured the spirit of an evening dedicated not just to honouring the past, but shaping the future.
Mayor Margaret Greer’s Gala Unites Enfield in PurposeMarch 16, 2026
Mayor Margaret Greer’s Charity Gala was more than an evening of elegance—it was a powerful celebration of community, heritage, and purpose in the heart of Enfield. As the borough’s first Black woman of Caribbean heritage to serve as Mayor, Cllr Greer brought together residents, leaders, and supporters for a night dedicated to uplifting vital causes and strengthening the spirit of unity. Read how this unforgettable evening reflected the power of representation, resilience, and the collective strength of the Enfield community.
Five Black Women. Five Bodies of Water. And a History We Can No Longer IgnoreMarch 15, 2026
The Silence is the Story Five Black women. Five bodies of water. And a national conversation that barely registered a ripple. In this searing and vital piece, Dr Diahanne Rhiney, Editor in Chief of Black Wall St Media, confronts the uncomfortable historical pattern of how Black women’s lives are valued and often made invisible by the systems meant to protect them. From the tragic disappearances of Blessing Olusegun and Samaria Ayanle to the urgent necessity of economic sovereignty as a form of safety, this article is a call to action for visibility, protection, and the refusal to let history repeat itself. Read the full article below to understand why we must say their names.