Black history

Explore the histories of Black people in Europe with stories and content from Europeana

Notable people

monochrome illustration, portrait of Alexandre Dumas who sits with his arms crossed at a desk with books and papers
Story

How his novels have been adapted in performing arts

Story

The black violinist and composer

Story

Three women writing Caribbean and European stories

a black and white print portrait of Jacobus Capitein
Story

Enslavement, theology and a literary legacy

Story

How Audre Lorde made Black and feminist history in Germany

cropped sepia-toned profile portrait photograph of Rosa Lemberg
Story

'The first Black woman in Finland'

Photo of Billie Holiday with her dog
Story

Black women's jazz legacies in Europe

Sidney Bechet playing the clarinet
Story

Black American musicians who mainstreamed jazz throughout Europe after the First and Second World War

collage showing artwork of Juan de Pareja by Diego Velázquez, photograph of Nellie Cooman and image of Toussaint Louverture
Exhibition

The stories and achievements of Black figures from the past to the present

Story

Discover the history of a modern dance theatre that helped propel stories of a nation to the world

black and white photograph of Ira Aldridge, who wears formal clothing
Story

African-American Shakespearean actor and abolitionist who was renowned across Europe

Story

Dancer, spy and freedom fighter - Josephine Baker was a force throughout her life as a performer and activist.

colour portrait of Joseph Bologne, who wears a red coat and holds a sword
Story

The life of Joseph Bologne, a French 18th century fencer, soldier and composer

painting of a young Black man who wears a green suit with gold buttons and large white collar, he carries a small box
Story

Three portraits telling a remarkable story of diplomacy and colonial history in the 17th century

black and white photograph of a group of people, women carrying large baskets on their heads and men standing in or beside a small boat
Story

Photographer sisters who chronicled early 20th century life in Suriname

black and white portrait of Angela Davis
Story

African-American political activist, philosopher and author combatting racism, sexism and homophobia

Story

Transatlantic perspectives on American abolitionist and anti-slavery campaigner

grainy black and white photograph of Leone Jacovacci who flexes his arm muscles
Story

Afro-Italian boxer who was Italian champion in the 1920s, angering fascists

Story

Singer, actor and activist known for her distinctive singing style and voice

colourful drawing with many different figures
Story

Cuban whose art was influenced both by Catholic and African traditions

Story

Three Black authors from the Americas who have lived in Europe

Story

Singer-songwriter and advocate for the rights of Black people across the world

black and white photograph of Jesse Owens running
Story

The 1936 Olympic champion who battled poverty and racial bigotry with sporting success

black and white portrait photograph of Virgínia Quaresma
Story

Portugal's first female journalist who was a mixed race and lesbian writer and activist

Story

Patrice Lumumba, Mariama Bâ and Fela Kuti's politics, literature and music

Gallery

Explore a gallery with some of the most influential black musicians that made history

Lives and communities

Visitors to the Maritime Museum, including one wheelchair user, look at a model ship in a glass case. Behind them are several portraits and an information board with the title Leuvehaven.
Story

The colonial past of Rotterdam

black and white photograph of several black people descending a gangway from a ship
Story

The legacy of an inspiring generation

Photo from a 2017 Black Lives Matter demo in Berlin. The women in the centre holds a poster that says: "Generation ADEFRA / black feminists say NO to racism, misogyny, homo-/transphobia, trumpism, fascism!"
Story

How three organisations promote Black participation in politics

Sister Rosetta Tharpe facing the camera and looking to the top left, has her mouth open to sing, holding a microphone close to her chin.
Story

Exploring the history of Black Gospel music in Museum Catharijneconvent

Gallery

The everyday lives of people from the African diaspora captured by photographers.

Gallery

Explore portrayals of Black people in European art, which are often exoticised, subjugated and minoritised

black and white photograph of a group of footballers who wear suits
Gallery

Photos, films and memorabilia showing Black footballers who have played in teams across Europe

Story

Multicultural theatre company inspiring new generations of performers

Story

Exploring moments in the history of Britain’s Black communities

Story

Poetry, writing and music in Guadeloupe Creole, Twi, Ewe and Xhosa, four languages of the African diaspora

painting of Aleksander Pushkin
Story

The ways in which mixed raced people have contributed to the stories of Europe

A creole woman in a red turban
Story

Kreolitude and what it can bring to people

Fashion

black and white photograph of Josephine Baker who wears a ball gown
Story

Inspiring photographers and designers

Gallery

The Tunisian heritage of couture

Gallery

From Mogadishu to the Fashion World

Catwalk and stage

Gallery

British Supermodel has overcome some of the challenges of being a Black Model

Story

African-American fashion designer who broke barriers in the European fashion industry