Black History Month: Celebrating Black heritage in the UK and the Netherlands

Here at 1Password, we have a growing team of wonderfully talented and diverse individuals in Europe. We’re proud to spotlight Black trailblazers who have shaped Europe and beyond in our inaugural BHM celebrations for the region.

A brief history

Black History Month in the UK began in 1987. Led by activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, it was started as a way to recognize the contributions of Black Britons and to educate others on their history and struggles. In the Netherlands, Black History Month officially started in 2010 to highlight the achievements of Black people within their nation, many of whom are of Surinamese and African descent. Black people have lived in both countries for centuries, and their stories are deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of both nations.

As Frank Chevannes, Senior Inside Sales Manager at 1Password, eloquently states in his poem:

“Inventors, visionaries, queens and kings,
in history, there isn’t much that we haven’t been.
During this month take a journey through time,
what you’ll discover and learn will truly open your mind."

Their stories aren’t just chapters in a history book but inspirational blueprints for the future. Here are some of the key figures who have paved the way for others.

Olaudah Equiano (1745–1797, Nigeria/UK)

Born in what is now Nigeria, Olaudah Equiano was enslaved as a child and later gained his freedom in England. He became a key figure in the abolitionist movement in Britain. His autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, offered a harrowing first-hand account of the transatlantic slave trade and was crucial in the fight to end slavery in the UK.

Mary Seacole (1805–1881, Jamaica/UK)

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and based in London during her later years, Mary Seacole was a pioneering nurse who independently traveled to the Crimean War to provide care to British soldiers. Despite facing racial prejudice, she set up the “British Hotel” near the battlefield to nurse soldiers back to health. While she was overlooked during her time, Seacole’s invaluable contributions during the war have led her to be recognized as one of Britain’s greatest unsung heroes in healthcare.

Anton de Kom (1898–1945, Suriname/Netherlands)

A Surinamese anti-colonial activist and writer, Anton de Kom moved to the Netherlands in the early 1920s. His influential book, We Slaves of Suriname, exposed the atrocities of Dutch colonial rule and inspired movements for independence. He also played a role in the Dutch resistance during World War II, fighting against the Nazi occupation.

Claudia Jones (1915–1964, Trinidad/UK)

A Trinidad-born journalist and activist, Claudia Jones lived in London and founded the West Indian Gazette. She is also credited with starting the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the largest cultural celebrations in Europe today. The carnival now generates an estimated £396 million annually, showcasing the powerful economic and cultural impact of this Black-led event. Through her journalism and activism, she fought tirelessly for racial equality and women’s rights.

“I choose not to name drop and do this on purpose,
as the names that you’ve heard have barely scratched the surface."

The histories and achievements of these individuals are just a glimpse into the rich legacy of Black communities in both the UK and the Netherlands. For too long, many of these stories were untold or underrepresented, which left a gap in the public’s understanding of their contributions. But there’s power in reclaiming these narratives, as they reveal the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black heritage.

Paul Stephenson (1937–Present, UK)

Born in Essex, Paul Stephenson is a British civil rights activist who led the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963, a landmark campaign that paved the way for the UK’s first anti-discrimination laws. His activism was instrumental in confronting racial injustices and ensuring greater legal protections for Black Britons.

Margaret Busby (1944–Present, Ghana/UK)

Born in Ghana and based in London, Margaret Busby became the UK’s first Black female publisher when she co-founded Allison & Busby. A writer, editor, and activist, she has spent her life advocating for underrepresented voices in literature. Some of the notable works she helped publish include Sam Greenlee’s The Spook Who Sat by the Door, Ira Aldridge, and The Heart of the Race: Black Women’s Lives in Britain, which contributed to shaping the Black literary landscape in Britain.

Dame Linda Dobbs (1949–Present, Sierra Leone/UK)

As the first Black woman appointed as a High Court judge in the UK, Dame Linda Dobbs has been a trailblazer in the British legal system. Based in London, her work has helped modernize the judiciary and improve diversity within the field. She has influenced how the courts approach equality, and her contributions continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals.

Baroness Floella Benjamin (1949–Present, Trinidad/UK)

Baroness Floella Benjamin, originally from Trinidad, is a broadcaster, actress, and politician who has spent much of her life in London. She was the first Black woman to head the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and has been a passionate advocate for children’s rights, diversity, and the representation of Black voices in British media.

Gloria Wekker (1950–Present, Suriname/Netherlands)

A renowned scholar, Gloria Wekker is based in Amsterdam and is best known for her work on race, gender, and sexuality. Her book White Innocence challenges the Netherlands' self-perception as a liberal and tolerant society, forcing the country to confront its colonial past and ongoing racial inequalities.

Diane Abbott (1953–Present, UK)

In 1987, Diane Abbott made history as the first Black woman elected to the UK Parliament. Representing Hackney, London, she has been a fierce advocate for social justice and equality. Abbott played a pivotal role in improving healthcare outcomes by opposing cuts to the NHS and advocating for mental health services in schools. She also championed legislation to improve police accountability and diversity in law enforcement, aiming to address systemic issues within the British criminal justice system.

“They never told us, they thought we would never find out,
there’s beauty in our heritage that’s what Black history is about."

For years, too many stories of Black pioneers, inventors, and visionaries were hidden, distorted, or ignored. But reclaiming these narratives helps us see the beauty and strength within our heritage. These figures, and many others, laid the groundwork for the world we live in today, and through their stories, we find inspiration for the future.

Black History Month in the UK and the Netherlands is a reminder of the profound impact that Black individuals have had—and continue to have—on the fabric of these nations. At 1Password, we’re proud to honor this legacy and remain committed to supporting and uplifting all employees as we continue on this journey of discovery, empowerment, and progress.

“During this month take a journey through time,
What you’ll discover and learn will truly open your mind."

Rozalynd Gaubault & Frank Chevannes