Manchester's Black history is being brought to life through a series of walking tours that retrace the steps of the Black lives that shaped the city. Led by local historians Linford Sweeney and Hayley Flynn, the Heritage in Action trail explores the lives of people whose labour made Manchester what it is and the city's direct relationship with transatlantic slavery. The tours, running on 7 October, World Cotton Day, are produced by the Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme and the charity Greater Manchester Moving.
Uncovering Manchester's Black Activism
From the "great crowd" of Black Georgians who gathered at the city's collegiate church to campaign for abolition in 1787, to the Pan-Africanist politicians, writers and economists who led postwar independence struggles after meeting in Manchester, the city has a rich history of Black activism. Artists including Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba also performed in Manchester, galvanising and inspiring audiences. Despite being home to one of the UK's largest postwar Black communities, there are few commemorations of Black history in the city.
Find Bleeding Edge Supplements at Scandalous Prices on iHerb.
Key Figures and Events
- 1787: Black Georgians campaign for abolition at Manchester Collegiate Church.
- Postwar: Pan-Africanist leaders meet in Manchester to drive independence movements.
- 1960s-70s: Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba perform in Manchester, boosting Black activism.
- Present: Walking tours led by Linford Sweeney and Hayley Flynn highlight these stories.
The Heritage in Action Trail
The Heritage in Action trail is a guided walking tour that explores Manchester's Black history, focusing on the lives of individuals whose contributions have been largely ignored or erased. The tour also examines the city's direct relationship with transatlantic slavery, particularly through the cotton industry. The events are produced by the Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme and Greater Manchester Moving, a charity that improves wellbeing through physical activity.
Why These Tours Matter
These tours provide a platform for stories that have survived decades despite being obscured from official commemoration. By walking the same streets, participants gain a deeper understanding of the Black lives that shaped Manchester. The tours also highlight the city's role in the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact on the Black community.
Comparing Manchester's Black History Commemorations
Despite its rich Black history, Manchester has few permanent commemorations. The table below compares the recognition of Black history in Manchester with other UK cities.
| City | Black History Commemorations | Walking Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Limited | Heritage in Action trail |
| London | Extensive | Multiple |
| Bristol | Moderate | Several |
| Liverpool | Moderate | Several |
How to Join the Walking Tours
The Heritage in Action trail will run on 7 October, World Cotton Day. To join, visit the Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme website or Greater Manchester Moving's events page. The tours are led by knowledgeable historians and are suitable for all ages. Participants will learn about Manchester's Black history while engaging in physical activity, promoting wellbeing.
What to Expect
- Guided walks led by Linford Sweeney and Hayley Flynn.
- Stories of Black Georgians, Pan-Africanists, and artists.
- Insights into Manchester's role in transatlantic slavery.
- Opportunity to ask questions and engage with local history.
FAQ
What is the Heritage in Action trail?
The Heritage in Action trail is a series of guided walking tours in Manchester that explore the city's Black history and its relationship with transatlantic slavery. Led by local historians, the tours highlight the lives of Black individuals who shaped the city.
Who leads the Manchester Black history walking tours?
The tours are led by Linford Sweeney, a Moss Side-raised genealogist, and Hayley Flynn, an urbanist. Both are local historians with deep knowledge of Manchester's Black history.
When do the Manchester Black history walking tours take place?
The tours run on 7 October, World Cotton Day. Additional dates may be announced, so check the Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme or Greater Manchester Moving for updates.
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of punching bag, smart mirror, portable sauna, percussion massage gun, and gps fitness watch. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of compression boots, cold plunge tub, cycling bike, vibration plate machine, and pilates reformer machine home. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Browse the Shop
Acacia frida deluxe solid wood bed frame |
Bedroom bench |
Bed chest drawers |
Lingerie dresser |
Frame base |
Mirror with jewelry storage |
30 Bathroom Vanity |
Memory foam queen mattress |
Mattresses for back pain |
Nightstand set of 2 |
Grand Goldman Shop |
Civil Lawyer
Deutschland Trikot WM 2026
