Black portraits and opinions

As early as 1720, Ignatius Sancho, perhaps the first African Man of Letters in Britain, defied what he called the "miserable fate of almost all of our unfortunate colour". This son of Africa, born on a slave ship, achieved a lifetime of great accomplishment in the literary and musical establishment.

Today's Black Briton's and a range of their contributions in a long line of historic achievements are captured in these selected portraits by Donald MacLellan, photographer.

Barbara Tomlin-Lindsay, civil servant

I would like to see a world without distorted images of black people. We have made enormous contributions - too often these have not been recognised. I am black and I am proud of my heritage.

The Rt. Rev Dr. John Mugabi, Bishop of Stepney

When I came to Britain from Uganda, confident in who I was, seeing people being excluded because of their colour was a rude awakening to the reality of what the colour black could be made to mean - the denial of our common humanity and our equal partnership...

Margaret Busby, born in Ghana - distinguished editor-publisher and widely respected in black and literary circles.

I remember turning up for an interview and being asked to wait while the receptionist rang upstairs to say 'Mr ----, there's a black girl who says she's got an appointment'.

Bill Morris, leader of the transport and general workers, Britain's largest union

By the efforts of others, I have been afforded privileges well beyond what I expected or deserved, the greatest of which is to lead my Union.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal, QC, barrister, member of the House Lords

My father used to say: 'Every one of us is given a talent; the challenge is to find and hone that talent and to use it for the benefit of others.' I believe him to be right!

Professor Lola Young, academic Of Nigerian parentage and one of the few black women university professors.

My motivation for participating in this kind of work is that we are...attempting to discover what might be read off about a particular moment in a culture or society.

Chief Inspector Dalton McConney, police inspector Born in Barbados, he is one of the UK's most senior police officers.

Despite the contributions and achievements black officers have made, only a few have managed to crack the 'glass ceiling' in promotion. Having cracked it, however, there was no surprise that the 'ceiling' was reinforced with 'concrete'. With steely determination, we must continue to chip away.

About the photos and photographer
The portraits and comments form part of an exhibition first shown at the National Portrait Gallery, London, and we gratefully acknowledge permission by Don MacLellan to show them in The Chronicle. In response to the question why did he undertake this project, the Scottish-born MacLellan says

"There are various reasons, such as our perception of the black achiever as a sports personality or a pop musician. My wish was to redress the balance by showing the wide range of other areas and professions, including politics, the Church, medicine, the sciences and the arts, in which black people have made such an important contribution to UK society."

"I will, of course, never know what it feels like to be Black in Britain but I hope, by being invited to show this project in such a prestigious location, that I will have made some small contribution towards a better mutual appreciation and understanding".

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