Echoes of Brighton’s Past Black & Minority History

Brighton & Hove Black History

March 18, 2026

the story that was always there

Ebou Touray

March 14, 2026

A steady presence in Brighton’s cultural life

Amy Z Glass

March 8, 2026

Championing Brighton’s Diverse Creative Voices

John Agard

February 25, 2026

JOHN AGARD IN SUSSEX: THE POET YOU CAN STILL HEAR IN BRIGHTON

Guyanese-British Poet in Brighton

February 21, 2026

Grace Nichols' early life in guyana

image of black and white hands touching each other in a circle

Groups that organised for change

February 21, 2026

important change starts with people meeting up

Image of Bert William MBE in his award ceremony robes

Bert Williams MBE receives Doctorate

February 18, 2026

Watch the 2017 ceremony at the University of Brighton

Princess Aida Desta - Echoes of Brightons Past

February 18, 2026

Princess AIDA DESTA - IN EXILE

Dr Bert Williams MBE.

Bert's Story

At the heart of Echoes of Brighton’s Past is Dr Bert Williams MBE, a well‑respected local historian, storyteller, and community advocate. His decades of work have inspired many to explore and understand the region’s Black history.

Bert moved from Jamaica to England in 1960 at the age of 16. After serving in the RAF, he worked in the NHS until his retirement. He has lived in Brighton since 1967 and has been married to his wife, Shirley, for over 57 years and they have two children.

His varied career, from factory work to public service, shaped his understanding of British life and the challenges faced by Black and minority communities. These insights fuelled his later work in community engagement.

In 2002, Bert co-founded the Brighton and Hove Black History Project, a long running initiative that uncovers overlooked local stories and celebrates the city’s diverse heritage.

Bert’s work has earned national recognition:

MBE (2011) Awarded by Prince Charles for his voluntary service to Black and minority ethnic communities in Sussex. Read more here.
Honorary Doctorate (2017) From the University of Brighton for promoting racial equality. Read more here and view the video here.

His passion for researching Black history began in 1995 while leading Mosaic, a group for Black and mixed-heritage families.

A child’s question about their own heritage sparked his research into Brighton’s Black history, despite being told it didn’t exist.

His passion for uncovering history still continues today and he has released a series of Podcasts.