Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain by Peter Fryer is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive account of the Black presence in Britain, tracing its roots from the Roman conquest to contemporary times.
First published in 1984, this book has been recognised as a definitive history, shedding light on narratives often omitted from traditional British historiography.
Peter Fryer's Staying Power delves into the rich and complex history of Black individuals and communities in Britain. The book begins with the Roman occupation, highlighting the presence of African soldiers in the Roman army stationed in Britain.
It then traverses through the centuries, examining the roles and experiences of Black people during pivotal periods such as the Tudor era, the transatlantic slave trade, the abolitionist movement, and the two World Wars.
Fryer meticulously documents the contributions, struggles, and resilience of Black Britons, offering a narrative that challenges and enriches the conventional understanding of British history.
