George Powe Plaque

**** UPDATE: WE DID IT! We can now fund the plaque on George's former home...but there is much more than can  be done in his name. Please watch the above video to find out how we can build a strong legacy for George ******

George Powe served in the RAF during World War II and subsequently settled in the UK. He was probably the first black councillor in the country when elected in 1963 as a Labour Party member of Long Eaton Urban District Council’s Sawley Ward. In 1989 he was elected as a Labour Councillor for Manvers Ward, Nottinghamshire County Council. He led the campaign to establish the Afro-Caribbean National Artistic Centre which opened in St. Anns, Nottingham, in 1978. In the last few years of his life he donated an important collection of documents to Nottingham Black Archive, and was an active member of its Council of Elders.

 He was a lifelong socialist and a true comrade who fought against colonialism and racism, and strove for equality and respect for the African-Caribbean community.  He helped an enormous number of people to achieve their rights.  For this, as well as his public service, he earned the undying respect of his fellow-Jamaicans as well as members of the host community.

Our Campaign 

Nottingham Black Archive and George’s widow, Jill Westby, are campaigning to mount a blue plaque in his memory on the house in which he lived for over 30 years. This campaign is supported by Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature. 

Why this matters

From 1958 when he published a seminal pamphlet “Don’t Blame the Blacks” he campaigned tirelessly, and voluntarily, against racial discrimination. The Windrush scandal erupted shortly after he died. Had he lived on he would have continued his work of over 50 years in helping black people who were entitled to residence or British Citizenship to fight for these rights. He knew from first hand experience that black lives matter. 

His campaigning spirit and indomitable attention to matters of law need to be remembered, to inspire those who came after him and are battling against discrimination, detainment and deportation of people who have the right to live here.

How Can You Help?

By donating toward the cost of the plaque. We suggest a donation of £5, but if you would like to donate more, £10 or £20. Our initial target is to raise £800.  

Nottingham’s independent bookshop, Five Leaves, is reprinting “Don’t Blame the Blacks” as an occasional pamphlet, and is donating 50 copies to our campaign. Written in 1958, many of the arguments are, unfortunately, still relevant. Poet and founder of Nottingham Black Archive, Panya Banjoko has added an exclusive article to the reprint, and the award-winning poem 'Island Screams' from up and coming Nottingham poet Cara Thompson will also be included. 

The first 50 people who donate £10 or more will receive a copy as a small thank you (only available to donors with a UK postal address). 

If we were to raise more money then our initial target the residue would be given to Nottingham Black Archive, to be ring-fenced for a future ways of keeping his legacy alive.

For more information about George or Nottingham Black Archive, go to www.georgepowe.net or www.nottinghamblackarchive.org