Sierra Leonean British
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An editor has expressed concern that this article may be documenting a neologism. This new term needs more reliable sources. (November 2008) |
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| Famous Sierra Leonean Britons: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Nigel Reo-Coker, Curtis Davies, The Dualers |
| Total population |
|---|
| 17,000 Sierra Leonean Born (2001)[1] Ancestral Numbers Unknown |
| Regions with significant populations |
| London, Sheffield, Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester and Bristol. |
| Languages |
| Religion |
Sierra Leonean British is a term given to British people of Sierra Leonean descent. This can include Sierra Leonean born immigrants to the UK (of which there were approximately 17,000 in 2001) as well as their descendants.
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[edit] Background
Many British traders in the Service of the Royal African Company went to Sierra Leone during the 17th and 18th centuries. Many had children with women from the Sherbro people and their descendants can be found in Sierra Leone today. A number of Sierra Leoneans (particularly those from the Sherbro and Krio ethnic groups) can trace their ancestry back to British traders, colonial officials, and former slave traders.
[edit] Historical usage
Since the 19th century, Sierra Leoneans of the Creole ethnic group were referred to as "Black Englishmen" or "Black British". This was because they were British subjects, often had European ancestors, and adopted a British mode of living despite their diversified slave origins. The Creole were the only Sierra Leonean ethnic group with connections with England through the Transatlantic slave trade. They are generally the descendants of black people (mainly West Indians and African Americans who lived in England in the 18th century and freed Black American slaves who escaped to the British during the American Revolutionary War. In 1787, hundreds of London's Black poor (a category which included the East Indian seamen known as lascars) agreed to go to this West African country on the condition that they would retain the status of British subjects, to live in freedom under the protection of the British Crown and be defended by the Royal Navy. Making this fresh start with them were many white people, including girlfriends, wives and widows of the black men. They founded the Province of Freedom, the first black colony in Sierra Leone which lasted from 1787-1789. The Nova Scotian Settlers came in 1792 and established Freetown and the second colony in Sierra Leone after that of the Black Poor had been destroyed.[2].
[edit] First wave of immigrants
Most Black Africans and African Caribbeans arrived in the UK in the mid 1900s, although smaller numbers were already arriving for over a century in advance. This was after World War II, when the UK allowed citizens of former British Colonies, and citizens of current British Colonies to migrate to the UK for work. Up until 1961, Sierra Leone was under British rule, and today it still remains in the Commonwealth of Nations. Historical and language links, amongst others are why the UK serves as a popular destination for Sierra Leonean emmigrants.
[edit] Sierra Leonean Britons today
Sierra Leoneans who do not officially bear British citizenship are represented by the Sierra Leonean High Commission in Holborn, London. For the first time in centuries, Black Africans and outnumbering Black African Caribbeans in the UK, and the Sierra Leonean British population is increasing rapidly, with ever rising numbers of students and businesspeople as well as general migrants coming to the UK.[3]
[edit] Famous Sierra Leonean Britons
- Alberta - Singer
- Paul Barber - Known for playing Denzil in Only Fools and Horses
- Chris Bart-Williams - Former Nottingham Forest Striker
- Sylvia Barrie - Contestant on Big Brother Series 9
- Tiana Benjamin - Actor in Eastenders
- Carlton Cole - professional footballer
- Samuel Coleridge-Taylor - British Composer
- John Conteh - Former British Boxer
- Curtis Davies - Aston Villa Footballer
- The Dualers - Busking duo
- Idris Elba - Film Actor
- Ryan Giggs - Record holder appearances for Manchester United
- Michael Harvey - Former Member Of So Solid Crew
- Albert Jarrett- Professional Footballer
- Steve Kabba - Watford FC Striker
- Chris Kamara - Former Professional Footballer, currently a broadcaster.
- Malvin Kamara - Huddersfield Town Midfielder
- Amanda Mealing - Actor
- Nigel Reo-Coker - Aston Villa Footballer
- Leroy Rosenior - Former professional Footballer
- Liam Rosenior - Reading F.C. Footballer
- Isha Sesay - News anchor on CNN International
- Kadija Sesay - Literary activist, hort story writer and Poet
- Danny Wilson - Former Welsh Rugby player
- Sheku Kamara- Former Watford FC Footballer
- John Keister- Former Walsall FC Footballer
- Rochelle Wiseman - Singer
- James Cleverly- Politician
[edit] References
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