Lanre Bakare on the forgotten voices of Black Britain

When people think about Black British history, London is often seen as its cultural heart. “We Were There” seeks to change that perception by examining the lost history of Black Britain’s rich history outside of London.

From northern soul in Wigan to political activism in Cardiff during the Thatcher years, the book seeks to reshape a narrative of black life. We meet its author, Lanre Bakare, in his hometown of Bradford – this year’s city of culture – which is rediscovering its own forgotten black history.