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Black History is British History

Celebrating Black humanitarians at the British Red Cross

Explore Black British history through our fascinating online exhibition of Black humanitarians at the British Red Cross.

British Red Cross, UK

From the First World War to the present day, Black people have worked as part of the British Red Cross to help those in need, no matter who or where they are.

Dr John Alcindor

British Red Cross volunteer doctor, circa 1914-1919

Emannuel Cudjoe

British Red Cross Emergency Response Volunteer, 2020

British Red Cross, overseas branches

The British Red Cross formed overseas branches in countries which were part of the British Empire. Some remained branches, while countries that later became independent formed their own Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies.

Volunteer from Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), 1961

The British Red Cross formed the Southern Rhodesia overseas branch in 1930. The Zimbabwe Red Cross was formed in 1981.

Helen Frett, former director, British Virgin Islands Red Cross

After Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest hurricanes ever seen in the Atlantic, Helen was part of the Red Cross team that sprang into action to help people.

Notable humanitarians

Black people have made significant contributions to the humanitarian sector, showing how the power of kindness can make the world a better place.

Mary Seacole, Crimean War nurse

During the Crimean War, Mary Seacole travelled to Ukraine to treat wounded soldiers on and off the battlefield.

Dr Charles Richard Drew

Dr Drew's research into preserving blood plasma helped save thousands of lives in the UK and US during WWII.

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Black History Month teaching resource

Use our Black History Month secondary school teaching resource school explore the stories of Black British humanitarians. Suitable for learners ages 11 to 18.

Talking with children and young people about race and racism

Help young people to reflect on the Black Lives Matter movement with a focus on how people might experience racism and how it might feel.

Find out more about our overseas branches

We have nine overseas branches in British territories, covering disaster management, community health and more.

Discover the 150 Voices exhibition

Find out about the 150 unique items that tell the story of 150 years of British Red Cross history.