About this Event
This event is organised by Black History Walks as part of 60 years since 1965 the first ever Race Relations Act, and 20 years of the African Odysseys film series
200 years ago African-Americans, Bill Richmond and Tom Molineaux were amongst the highest profile boxers in Britain.In 1810 Bill (New York), having fought his way into wealth and high society, owned a pub on the site of the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square. As a Black business and property owner, he trained people like Lord Byron and his fellow boxer Tom Molineuax (Virginia). Watch video HERE
Bill and Tom took on the might of the British establishment, long before slavery was abolished, when they organised a fight for the British bare knuckle boxing championship with white sailor Tom Cribb in 1810 HERE
ITV news covered the story on 5th January 2026 HERE
Both men made a massive impact on boxing history and books have been written about their exploits and legacy. Professor David Olusoga recognised Bill in his 2016 BBC TV show Black and British a Forgotten History. They are referenced in Netflix' Bridgerton and Disney Plus 'A Thousand Blows'. Bill and Tom have featured on our Black History Walks in Trafalgar Square/Theatreland, bus and river tours for 20 years but there is no physical memorial about the legendary venue.
After over a decade of detective work, lobbying and negotiating we have now got permission to install a historic blue plaque on the side of the National Gallery to honour both these remarkable men for the first time in two centuries.
At this special one-off event of film clips/talks and Q&A we will hear from five experts:
- Luke G Williams author of Richmond Unchained the first and only book on Bill Richmond's life (copies on sale on the day)
- S.I Martin historian and author of seven books on history including Incomparable World about African Americans in 19th century London
- Roberto Nigro (UCL) historian of pugilism, masculinities and nationalism
- Sarah Elizabeth Cox writer, grapplingwithhistory.com, and historical adviser on the TV show One Thousand Blows
- Tony Warner organiser of the fundraiser for the blue plaque to be placed on the National gallery
- Plus audience Q&A and separating fact from fiction in Bridgerton and 1000 blows
Black History Walks having raised funds for ten plaques so far HERE , the most recent being to James Baldwin HERE
BHW is raising money to fund the cost of a Nubian Jak Blue plaque, and any donation will make a difference.Donate here
Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which will make a massive impact on the lack of Black historical representation this central London area.
- Black History Steam train tour
- Black History Bus Tour/ River Cruise
- Afeni Shakur and the trail of the Panther 21
- 6 African Leaders removed by the French
- Hackney, Mayfair, St Paul'/Bank, Theatreland and Soho Black History Walks
- African Odysseys, Racism in Academia and @BFI Southbank
- Fearless Windrush Women Speak out
- Ismahil Blagrove season of films and books
- Frantz Fanon weekender
- 60 years of Black British Civil Rights, racism @BFI with Professor Gus John
- Kung Fu and anti-racist street fighters with Professor Lez Henry
- World Wars and Black soldiers. African Odysseys @BFI with Professor Patrick Vernon
- Financial slavery? The CFA in Africa
- Sign petition to save African Odysseys and Black film history at BFI Southbank HERE
About African Odysseys
The volunteer-run, African Odysseys film programme screened monthly, popular, anti-racist, Black history films with Q&A's for 17 years at the BFI. It regularly filled the Southbank 450 seater at 2pm on Saturdays when cinemas are typically 'dead'.The British Film Institute ignored a 17,500 strong petition to keep it HERE .Refused to answer 8 simple questions. Then cancelled the programme so they could 'cut costs and promote diversity' HERE
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lecture Theatre B304, Basement, Cruciform Building,, University College London, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
