Day 15: The Mangrove Nine - A Landmark in British Civil Rights

Hey Family,

Today, we're delving into a pivotal moment in Black British civil rights history: the story of the Mangrove Nine.

The year was 1970, and racial tensions in London were at a boiling point. At the heart of this story is the Mangrove restaurant in Notting Hill, a popular meeting place for Black intellectuals, activists, and artists. Despite its status as a cultural hub, the Mangrove was subjected to constant police raids, ostensibly for drug searches but widely seen as racial harassment.

Key points about the Mangrove Nine case:

• The protest: On 9 August 1970, 150 people marched to local police stations in protest of police harassment of the Mangrove restaurant.

• The arrests: Nine protesters were arrested and charged with inciting a riot: Frank Crichlow, Darcus Howe, Altheia Jones-LeCointe, Barbara Beese, Rupert Boyce, Rhodan Gordon, Anthony Innis, Rothwell Kentish and Godfrey Millett.

• The trial: It lasted 55 days at the Old Bailey, with two of the defendants, Darcus Howe and Altheia Jones-LeCointe, representing themselves.

• The defence: In an unprecedented move, the defendants demanded an all-Black jury, arguing that only their peers could truly understand their experience.

• The verdict: All nine were acquitted of the main charge of inciting a riot. The judge, Edward Clarke, made history by explicitly acknowledging that the case had "evidence of racial hatred" in the Metropolitan police.

What makes the Mangrove Nine case so significant is that it was the first time the British establishment was forced to acknowledge the existence of racism in the police force. This acknowledgment was a watershed moment in race relations in Britain.

The case also demonstrated the power of community organising and legal activism. The defendants' strategy of representing themselves and using the courtroom as a platform to expose racist policing was highly effective and innovative.

It's important to note that the struggle didn't end with the verdict. Frank Crichlow, the owner of the Mangrove, continued to face police harassment for years afterwards. However, the case had set a precedent and emboldened the Black community to stand up against injustice.

The legacy of the Mangrove Nine continues to resonate today:

• It's seen as a defining moment in Black British civil rights history.

• The case has been the subject of books, documentaries, and most recently, an episode in Steve McQueen's "Small Axe" series.

• It continues to be referenced in contemporary discussions about policing and race in Britain.

As we reflect on the Mangrove Nine, consider these questions:

• How did the Mangrove Nine case change the landscape of racial politics in Britain?

• What parallels can we draw between the issues raised by the Mangrove Nine and current debates about policing and race?

• How can the strategies used by the Mangrove Nine inform current civil rights activism?

The story of the Mangrove Nine reminds us that change often comes from grassroots movements and that standing up for your rights can change the course of history.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. How do you think the Mangrove Nine case has shaped our understanding of civil rights in Britain?

Blessings,

KK