Celebrating Carnival: More Than Music and Masquerade
Carnival today is a dazzling celebration of music, colour, and community spirit. But beneath the rhythm of steel drums and the artistry of costumes lies a powerful story of resilience, cultural pride, and social justice.
One of the most influential figures in this history is Claudia Jones (1915–1964), a journalist, activist, and visionary leader who laid the foundation for what we now know as the Notting Hill Carnival.
Who Was Claudia Jones?
- Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Claudia migrated to the United States as a child, later becoming a radical Black feminist and activist.
- After facing political persecution and deportation, she arrived in London in 1955, where she quickly became a champion for Black British communities.
- She founded the West Indian Gazette in 1958—the UK’s first major Black newspaper—which became a platform for anti-racist campaigns, cultural pride, and community empowerment.
Carnival as Resistance and Healing
In 1958, London witnessed the Notting Hill race riots, when racist violence erupted against Caribbean residents. In response, Claudia organised the first Caribbean Carnival in January 1959 at St Pancras Town Hall, broadcast on the BBC. The event featured calypso, steel bands, dancing, and a Carnival Queen contest.
This was more than entertainment—it was a message of defiance and unity. Carnival became a safe space where Caribbean culture could be celebrated openly, challenging racism with joy, resilience, and artistry.
From St Pancras to the Streets of Notting Hill
Claudia’s 1959 Carnival planted the seeds for today’s Notting Hill Carnival, which has grown into Europe’s largest street festival, attracting over 2 million people every year. It is a global symbol of community resilience and cultural celebration.
Yet, the Carnival’s legacy is not without challenges. From funding difficulties and media misrepresentation to pressures of gentrification, the need to preserve its roots and vision remains urgent.
Why This Story Matters for Education
At FOBBS, we believe stories like Claudia Jones’s must be woven into the school curriculum. They show young people how culture, activism, and creativity intersect to inspire change. Carnival is not just a festival—it is living history.
By embedding figures like Claudia Jones into everyday teaching, we can:
- Inspire students with role models of resilience and leadership.
- Promote inclusivity by celebrating Black British history all year round.
- Challenge stereotypes and broaden cultural understanding.
A Legacy to Celebrate and Protect
As we celebrate Carnival this year, let us also celebrate Claudia Jones—the woman whose vision turned music and masquerade into a movement for justice, belonging, and joy.
Her story reminds us that you can’t have Carnival without community, and you can’t have progress without remembering the pioneers who paved the way.
Want to bring inclusive stories like this into your classroom?
Sign up for a FOBBS subscription for your school and start helping your teachers embed Black British history into everyday learning: www.fobbs.uk/pricing
