Hubert ‘Baron’ Baker was a passionate campaigner for racial justice in Britain. Born in Jamaica in 1925, Baker arrived in Britain in 1944, aged just 19. He joined the war effort fighting Nazi Germany. His fight against fascist did not end there. When fascist Oswald Mosley stirred racial tensions, Baker would heckle him. When housing was denied to Caribbean migrants, he found alternatives. When racists attacked black Britons, Baker fought back.
During WWII, Baker joined the RAF, eager to fight against Hitler. He was stationed in Britain. Upon his arrival, he had noticed that many Britons had never seen black people but despite this, hostility was minimal. Brits were welcoming to those who fought for them. Baker's first experience of racism was in a pub in Gloucester, where American G.I.s refused to drink with black patrons. Baker, considering himself British and entitled to respect, reacted.
After WWII, the British government revealed plans to repatriate Caribbean servicemen. Angered and insulted, Baker threatened to take the matter to court and the authorities backed down. Post-war Britain needed migration from the colonies to rebuild and within years, thousands from the West Indies would come to make Britain their home.
When the Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury in 1948, Baker welcomed the 492 new arrivals. The migrants, hoping to begin new lives, were to face immediate issues around housing. Discrimination was rife: ‘no blacks, no dogs, no Irish’ signs hung from windows across the country. Baker persuaded the government to open Clapham South's air raid shelter as temporary accommodation. Following this, Baker and others fought to establish black communities in London. Many migrants were able to find employment and housing in nearby Brixton, in large part due to Baker.
Racist landlords and employment issues continued to plague Caribbean migrants, Baker included. The fascist Oswald Mosley called for the repatriation of Caribbean people in fiery speeches. As a Ladbroke Grove resident, the racist threats on the streets were unavoidable and violent. Attacks on black people living in North Kensington increased. Baker and his friends saw the need for resistance and organised; collectives formed to protect members of the black community. Matters came to a head in the 1958 race riots, when marauding local racists terrorised communities for two days. On the third day - despite the authorities advising black people to stay indoors - Baker and others pushed back and a now-infamous ‘ battle’ took place at 9 Blenheim Crescent which was the informal ‘headquarters’ of the black community in the area. Using his military experience, Baker and his friends meticulously prepared, and hundreds of angry white rioters were met with fierce resistance. Molotov cocktails were thrown from windows and running battles took place. Baker and his friends succeeded in chasing the rioters away, but the police arrested Baker for his part in these events. However, the riots were ended, having gained global attention; they ultimately triggered a huge shift in British culture.
In later life, Baker founded the United Africa-Asia league to fight discrimination. He participated in anti-fascist groups and fought tirelessly in campaigns for better housing for Caribbean people. His impassioned ideals were regularly heard in speeches that he made at Hyde Park’s Speakers Corner.
Baker died in 1996. There is currently no plaque to recognise his life’s work.
During WWII, Baker joined the RAF, eager to fight against Hitler. He was stationed in Britain. Upon his arrival, he had noticed that many Britons had never seen black people but despite this, hostility was minimal. Brits were welcoming to those who fought for them. Baker's first experience of racism was in a pub in Gloucester, where American G.I.s refused to drink with black patrons. Baker, considering himself British and entitled to respect, reacted.
After WWII, the British government revealed plans to repatriate Caribbean servicemen. Angered and insulted, Baker threatened to take the matter to court and the authorities backed down. Post-war Britain needed migration from the colonies to rebuild and within years, thousands from the West Indies would come to make Britain their home.
When the Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury in 1948, Baker welcomed the 492 new arrivals. The migrants, hoping to begin new lives, were to face immediate issues around housing. Discrimination was rife: ‘no blacks, no dogs, no Irish’ signs hung from windows across the country. Baker persuaded the government to open Clapham South's air raid shelter as temporary accommodation. Following this, Baker and others fought to establish black communities in London. Many migrants were able to find employment and housing in nearby Brixton, in large part due to Baker.
Racist landlords and employment issues continued to plague Caribbean migrants, Baker included. The fascist Oswald Mosley called for the repatriation of Caribbean people in fiery speeches. As a Ladbroke Grove resident, the racist threats on the streets were unavoidable and violent. Attacks on black people living in North Kensington increased. Baker and his friends saw the need for resistance and organised; collectives formed to protect members of the black community. Matters came to a head in the 1958 race riots, when marauding local racists terrorised communities for two days. On the third day - despite the authorities advising black people to stay indoors - Baker and others pushed back and a now-infamous ‘ battle’ took place at 9 Blenheim Crescent which was the informal ‘headquarters’ of the black community in the area. Using his military experience, Baker and his friends meticulously prepared, and hundreds of angry white rioters were met with fierce resistance. Molotov cocktails were thrown from windows and running battles took place. Baker and his friends succeeded in chasing the rioters away, but the police arrested Baker for his part in these events. However, the riots were ended, having gained global attention; they ultimately triggered a huge shift in British culture.
In later life, Baker founded the United Africa-Asia league to fight discrimination. He participated in anti-fascist groups and fought tirelessly in campaigns for better housing for Caribbean people. His impassioned ideals were regularly heard in speeches that he made at Hyde Park’s Speakers Corner.
Baker died in 1996. There is currently no plaque to recognise his life’s work.
