Heroes of British Black History – Dr Altheia Jones-LeCointe

Trinidadian physician and research scientist, Altheia Jones-LeCointe led the British Black Panther Movement, recruiting thousands from the 1960s onwards, including the late broadcaster and campaigner, Darcus Howe, as well as giving talks in schools and teaching classes in anti-colonialism. A staunch defender of women’s as well as racial rights, she developed procedures within the Black Panthers to investigate and punish men suspected of the abuse or exploitation of women.

A member of The Mangrove Nine, she was repeatedly arrested and tried after demonstrations against police raids of The Mangrove restaurant in Notting Hill. The Mangrove had become a focus for London’s black community, attracting creatives,
campaigners and intellectuals. This in turn made it a natural target for regular ‘drug raids’ from the Metropolitan Police force as they attempted to intimidate the Black civil rights movement.

Representing herself at the trial, she used her closing speech to highlight the racism of the Metropolitan Police. Found not guilty of conspiracy to incite a riot, this landmark case marked a turning point in the fight to recognise and remedy systemic racism in British institutions.