Black Enterprise
in Britain
Author: Tony Wade
Reviewer: Barbara Nelson
TONY WADE'S success in business, his pioneering role in the development of the black hair care industry in Britain, and his pride in the contribution made by black enterprise to Britain's economy have inspired him to write this book.
It is an absorbing and uplifting account of black economic history in Britain and embodies developmental issues including education, law, literature, politics, the media, religion and sport.
Britain is today a multicultural country. Not only have West Indians given carnival (the largest street festival in Europe) to Britain, they have, against great odds, positively influenced the artistic, aesthetic, musical, satirical and fashion components of life in that country.
Wade begins his book with a look at small business and enterprise and notes that enterprise in Britain by the African Caribbean community has its roots in its cultural activities.
"I am confident in sounding a positive note that the black business community is breaking out of the stagnation in which it has had to suffer disproportionate pain and suffering in getting heard, let alone making it onto a level playing field," he writes.
In a positive and upbeat manner, he writes about Africans and West Indians who have excelled in every facet of education.
"Caribbean professionals are today market leaders in education, an important sector which is often taken for granted, although it generates millions for the economy and also sustains Britain's knowledge industry."
UNVEILING FACTS
As an example, he gives "One leading institution, (is) TCS Tutorial College, the first of its kind in Britain and Europe" that was founded by the Caribbean educator Dr. Roselle Antoine, who is also principal of the institution.
And so, through the chapters 'Press and Publications', 'The Emerging Community', 'Law and Politics', 'Sports', 'Literature and the Arts', 'Hairdressing', 'Health and Community Care', 'Beauty Contests and Fashion', 'Labour and Capital', 'Religion', 'The Services', 'The Historical and International Context', 'Raising the Stakes', and 'Music', Wade unveils and explains many important facts that the average person would not know.
He says, for example: "The rudiments of black British enterprise are rooted in hairdressing. This profession has touched and influenced almost every aspect of early black business development, fuelling the growth of the multimillion pound industry which exists today ... The ethic segment of the beauty industry has also produced the largest numbers of independent black business people in the U.K."
He also explains that expansion in the hairdressing business coincided with the development of the embryonic press, including the English edition of the Jamaican Gleaner, the West Indian World and the West Indian Digest. These publications were all supported by the hairdressing trade and in return, they profiled the work of the salon owners and improved their patronage and image.
According to Wade, the "book seeks to recapture from where we have come, our accomplishments, and our contribution to a more inclusive and enlightened society."
I whole-heartedly agree with solicitor Michael Stennet that this is "a must read book for young black entrepreneurs."
It is also a must-read for all who take pride in being black Caribbean people.
