Colour Bar by Learie Constantine

Colour Bar

Author: Learie Constantine
Published by: Stanley Paul and Co. Ltd
Edition: 1954
Pages: 193

Learie Constantine’s Colour Bar is a remarkable and candid account of his struggles against racial discrimination in Britain. As one of the first black professionals to gain prominence in the country, Constantine recounts his experiences of prejudice, exclusion, and the resilience required to challenge societal biases.

The book provides a compelling narrative of his life, from his cricketing success with the West Indies team to his legal battle against racial discrimination, which became a landmark case in British civil rights history. His fight against racism was not just personal; it symbolized the wider struggles of black immigrants and minorities in Britain.

Constantine also explores the contradictions within British society—a nation that claimed to stand for fairness yet upheld racial barriers. He discusses how racism infiltrated institutions, from housing policies to employment practices, making it difficult for people of color to integrate fully.

His eloquent and insightful writing makes Colour Bar a significant historical and political document, providing readers with an eye-opening perspective on race relations, social justice, and the progress of civil rights movements in the UK.

The book remains an essential read for those interested in racial equality, social justice, and the history of multicultural Britain.

• A firsthand account of racial discrimination in mid-20th century Britain.
• Written by Learie Constantine, a cricketing legend and civil rights activist.
• Explores race, class, and justice through real-life experiences and legal battles.
• A historical document that sheds light on Britain’s struggle with racial equality.
• Insightful and thought-provoking, offering lessons that remain relevant today.

A must-read for history enthusiasts, students of race relations, and anyone interested in civil rights movements, Colour Bar is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to challenge injustice and create social change.