All 272 stations have been renamed to celebrate Black History Month for the first time ever.
TFL have changed up their tube map, renaming all 272 of their stations to honour black Britons who shaped the country’s history.
To celebrate Black History Month, which runs throughout October, — as well as the 40th anniversary of Black Cultural Archives in Brixton — TFL revamped their map to include names of black British figures from history, dating from pre-Tudor times until the present day.
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On the map you can see names including the first Black woman to serve in the Royal Navy by disguising herself as a man called William Brown (at Barons Court); activist and feminist Una Marson, who became the BBC’s first black female programme maker; and Justin Fashanu, who was the UK’s first black British footballer to be subject to a million pound transfer in 1981, before becoming the first professional footballer to come out as gay while playing in the elite leagues.
You can view the map in full here; alongside an overview of each tube line, which have had their names changed to represent a theme that link each name together. The themes are: Firsts and Trailblazers; Georgians; Sports; Arts; LGBTQ+; Physicians; Performers; Literary World and Community Organisers.
Speaking on the map, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Black History is London’s history and this reimagination of the iconic Tube map celebrates the enormous contribution Black people have made, and continue to make, to the success of our city.
“I’m determined to create a more equal city where Black lives truly matter. This starts with education and that’s why this new Black History Tube Map is so important. It gives us all the chance to acknowledge, celebrate and learn about some of the incredible Black trailblazers, artists, physicians, journalists and civil rights campaigners who have made such significant contributions to life in the capital, as well as our country as a whole.”
The Map was created in partnership with Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, which is the home of Black British History, conceived in 1981 as a monument to hold space for, and collect, preserve and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK to inspire and give strength to individuals, communities and society.
Arike Oke, Managing Director, Black Cultural Archives said: “London’s Black history is deeply embedded in its streets and neighbourhoods. We’re delighted, as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, to use this opportunity to share new and old stories about Black history with Londoners and visitors to London. We hope that the map will be an invitation to find out more and to explore.”