Black London
Sandra Dunn, of Nigeria, weaves a client’s hair at the Looking Good Salon in Brixton, a section of London rich in African and Caribbean culture. Although travelers’ guidebooks often ignore these cultural components in London, plaques and markers are popping up all over the city to commemorate the contributions of people of color, such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and poet Phillis Wheatley. Brixton Tours offers a one-hour walking tour of the area that includes food tastings and stops at neighborhood cafes, bakeries, galleries, jazz pubs, parks, historic churches, libraries and market stalls. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
It’s Caribbean Renaissance night at Brockwell’s Wine Bar in South London, which displays portraits of rock star Jimi Hendrix, who lived in London during the 1960s. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
African-inspired designs are among the fashion items for sale at the Brixton Market. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Tropical produce is a popular item at the Brixton Market, a bustling commercial center in South London. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Diego Garcia, who moved to London from an island off Mauritius, shows his pro-British spirit. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Linda Samuel of the Brixton Market’s Tasty-K eatery makes roti, Indian bread. The market is also known for its large selection of Caribbean and African foods. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Friends Tanika Ellis, foreground; Lenika Thomas, standing; and Chrison Dhill, right, ride the bus to school in South London. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
From the second floor of the Tate Library, the main public library in Brixton, patrons have a view of Brixton City Hall. The area is sometimes called the “Harlem of London.” Its Black Cultural Archives and Museum boasts one of Britain’s largest collections of cultural artifacts. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Activity hums along Electric Avenue near the Brixton Market. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
A subway passenger emerges from the Underground station at Brixton. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Wylene Duncan celebrates her birthday with friends at Brockwell’s Wine Bar. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
