Five black Britons who helped shape the UK

From a boy born into slavery who spoke out against injustice, to a war hero fixing planes, and a children's TV presenter who stood up to racism - these are the stories of five black Britons who made a big difference in the UK.

These five people didn't just do amazing things - they helped change the way Britain sees itself.

They showed that courage and talent can break down unfair rules and build a better future.

Ignatius Sancho

Ignatius Sancho was born in 1729 on a slave ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

As a young orphan, he was taken to London and given to three sisters in Greenwich, where he worked as a servant. Back then, black people were often treated unfairly and weren't allowed to go to school.

But Sancho was determined to learn. With help from a neighbour, the Duke of Montagu, who recognised his potential, Sancho taught himself to read and write.

He later became a composer, opened a grocery shop, and in 1774, owning property gave him the right to vote - making him one of the first known black men to vote in Britain.

Sancho used his writing to speak out against slavery. His letters were published after he died and became some of the first books written by a black Briton.

Lilian Bader

Lilian Bader was born in Liverpool in 1918.

When World War Two started, she wanted to help her country, but she was sacked from her first military job because her father wasn't born in the UK.

Lilian didn't give up. In 1941, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and trained to fix aircraft instruments. She became one of the first black women in the British armed forces and rose to the rank of corporal.

After the war, Lilian became a teacher and showed others that hard work and courage could break down barriers.

Len Johnson

Len Johnson was a brilliant boxer from Manchester.

He won more than 90 fights in the 1920s and 30s but because of racist rules, he wasn't allowed to fight for British titles - even though he beat many champions.

Len didn't just fight in the ring, he spoke out against unfair treatment and became a leader in the fight for equal rights.

He campaigned to make life better for black people in Britain and his community.

Andrew Watson

Andrew Watson was born in Guyana in 1856 and moved to Britain as a child. He loved football and became a talented player.

Watson was the world's first black international footballer.

At a time when organised football was just getting started, he showed that black players could be leaders on the pitch.

In 1881, he captained Scotland on his debut in a match against England and led the team to a 6–1 win, which is still England's biggest home defeat.

Floella Benjamin

Floella Benjamin was born in Trinidad and moved to Britain when she was 10.

Life wasn't easy - she faced racism and bullying but she didn't let that stop her.

In the 1970s, Floella became one of the UK's first black children's TV presenters, starring in shows like Play School and Play Away.

She made children feel seen, safe, and proud of who they were.

In 2010, she became a baroness and now speaks up for issues that affect young people in the House of Lords.

She was also the first black woman to be Chancellor of a UK university - and has a statue at Exeter University.

At the time it was erected it was the first statue of a living black woman in the UK.