Sam Uriah Morris Society

About this item

This document provides an overview of the Sam Uriah Morris Society, an exhibition centre in Clapton, East London, dedicated to highlighting the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black people to civilisation, culture, science, and history. It challenges commonly held historical narratives by showcasing evidence of Black achievements in areas such as mathematics, medicine, theology, and invention. The Society plays a vital role in educating the public about Black heritage and the deep roots of Black excellence across time and continents.

Key points:
– The Sam Uriah Morris Society presents exhibits that trace the Black contribution to civilisation and culture, including figures like Imhotep and King Jaja.
– The exhibition challenges traditional Eurocentric history by highlighting African origins of mathematics and medicine, such as the mathematical planning behind the Egyptian pyramids and early Egyptian medicine practiced by Imhotep.
– Prominent Black inventors and pioneers featured include Lewis Latimer (electric bulb), Garrett Morgan (traffic lights, gas mask, white cane for the blind), and Charles Drew (blood transfusion research).
– The Society also highlights the irony and injustice faced by important Black figures, exemplified by Charles Drew’s death due to racial segregation in medical care.
– The exhibition offers insights into Black historical figures in theology like St Augustine of Hippo, connecting them to powerful narratives that challenge racist ideologies.

The Sam Uriah Morris Society’s work aligns with Bernie Grant’s advocacy for Black British history and anti-racism by reclaiming Black contributions and narratives erased or distorted in mainstream accounts. It reflects broader efforts in Black British political history to educate and empower communities through knowledge of Africa's and the African diaspora’s enduring impact on global civilisation.

Source note: The OCR transcription contains some errors and irregular formatting, which have been carefully interpreted to maintain accuracy; some names and terms may require cross-referencing with original archival materials for full verification.