The Notting Hill carnival is an event that's history can be traced back as far back as the abolition of slavery in the United Kingdom. However, the catalyst for the creation of the carnival occurred in the fifties; this is because at the time West Indian immigrants were being victimised and racially abused by ‘Keep Britain White' Group members; a large number of which were Teddy Boys. The main two events that thoroughly shocked the community were firstly the Notting Hill Race riots of 1958 and the racially aggravated murder of Antiguan carpenter Kelso Cochrane. This sparked an outcry from groups around the country who were disgusted by these actions and the following year efforts were made to bridge cultural gaps in the community involving activism, protest and anti- racist street art and graffiti.
The carnival was held that year by the editor of the West Indian gazette and other notable figures proved helpful in combating the racism of the time. However, a couple of years later in 1960 a woman by the name of Laslett had an idea in the form of a vision in which she saw people of all races being happy together and celebrating with no tension... her vision later became a reality as she produced what is seen today as the very first Notting Hill carnival. Where people from various cultural backgrounds were able to participate and music was provided by local musicians. Since then the Notting Hill carnival has continued to be a celebration of all communities; West Indian or otherwise. It is a pertinent reminder to everyone that in the face of adversity, pain and suffering that we can come together and stand strong and promote the message of peace even in the most troubling of times. We must remember that as with all forms of culture there is conflict and that youth culture especially is something that is not free of this.
The Notting Hill Carnival.
youth culture and its origins