Watch Uprising

Uprising is a powerful three-part docuseries that tells the story of the Black Power movement in Britain during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The show, which premiered on BBC One in 2021, weaves together archival footage, interviews with key figures from the era, and dramatic reenactments to give viewers a vivid and engaging portrait of a pivotal moment in British history.

At the heart of the series are three key events that rocked Britain in the late '60s and early '70s: the Mangrove Nine trial, the Black People's Day of Action, and the New Cross Fire. Each of these events was a flashpoint for the growing Black Power movement in the UK and helped to galvanize activists in their struggle for equality and justice.

The series is hosted by former detective Peter Bleksley, who brings his expertise in criminal investigation to bear on the complex historical events at the heart of the show. Bleksley is an engaging and authoritative presence, offering insightful analysis and fresh perspectives on the events of the time.

He is joined by writer and activist Alex Wheatle, who provides a valuable historical context for the events of the era. Wheatle draws on his own experiences as a young Black man growing up in Britain during the time period, offering a personal and emotional connection to the story.

Finally, Olympic athlete and community activist George Rhoden adds an on-the-ground perspective to the series. Rhoden was a key figure in the Black People's Day of Action, and his firsthand accounts of the protests and demonstrations that rocked London in 1981 are both inspiring and enlightening.

Throughout the series, the show's creators make skillful use of archival footage and dramatic reenactments to bring the story to life. Viewers are transported back in time to the streets of Notting Hill and Brixton, where tensions between police and the Black community were running high. The reenactments are especially powerful, capturing the anger, passion, and sense of purpose that drove the activists of the era.

But Uprising is much more than just a retelling of historical events. It is a call to action, a reminder that the struggles of the past are not so distant from the struggles of the present. As the show makes clear, the issues of racial inequality, police brutality, and social injustice that fueled the Black Power movement in the UK are still very much with us today.

Overall, Uprising is a gripping and thought-provoking series that sheds new light on an important chapter in British history. With its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and insightful analysis, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

Uprising is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between July 20, 2021 and on BBC One