Britain'S 'Brown Babies': The Stories of Children Born to Black GIS and White Women in the Second World War

This book explores the little-known history of 2,000 babies born to black GIs and white British women in the Second World War, revealing their struggles and challenges. It features the stories of over fifty children, providing a context for their experiences through government policies and societal attitudes.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 28 September 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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This captivating book delves into a lesser-known chapter of history, shedding light on the lives of approximately 2,000 babies born to black GIs and white British women during the Second World War. The African-American press affectionately referred to these children as "brown babies," while the British labeled them as "half-castes." Within the segregated army, black GIs faced strict restrictions on marrying their white girlfriends. Shockingly, nearly half of these children were placed in children's homes, although few found loving adoptive families due to perceived challenges. Regrettably, these children have received minimal scholarly attention, overlooking the hardships they endured, including the pervasive racism prevalent in a (then) predominantly white Britain, the absence of familial support, and the struggle to establish a clear identity.

The book aims to present the compelling stories of over fifty of these children, providing a contextual framework that encompasses government policies and prevailing attitudes of the era. Written in a accessible and engaging style, the book weaves together heart-wrenching and uplifting narratives, accompanied by a wealth of photographs that vividly capture the lives of these remarkable individuals.

By exploring this untold chapter of history, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complexities of race, identity, and the impact of war on individual lives. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those who faced adversity, and provides a platform for honoring their stories and contributions to society.

\n Weight: 372g\n
Dimension: 137 x 216 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526160119\n \n