DR BERT WILLIAMS (MBE)

Bert's Story

At the heart of Echos Of Brighton's Past is Dr Bert Williams MBE – a respected local historian, storyteller, and community advocate. His decades of work have inspired many to explore and understand the region’s Black history.

Bert moved from Jamaica to England in 1960 at the age of 16. After serving in the RAF, he worked in the NHS until his retirement. He has lived in Brighton since 1967 and has been married to his wife, Shirley, for over 57 years and have 2 lovely children.

His varied career, from factory work to public service, shaped his understanding of British life and the challenges faced by Black and minority communities. These insights fuelled his later work in community engagement.

In 2002, Bert co-founded the Brighton and Hove Black History Project, a long running initiative that uncovers overlooked local stories and celebrates the city’s diverse heritage.

Bert’s work has earned national recognition:

• MBE (2011) – awarded by Prince Charles for his voluntary service to Black and minority ethnic communities in Sussex. Read more here.
• Honorary Doctorate (2017) – from the University of Brighton for promoting racial equality. Read more here.

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