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Black Queer History digital map that intersects with Black American GI music in Europe

  • Writer: Elma Glasgow
    Elma Glasgow
  • Feb 6
  • 2 min read
A dark network map with nodes labeled as people, places, and organisations. Nodes are red, blue, green, connected by lines, on a black background.



Mapping 1920s & 1930s Queer Caribbean Journeys


We love this new interactive resource which maps places, people and organisations which were key to the Black queer Caribbean community in the 1920s and 1930s.


The research contextualises and visualises the lives of queer people with Caribbean heritage that found a home in Britain, in the early 1900s. Many travelled around Europe, with those who were performers or artists often travelling and living in Paris as it became a hub for the arts, and a mixing pot for people of different racial backgrounds.


It is very likely that these entertainers would've crossed paths with African American WWI GIs who were responsible for introducing jazz to Europe. This article explains more about that musical history.


The research highlights a point in time when black entertainers would mix with the upper classes often ending in scandal.


Below is more info, which was originally posted on LinkedIn by Tony T, Co-founder & CEO/ Artistic Director at Sweet Patootee Arts (on 6th February 2026).



"Take a bow Sweet Patootee Arts' 2025 volunteer Morgan. They created this audacious piece of brilliance in response to the storytelling of our TURNING POINT Black heritage drama - during our London heritage activities in Newham. 


"While you're on the site, please explore what else we have to offer. It's a steadily growing collection of brilliant contributions from our team, volunteers and guest contributors. All feedback about content and user experience much appreciated - because technically we're still in 'soft launch' mode. For example, we know we need to streamline to ensure our wonderful content is 'easy to find'...!


"In practice though, the site's potential is already resounding! It's all down to the quality of our advisory board and contributors (cue confession of imposter syndrome) I am blown away that such awesome people want to collaborate and contribute... Thank you all!


"Sweet Patootee Arts new website, along with our TURNING POINT Black heritage programme, are enabled by The National Lottery Heritage Fund."



Check out the map here. And read about Morgan's work here.


And visit stories captured by Black USAF - music is central to most people's experiences and memories.





 
 
 

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