An African Family in Kent by Marika Sherwood​
Kaitlene Koranteng
Archivist and Historian
The recently reprinted An African Family in Kent: The African Makaula-White Family in East Kent offers valuable insight into the Makaula-White family and contributes to the substantial body of work by Marika Sherwood, whose publications illuminate Black British history. An African Family in Kent presents an everyday story of family life—made extraordinary by the fact of being Black in Britain between 1904 and 1940.
The first chapter introduces us to the family patriarch, Albert Makaula-White, and traces the prehistory of his life and extended family before settling in Kent. Albert, the son of a Bhaca chief, was born in the Eastern Cape in 1865. Various circumstances brought him to Kent, but a decisive turning point came when he was adopted by English missionaries after falling gravely ill as a child. This led to an upbringing among mostly white people and an education in England.
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Albert met his wife, Eleanor—the daughter of a dressmaker and a carpenter—while studying to become a clergyman in 1891. The newlyweds initially settled in South Africa, where they had three children: Irene, Charles, and Claude. However, they returned to England and settled in Kent in 1904.
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The Makaula-White story is that of a family simply trying to live and work. Albert initially found success as a farmer and property owner in Ramsgate, but post-war deprivation, coupled with racial discrimination, led to ongoing financial struggles. Despite these challenges, the family also experienced triumphs and became respected members of the communities in which they lived.
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Subsequent chapters focus on the Makaula-White children. Irene was especially talented, teaching dance classes and becoming a professional actor and singer. The family were also athletic. Charles and Claude pursued careers in football and cricket, respectively. Charles worked at various times as a shepherd and miner and often served as a master of ceremonies at community events. Claude also worked as an auctioneer's clerk, although this role ended following an accusation of theft.
The book is a relatively short read and serves more as an invitation for further research than a comprehensive historiography of the Makaula-White family. Sherwood notes early on that her access to archives was limited, and as a result, online sources and conversations with others became invaluable. It is exciting to consider what might yet be uncovered about the Makaula-White family.