I was curious about the subject of black people during the Victorian era. The Victorian era began around 1837. A Google search revealed some of the most beautiful photographs of people of African descent during the Victorian period. I am thrilled that these photographs were taken for posterity. These photographs are very important because they document an aspect of black history that is generally never spoken about.
This is a photo of Lady Sarah Bonetta Forbes Davies. Sara was born in West Africa and subsequently captured during the slave trade. Captain Frederick E. Forbes of the Royal Navy gave her the name Sara Forbes. Sara was taken to England and given to Queen Victoria. The Queen immediately noticed that Sara was exceptionally intelligent, and so she took Sara under her wing. Queen Victoria raised Sara as her god-daughter within the British middle class.
When Sara was 20 Queen Victoria sanctioned her marriage to Captain James Davies in August of 1862. Captain Davies was a Yoruba businessman. Sara and James had a daughter who whom they christened Victoria and she became the god-daughter of Queen Victoria.
When Sara was brought to England as a young girl she developed a cough caused by the climate change. Sara was never able to rid herself of this cough and passed away at age 37 of tuberculosis.
There are many other photographs showing people of color during the Victorian that has nothing to do with slavery.
Portraits of black Victorian ladies
Aidan Overton Walker was an actress who appeared in vaudeville.
Unfortunately, I have not been as successful locating photographs of black Victorian males. I came across only a few.
My hope is that you enjoy these vintage photographs as much as I do.