By Chris King • Published: 14 Feb 2021 • 5:31
UK Brewery Renames Four Pubs Over Concerns Of Racist Connotations. image: greene king
UK Brewery Renames Four Pubs Over Concerns Of Them Having Racist Connotations
Wayne Shurvinton, the managing director of Greene King brewery – founded back in 1799 by Benjamin Greene, who owned highly profitable plantations – has decided to change the name of four of his pubs, amid concerns their names could have racial connotations.
Three of the pubs, in Sudbury in Suffolk, Bury St Edmunds, and Shinfield in Berkshire, were called ‘The Black Boy’, and the other one in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was called ‘The Black’s Head’, and all four will have new names, but their signage is yet to be changed.
Although there are believed to be around 70 pubs called ‘Black Boy’ throughout the UK, nobody can officially point out where the name originally came from, but many seem to think the name dates back to coal-mining times.
Mr Shurvinton, explaining his decision said, “despite the obscure origins there was a perception the names were linked with racism, which is why we knew we had to take this step if we wanted to continue on our journey to become a truly anti-racist organisation”.
The chief executive of racial equality charity The Runnymede Trust, Dr Begum, said that Greene King should be acknowledged for taking such steps regarding its founder’s exploitation of black people and for being open about its historical links to slavery.
She added, “We should not single out Greene King. Many companies that remain household names today profited from the unconscionable ownership and exploitation of black people”.
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Originally from Wales, Chris spent years on the Costa del Sol before moving to the Algarve where he is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com
Ridiculous! What next?
The White Hart The White Lion The White Horse
Don’t forget: The Red Lion or we might offend some Red Indians – Oh sorry! Native Americans….
I am native American and I never saw anything wrong with owning slaves matter of fact everyone should own at least one.
I’m offended by the Dog and Gun.
Violence against animals – modern slavery?
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