They say 'everyday is a school day' and in light of #blackhistorymonth I took this picture last night on the ride back from Wembley with TWR Cycling Club
I know you're thinking wtf has Nelson got to do with black history?
Hiding in plain sight for over 150 years you'll spot a sailor with his rifle in hand. From the ship's roll call that details every man who fought on ships in the battle of Trafalgar, there are 18 men listed as being born in Africa. One of them George Ryan aged 23.
The importance of this is that he wasn't treated as the 'token black'. He's shown there because he was there and he was recognised as one of the heroes of Trafalgar.
He served in the Royal Navy until 1813 when he was honourably discharged aged 32.
So next time you're in Trafalgar Square, have a look at the left hand side of the sculpture at the base of the column, just above Nelson's quote.