Norman Beaton - Insightful Classroom Series - Black British History - Part 4 (Black History)

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Now this one takes me back to my childhood… known to many British TV viewers as Desmonds, actor Norman Beaton was born in what was called British Guiana in 1934. Norman started as a teacher before becoming a headmaster while developing and maintaining his love for the arts, particularly Shakespeare. Another passion of his was his love of calypso, a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early to mid-19th century. Norman would travel and settle in the UK, gaining another teaching position, but not forgetting his desire for the performing arts, he wrote and composed the musical drama Jack of Spades for the Everyman Theatre; the plot focused on the troubled and controversial relationship between a black man and a white woman. The musical drew crowds and became a general success leading to the start of an acting career spanning many years. Sadly, his early television roles were generally of the stereotypical variety handed out to black actors of those days, such as bus conductors and criminals. Still, Norman was unable to let society define him. You can check out today's video live now to find out what happens next.
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[@everitedwards1236]

Wow! I wasn't aware that he was in so many programs, apart from the Desmond's, he helped to pave the way for many black people 🤔 to God be the glory 🙏

[@InsightfulBlackHistory]

Glad you liked the video. He truly did pave the way. His early features gave roles to Lenny Henry and Joseph Marcell (Jeffery from the Fresh Prince)

[@shezpayne3287]

Absolutely amazing...more more more ..well done very informative

[@InsightfulBlackHistory]

Thank you! Plenty more to come 🙂

[@mystoryasitis]

thanks brother, you know I'm that same everit guy, and mel is your Mrs friend, keep up the good work, it's important for us to know the history of those who suffer to pave the way for us.

[@InsightfulBlackHistory]

Ah right, good to know your name now. Thanks for the support, motivation to keep bringing out more videos!

[@terencestanton1870]

part of the success of demonds was that it could translate in british culture. as a kid i was sent to a greek cyroriot baber in the local high street,. his shop was falling apart with the bench being gaffer taped up and the shop had seen better days. he could cut hair and no matter what style you asked for you got a crew cut

[@InsightfulBlackHistory]

This is very true, It's a show many could relate too. Thanks for watching

[@alnaafiysh9957]

What about his 'wife'; Shirley (Carmen Munroe)??

[@InsightfulBlackHistory]

Thanks for checking out the video and for bringing that up. That was an oversight on our part. Undoubtedly 'Shirley' was a key role in the show and provided the voice of reason to the cast especially Desmonds antic's 😁

[@wunademones]

Mathew was from Ghana not Gambia