Cover Image: "Kill The Black One First"

"Kill The Black One First"

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead.

I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings.

Anything requested and approved will be read and a decent quality review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Was this review helpful?

This book is definitely an important one to read! It is incredible eye-opening, honest, moving, and heart breaking all in one. For anyone who is looking to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement, and what it means, and to educate themselves on racism, this book is a must read. I cannot recommend it enough. Sometimes I wish I had read this sooner in my life so that I would have the outlook on life that I do know years ago. It has made me want to reach out and find more books like this to learn more, and hopefully I can use this knowledge and pass it on to educate others so that eventually one we can all be educated enough to gain some kind of understanding and make change happen in the world. It can often seem crazy that in this day and age, horrors like this are still happening, but they are and we have got to do what we can to right our wrongs!

Was this review helpful?

“Kill the Black One First” is a raw, unflinching look at the institutional racism of the British police force from someone who stood at its frontlines for more than three-and-a-half decades. In this vital and moving memoir, Michael Fuller, the first (and so far only) ethnic minority chief constable in the United Kingdom, speaks frankly on the pivotal moments of his long, illustrious life: his often-difficult relationship with his Windrush Generation parents, his life growing up in care, his entry into the police force and the realities of policing in a Britain rife with casual racism, racial profiling, and a chronic mistrust of the police in black communities.
Fuller pursued justice; an innate sense of right and wrong instilled in him by the most important person in his life, the housemother of his care home whom the book is dedicated to. And yet, after her death when he was just sixteen, reality soon chipped away at the idea that the police could always be a force of good. That is because, for much of his life working for the Metropolitan Police, he was subject to the horrific daily racism of the predominately white police force and the minutiae of (sometimes subconscious, most of the time, not so) racial bias inflicted by them on the black communities they were supposed to protect.
And, when all that he had long since known was eventually confirmed by the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence in 1999 by Sir William Macpherson, six long years after the teenager had been murdered in a racially-motivated attack; Fuller worked tirelessly to build relationships between the police and black communities and helped set up the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force to make sure nothing so horrifying would ever happen again.
Through his tenancy and his strength of character, Michael Fuller managed to do what many black and ethnic minority police officers have, with good reason, not been able; to cope with the virulent words and attitudes of both his colleagues and the members of the general public, to prove to them all what his housemother knew right from the start. That Michael, and all of his innate goodness, is worth more than those attitudes ever have been.
I just wish, more than anything, that he hadn’t had to.

Was this review helpful?

A real eye opener, this is Michael Fullers account of becoming Britain’s first black Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police. Documenting his very disadvantaged childhood, in the care system where the house mother helped set him on the right path for life, to then climbing the ranks of the police- the racism he suffered is just awful- it made me embarrassed that anyone could be treated that way in Britain in the not so distant past. The account of the Brixton Riots is something everyone should read no matter how uncomfortable reading it was. An important memoir.

Was this review helpful?

Let's get one thing straight: this is a fascinating book and you should read it! My motivations behind requesting the book were rooted in trying to learn about the experiences of others that might be different from my own and wanting to read more books written by black authors. Incidentally, there was an extra layer of intrigue as one of my previous partners is also a black male who was in the police force but has now left the force based on his experience, although it is difficult to know whether that experience related to him being black and I cannot speak for him on that.

The book starts with a vivid scene from the Brixton riots and made for uncomfortable but necessary reading: it gave me an idea of what I was in for. It then moves on to Fuller's young life and I was thoroughly engrossed, reading half of it in one sitting! It moves through his experience from a constable right up to the echelons of the Metropolitan. Throughout these pages, I was rooting for Michael and willing him not to give up (I knew he didn't of course), as well as wanting to jump in and speak out with/for him during those scenarios of abuse in place of those silent bystanders!

There were a few of points that I bookmarked, either because I felt they were worthy of mention or I enjoyed them. The first one, I was a little saddened by: Fuller declaring he felt no compassion for criminals. It is something the partner I mentioned used to say but I think I expected police officers to have some level of compassion in order to deal with them in the way they do -- particularly those that may have had an equally disadvantaged start, e.g. abused children, or those that have fallen on severe hard times, e.g. drug addicts that are truly at the mercy of drug dealers -- but perhaps compassion is the wrong emotion I was expecting. I was just surprised to read this from Fuller. Secondly, when talking about Yardies, Fuller poses the question "What about the people who used the drugs?" and this something that the mainly white middle class (and above) members of a society don't seem to realise or want to admit to themselves: they are contributing to those problems. I was doing lots of nodding along at this point! Lastly, Fuller talks about a 2007 BPA solidarity march through St Pauls in Bristol, the city I live in, and it made me feel pride. Had I moved to Bristol by that time, I would've wanted to stand there and show my support and solidarity.

Another important point that Fuller returns to is him getting through the racial abuse and not being deterred by it relied upon having to almost ignore or deny its existence, never bringing his own colour into anything and thus, wanting to avoid being a mouthpiece for those experiences, e.g. at the Bristol seminars. This is crucial for others to try and understand as something they simply won't ever have to face because they're male, white, able-bodied etc., or some combination of the above. Fuller's experience was fascinating and I ended the book mostly just wanting to pick his brain about more, e.g., about the current black-on-black knife crime predominantly in London and what his ideas to tackle it might be. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Was this review helpful?

“Kill The Black One First” is a memoir by Micheal Fuller the UK’s first black Chief Constable, the book covers his journey on the way there, from his life in care through the racism in the police service.

Micheal was lived his early years within the care system, with Margaret the house mother as well as a number of other children in a house. Margaret set Micheal on the right path in life and clearly was a large influence on how he handled situations later in life. At the age of 16 Micheal became a cadet and worked his way up through the ranks to chief constable, working and studying hard to do so.

The way he was treated on his way up was horrible and shouldn’t happen to anyone, Micheal became trapped in a place where he wasn’t accepted by the police who were predominantly white, and the community he served whom where predominately black and distrustful of the police from the misuse of stop and search.

The race relations in the UK across time have been, and in some case still are, troubled. Micheal was in the police when the Brixton Riots took place and this is where the title of the book has come from, as the only black officer in the group he was targeted.

The Macpherson report was a damning report after the murder of Stephen Lawrence into the failing of the investigation and the institutional racism. Micheal was tasked with suggesting changes to policy before the report was published and improving the situation.

The book is eye-opening seeing how people were and in some cases still, are treated unfairly because of the colour of their skin. It is so important to see how far we have come but we still have much further to go, the challenges Micheal faced still exist around the country and so much to learn.

Was this review helpful?

'Kill the Black One First' was a phrase shouted by rioters at Brixton as the police officers formed a barrier to control them.  Michael Fuller selected it as the title for his memoir of life in isolation. Brought up in care, the only black kid; the bright boy in school—'can't be right', say the teachers; a black policeman on the beat—what's he doing? from both sides.

Michael Fuller was lucky enough to be given sound principles from a remarkable housemother in the 60s/70s.  When he first started to realise he was 'different', she helped him understand why, and gave him his guiding principle. Stop, think - is it you or a generic slur? Only then decide whether you have something to say on the subject or to let it ride.  Many of us could usefully use this technique without half the provocation heaped on this boy.  Yet it helped him become one of the most senior police officers in London's notoriously racist  Metropolitan Police.

The young boy is threatened with homelessness at 16 - just one of the penalties of being a child in care in the 1970s.  Having admired the police from the start, with tv shows, and then a burglary at the home, he spots an opportunity. He becomes a police cadet at 16, with live-in accommodation. This will also give him the chance to become a police officer and be sponsored through university.  Self-reliance started before even this, as he tell us about a school project.

People who have lived in the London area from the 80s onwards will find themselves pushed back down memory lane. It will be from an unexpected angle.  On the front line at the Brixton riots.  Dealing with stabbings on Shepherds Bush Green. Separating the lonely from the wealthy down Vine Street and Soho. Experiencing the breakdown in policing in Streatham, and the almost cosy welcome in the outwardly similar area of Lambeth, right next door.

And every now and then you get an insight into Jamaican immigrant culture. The difficulties of second generation Windrush immigrants; the white world turning on their generosity and hurling it back in their face.

Sensitively and powerfully written, and thought-provoking from start to finish.  This is a brilliant book.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved this book and admire Michael Fuller for all that he went through and came out at the other end. A biography about the first black man to rise up the ranks to become Police Commissioner, it reasonated with me for many reasons.

The start of the book goes back to the 50s and when it goes on to reference things that happened in 70s London it brought back memories for me as well. I remember growing up as a kid where a National Front march was a fairly normal sight to see and even though I was small I remember feeling frightened.

When Fuller started in the police force he faced a lot of racism, some of which he had to put up with otherwise he just wouldn't have made it through. He details in his book how a number of other black police officers left the force. I loved how he wrote about how he processed the racism and bullying , making a choice as to how he would respond rather than react.

He also wrote about his childhood growing up in care and how the house mother was a lovely woman. I won't write much more here for not wanted to include any spoilers.

Massive thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a ARC version of the book as I'm not sure whether I would have come across it otherwise. I'd highly recommend reading.

Was this review helpful?

Where do I start? This is the life story of Michael Fuller, from little black boy in care (and yes, I draw attention to the colour of his skin as this is a key feature in this book) to Chief Constable of Kent. He is an inspirational man, who has let nothing stand in his way to make our streets safer. He talks of the issues involved in initially not feeling part of the police because of the colour of his skin, yet being abused by the black community for being part of the police. The book is simply written, meaning it is very easy to read – in fact my 12 year old daughter is now reading it on my recommendation – but does not avoid difficult issues. It is clear to see how far we have come from the 1950s and 60s, but Michael Fuller shows we still have a long way to go. The epilogue brought tears to my eyes, as he tells how he found out about his early life and how he came to be in care. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Please read it.

Was this review helpful?

An honest and enlightening memoir which highlights the changing attitudes within the Metropolitan police and the wider community. The book also challenges assumptions often made about children who are looked after and accommodated within the care system. Michael Fuller has certainly forged a interesting career and I'm glad that he chose to document and share his experiences with the world. A recommended read, particularly for any young person who feels isolated and excluded.

Was this review helpful?

There will be others amongst us who have climbed to the top of their chosen career ladder from a broken family childhood and a young life in care but few can surely match the astonishing story of Michael Fuller. From care home to the first black Chief Constable at the age of 45 battling not only external racism, anger and hatred but from within his own Metropolitan Police force even to his face as a senior officer.
Fuller encountered just about every conceivable obstacle but his passion for justice and tolerance saw his major involvement in initiating new ideas such as Operation Trident, crime analysis patterns and CCTV in police stations while still experiencing lack of support from many of his peers.
From a personal view I would have liked the book to cover his final years as Chief Constable of Kent for his overall views of his Police service and as to whether the problems that he had encountered in his earlier days in the Met had, hopefully, been improved or indeed eradicated away from the economic, political and racial problems of a huge city force. Perhaps another book to come?
Thanks to NetGalley and 535 Bonnier Books for this chance to review.

Was this review helpful?

Sadly this was not for me. I did struggled with it.
Thank you to both NetGalley and King Rd Publishing for my eARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review

Was this review helpful?

Having listened to an interview Michael did with Nihal Arthanayake on BBC 5 Live I was intrigued by his life story. It seemed like a film script but it's obviously the true account of his remarkable life. I would highly recommend taking the time to read Michael's book, it is brilliant.

Was this review helpful?

Michael Fuller grew up in care, and from an early age knew he wanted to join the police. Though he faced discouragement and outright opposition in some cases, Fuller went on to rise through the ranks and become the first ever black Chief Constable of Kent.

This is a powerful and fascinating read. Giving a personal view of the Brixton riots, the Stephen Lawrence murder case, and Operation Trident, Fuller doesn't hold back in describing both the personal and institutional racism that he had to endure from some of his white colleagues, and the hatred from some sections of the black community for joining the police. As the author says, he felt as if he didn't belong anywhere. Some parts of it were shocking, with the brazen displays of racism shown, and the failure of others to speak out about it. Other parts were truly uplifting. Definitely a recommended read.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers, Kings Road Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

For anyone to rise to the rank of Chief Constable must take talent and dedication. To do so against the backdrop of racism and hatred from all parts of society that this author endured during his career is truly astonishing. This is an uncomfortable read, shining a light on attitudes that were truly hurtful, but his spirit and determination shine through. Some lovely vignettes too, as he comes across people later in his career that he encountered at the start. Recommended.

Was this review helpful?

The title of Michael Fuller’s memoir “Kill the Black One First” is a startling statement - as it’s meant to be. This was something which was shouted by the public while he was the sole black police officer in a group of white officers trying to keep the peace during the Brixton riots in 1981 (an infamous confrontation amidst racial tension between police and protesters in South London that led to many injuries and widespread destruction.) The phrase epitomises the dire dilemma Fuller found himself in for much of his life working for the Metropolitan Police where he was often subjected to racism from within the predominantly white police force on one side and suspicious anger from sections of the black community who labelled him “coconut” on the other. Fuller recounts his life from his beginning growing up in a care home in the 1960s to eventually being appointed the first black chief constable in the UK in 2004. This is the story of a diligent, bright and sensitive individual who cares passionately about justice. Being a good conscientious police officer was his primary motivation in life. But, because of the colour of his skin, he faced innumerable obstacles which would have deterred many from pursuing this profession or abandoning it (Fuller highlights how few black police officers made a career at the Met due to feeling so isolated.) His journey is utterly inspiring and it powerfully illuminates the dynamics of racial conflict in England over the past fifty years from someone who was in a very unique position.

At the heart of Fuller’s journey is a quest to belong. Margaret, the young woman who ran the care home he was raised in for much of his childhood provided him with crucial guidance which gave him a strong moral core and taught him to “recognise that something’s offensive without being hurt by it. Stop. Think. Decide how you want to react.” This is a somewhat more constructive variation from what RuPaul’s mother famously advised him as a child: “People have been talking since the beginning of time. Unless they’re paying your bills pay them bitches no mind.” Anyway, Margaret’s advice proved invaluable throughout Fuller’s life as he encountered assumptions, prejudice and hatred from many people who seemed to believe that racism was an unchangeable part of English society. Fuller learned not to lash out when confronted with these dogmatic beliefs as it wouldn’t be productive and distance him from his fellow officers: “It made me wonder if I should speak up more often when, for example, my colleagues used racist language. But that could only create divisions, and I had spent the year trying to fit in with my shift, laughing and joking with them and not calling them to account.” However, this also created a tremendous mental burden and feelings of intense loneliness as he was often maligned by both the predominantly white police force and the black community. It sometimes lead him to feel he didn’t belong anywhere and he’s made painfully aware that “I’d been isolated by my colour all my life.”

Anyone who has encountered prejudice or injustice knows how one of the most debilitating consequences of it is how alone it makes you feel. Fuller observes how “Racism is a painful, humiliating thing to experience but the key to that pain is isolation. When others protest, offer support, turn that isolation back on the racists, the pain is greatly eased. Feeling alone with the hurt is far, far worse.” There are several instances where people realised that Fuller was experiencing racial abuse, but failed to speak up and defend him. It takes a lot of conviction to stand up to a bully when you’re not directly involved in the conflict. Probably all of us have experienced prejudice in some form and no one witnessing it intervened. We’ve also most certainly witnessed someone being victimised and not come to their defence. It’s one of the most challenging aspects of being a participant in society. But thankfully Fuller found some allies along his journey who were prepared to stand up to racism alongside him.

When he was just beginning his career Fuller’s father and friends mocked his desire to become a policeman: “You’re joining the police because you hate injustice! The police ARE injustice!” It’s heart breaking reading about the derision he faced when walking on the beat: “young, black males remained by far the most aggressive demographic towards me.” He faced a long challenging journey to help restore the public’s faith in the police force and institute changes within the police so that officers didn’t practice racial profiling or discrimination. He was instrumentally involved in landmark changes such as installing CCTV cameras in investigation rooms, using computers to look for crime patterns, instituting changes to prosecute hate crimes and helping the community and police to work together through an innovative initiative called Operation Trident. This involved a great deal of creative thinking and personal sacrifice as he frequently put himself at personal risk. It was also an unanticipated extension of his duty and drive as a policeman which was to catch criminals. It shows how police work is a much more complicated and nuanced job than that.

Fuller recounts many dramatic scenes and emotional encounters when reflecting on his long and distinguished career. It was shocking to learn how apathetically some policemen reacted to crime when they knew there was little chance of resolution or conviction – especially with instances of domestic violence or gang-on-gang warfare. An inconceivable amount of resolve was required to stay dedicated to his profession and maintain an active role in helping every victim of a crime. It’s also sobering to realise how the police force and country might not have benefited from his skills in bettering our communities if he’d found venture capitalists willing to take a punt on a very savvy business plan he formulated at one point to open a chain of coffee shops in London (before this became a booming business in the city.) Thankfully he remained with the Met and rose in the ranks to a point where he could implement changes that have utterly transformed police-community relations. He also serves as an invaluable figure of inspiration and hope. The full circle journey Fuller takes us on throughout this memoir is executed with considerable skill, but more than anything I feel in awe of this good man and loyal police officer.

Was this review helpful?