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Background: To conduct a meta-ethnographic analysis of qualitative studies to identify barriers to Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) individuals engaging in physical activity in the UK context. Methods: A qualitative synthesis using meta-ethnographic methods to synthesis studies of barriers to engaging in physical activity among BME groups in the UK. A comprehensive search strategy of multiple databases was employed to identify qualitative research studies published up to October 2012. The eleven searched databases included ASSIA, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Health Technology Assessment (HTA), NHS Scotland Library, Physical Activity Health Alliance (PAHA), PsyINFO, Social Services Abstract, Sport discuss and Web of Science. The Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach was undertaken to develop an inductive and interpretive form of knowledge synthesis. Results: Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria. The synthesis indicated that barriers to physical activity among BME individuals were influenced by four main concepts: perceptions; cultural expectations; personal barriers; and factors limiting access to facilities. BME individuals had different understandings of physical activity were influenced by migration history, experiences, cultural and health beliefs. This in turn may have a disempowering effect on BME individuals in terms of adopting or maintaining physical activity. These barriers to physical activity were explained at a higher conceptual level by a socio-ecological model. The social construct 'individual perception and understanding of physical activity' was particularly relevant to theoretical models and interventions. Conclusion: Interventions to promote engagement with physical activity need to address perceptions of this behaviour. The elicited concepts and contexts could be used to enhance the development of tailored effective health promotion interventions for BME individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the late nineteenth century onwards the critical eyes of black British individuals and organisations were directed at South Africa. Their strong sentiments were shaped by a common experience of racial discrimination in the colonies, and to a lesser extent in Britain, and for many a firm sense of Christian values and integrity. Both black people in Britain and visiting South Africans could rely to some extent on the support of white liberals belonging to temperance, peace, humanitarian and missionary bodies, and in particular on Quakers, nonconformists and socialists who supported various Christian Brotherhoods. Most black-led organisations, beginning with the Pan-African Association which formed in London in 1897, were constant critics of the discriminatory policies pursued in South Africa that denied civil rights to black South Africans with regard to land, labour, and politics. Books, journals and newspapers written and published by black individuals and organisations within Britain attempted to enlist official and public support to bring about change in South Africa and continued long after Union in 1910. Although they were poorly funded endeavours which appear to have had little, if any, impact on South African policies, they nevertheless encouraged opponents of segregation within the Union and offered a sustained voice against the incorporation of the High Commission Territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors examine the relationship between race and crime based on their review of criminal records of Black males in Great Britain. They explain the bias of the criminal justice system against Black males. They point out that the so-called Black on Black crime problem and the view that young Black men significantly contribute harm to society were misconceptions. They note that young Black men are actually exposed to multiple harms caused by the society they live.