The League's self-declared aims were to highlight the problems and successes of Black people within the British Empire, to challenge racial discrimination and fight for equality. This was stated in the first volume of its journal, The Keys. Read the 1939 report submitted by the League to the West India Royal commission on the state of Caribbean society in relation to the economy and social welfare. The members of the League were aware, however, that they could not ignore the situation of Black people who were part of other nations and empires, and went on to extend their scrutiny even further: the persecution of the Jews in Germany, and the apathy with which the news was received by the rest of the world appalled those involved with the League. Later they commented on the Colour Bar Laws, introduced in Paris during the Second World War: although theatres were reopened in 1940, Black and Jewish artists were banned from performing on stage. (The Keys, vol. 1, no. 1 July 1933, p1-2; Letter no 10, July 1940 p69-70; Letter no 11, August 1940, p13)

The League's activity in Britain

The 1930s were a difficult period for Black people in Britain. Cardiff, Liverpool and London were often highlighted as being places where hotels, restaurants, and lodging houses refused Black people with impunity but prejudice was widespread and institutionalised. The difficulties faced by those who applied for jobs in the medical profession were often brought to the attention of the League. In 1933, a woman who applied to 25 hospitals found herself refused by every one on the grounds of 'colour'. The Overseas Nursing Association, which had first heard of the woman's case, said that they had applied to 18 hospitals in London and the provinces, and that all had said they could not take coloured probationers. (The Keys, vol. 1, no. 1 July 1933, p2; Vol 2 no 1 p13 & p17.)

During the 1930s, Black seamen in Cardiff found that, due to the operation of a shipping subsidy, they were finding it very difficult to secure jobs for themselves. Again, the League took up the cause. Members of the League spent a fortnight in Cardiff recording first-hand information, and held a public meeting at the end of their first visit. They regarded this intervention on behalf of these men as probably their best piece of work so far, and during the meeting a branch of the League was established which, by July 1935, numbered over 80 members. (The Keys, Vol III, no 1 July-Sept 1935. p3, p4; Vol III Oct-Dec 1935, p16-18)

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