Introduction

This introductory paper seeks to locate Stuart Hall’s writing on ‘race’ and ethnicity in the broader context of his work and life. The paper seeks to examine Hall’s significance as one of the most important theorists of race globally, and as a theorist of Black Britain, before exploring the intersection of the personal and political dimensions of his work. The paper finally considers the continuities of Hall’s writing on race and considers the implications of this for ‘illuminating Dark Times’. It serves also as background and introduction to the papers included in this special issue.