Cleston Taylor (1926–2010) was a communist and Black civil rights activist, political prisoner, and trade unionist, who was most notable for his activities in Jamaica and the United Kingdom.
He held close personal connections with many leading Black British and Caribbean civil rights leaders such as Billy Strachan, Trevor Carter, Richard Hart, and Claudia Jones.
[1] Taylor became attracted to communist political theory in 1945 following contact with African Americans in Toledo, Ohio, who taught him about anti-colonial struggles in Africa and how they believed that capitalism gave rise to anti-black racism.
[3] Taylor became a member of the CPGB's West Indian Committee, alongside famous black civil rights figures, among them Claudia Jones and her cousin Trevor Carter.
[1] Despite disagreements on colonial matters, Taylor said that he had never experienced any racism within the CPGB, and spoke fondly of the vast majority of members whom he had met.
[4] Upon his arrival to Britain, Taylor joined the Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers (ASW) and began working on construction sites throughout the United Kingdom.
[1] His obituary written by David Horsley was published in the Morning Star on 8 April 2010,[1] and his funeral was attended by Richard Hart (Jamaican politician).