Elba tells of war hero grandfather

BRITISH actor Idris Elba has said the stories of black people who fought during the Second World War matter today from an “education” and “cultural appropriation perspective”.

The Luther star, 51, narrates the National Geographic documentary Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Colour, which premieres ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6.

He told reporters: “The importance is about the perspective of these wars and this part of the world and how history, if it’s slanted, can really leave out some important things to remember.

“It’s important to remember that black and brown soldiers were a very important part of strategising this war, populating the war, and that history really does matter.

“It matters from an educational perspective, it matters from a cultural appropriation perspective, and it matters that American troops were partly black.”

MOTIVATED

Elba said he was inspired by his “hero” grandfather who was born and raised in Kansas City before he was drafted to fight in the war.

“My granddad’s story is not in the film, but it’s in my heart,” he said.

“It’s something that my mum and I talk about, but we don’t know much about.”

The lack of knowledge available about his grandfather’s story motivated the actor when it came to making the series.

“My granddad is a hero to us. He’s a hero, not just because he fought in a war, but he’s a hero because he chose a better life for himself even after putting himself at risk for a country that didn’t recognise him on his return.”

The first episode of Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Colour airs tomorrow on National Geographic.