Season 1 (Oct - Dec 2020)

Session 1

A great panel of presenters including, Dr Morgan Dalphinis, author of 'Caribbean and African Languages', with Artist, Mfikela Jean Samuel, from the Republic of Cameroon, and Jamaican poet, Yasus Afari, who joined us to launch the ‘Windrush Words’ project, along with the 'Windrush Writers' initiative.

Thank you also to poet,  Audrey West,  for stepping in to share a poem about identity.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 2

We started the theme of European exploration of Africa, with presentations about Belong Nottingham's research on Livingstone and the Africans who assisted him, as well as a discussion abut Henry Morton Stanley's role.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 3

We focused on the story of Rev William Hughes, the African Institute,  and started to explore the involvement of Henry Morton Stanley in Africa.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 4

We discuss Welsh Plains: From Sheep to Sugar - Welsh Wool and Slavery, which is a joint project from Learning Links International and Community Research Volunteers.

Our conversation on Henry Morton Stanley controversial role in Africa continues.

Joining us is creative artist, YASUS AFARI, a Jamaican Dub poet.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 5

We discuss 'The Highlands and Slavery', highlighting research conducted by the historian, David Alston. We also continue the conversation about Henry Morton Stanley's controversial role in Africa.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 6

We highlight the research of fashion designer,  Jose Hendo presented in her book 'Bark Cloth and the Fashion Industry'. We also discuss H.I.M. Haile Selassie, the Battle of Adawa, and food commodities during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 7

We introduce Jim Thakoordin's story, whose family worked on Guyanese plantations for generations.

We also recognise NAIDOC Week in Australia and the Rememberance recognitions around the world.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 8

We introduce Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, who speaks on a range of topics including expounding on his quote, "Don't take down statues - take down racism." Also, joining us is Professor Sati Fwatshak from Jos University in Nigeria.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 9

Professor and author, Chris Evans, joins us to discuss his book 'The Welsh and Atlantic Slavery'.

We have an update from Mfikela Jean Samuel on the launch of 'Talent Outreach', and YASUS AFARI, welcomes Dr. Hilary Robinson Kickling to share memories of the late Prof Fred Hickling.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 10

We revisit the concept of the United Kingdom and the Congo shared history; with contributions from scholars, historians and storytellers from both regions. Joining the discussions are Norbert Mbu-Mputu, Chief Thomas Bikebi, the Belong team, and Tim Jeal, author of 'Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa's Greatest Explorer.'

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 11

We continue last week's discussions on the UK's and Congo's shared history in attempts to explore the next steps in the relationship. Joining us are Norbert Mputu, Chief Thomas Bikebi, the Belong team, Mr. Juma, Richardo Mulinda, Marie Claire, Ya Kil, and others.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 12

Special Event to reflect on the Black History Conversations of the last few weeks, with an update and views by Prof Geoff Palmer on challenging racism, a progress report by artiste Mifikela Jean Samuel on ‘International Talent Outreach’ and input from Prof Sati Fwatshak and Dr Jim Thakoordin talking about Black History themes to take forward in 2021.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.