Season 5 (Jan - April 2022)
Black History Conversations has provided over 50 opportunities to explore stories and various aspects of Black History, and thanks to everyone who has had the time to take an interest in these sessions. Special thanks to:
Simon Ferrigno, who is based in Nottingham; David Alston from the Highlands of Scotland; Professor Sir Geoff Palmer from Edinburgh; Marcia Dunkley from Wolverhampton; Dr Jim Thakoordin from Luton; Prof Sati Fwatshak from Jos University in Nigeria; Dr Bunmi Oyinsan, who is Nigerian and based in Canada presently - producer of the Sankofa Pan African Series and now a children’s website; Vivian Crawford, Director of the Institute of Jamaica; Bernard Jankee, Director of the Jamaica Memory Bank; Lisa Y Gabbert from Austin, Texas; and colleagues from Wales: Caroline Sansome, Helen Papworth, Dr Sibani Roy; and so many others who have joined us - both presenting and participating.
Reflecting on the conversations: Five Years On!
Five years ago in October 2020, Black History Conversations began as a simple idea: to create a space where stories, perspectives, and lived experiences within the Black community could be shared openly and honestly. What started as a dialogue has grown into a living archive—one shaped not only by history, but by the people who continue to make it.
Five years on, the project stands as a testament to the power of conversation. We have explored untold histories, celebrated cultural brilliance, confronted uncomfortable truths, and amplified voices often unheard. Along the way, a community has formed—one built on curiosity, courage, and a shared commitment to learning.
As we look ahead, Black History Conversations remains rooted in the same purpose: to educate, inspire, and connect. But it also steps confidently into its next chapter, embracing new stories, new mediums, and new generations eager to understand the past and shape the future.
The dialogue continues—and it is stronger, richer, and more vital than ever.
Session 51
Dr Adam Coward joins us this week. He's an independent researcher, who shares his work on the production of handwoven Welsh Plains for use in the slave trade. He presents us with a question: How should we feel about this? Well, it is complicated."
Here's a recap of what we discussed and Dr Coward's blog post on the subject.
Session 52
Joining us today is Rachel Lang. Rachel is the administrator and researcher of the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slave-Ownership. Rachel was administrator and researcher on both the first and second projects, the Structure and Significance of British Caribbean Slave-ownership 1763-1833 project (2013-2015), and co-founder of the original Legacies of British Slave-ownership project (2009-2012).
She graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an MA (Hons) in Economic and Social History in 1994.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 53
Ian McCracken, Glasgow University, shares his research on Glasgow's Black History links.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 54
We're focusing on Black History in local areas, and exploring how best to execute and share this community-based research.
We also discuss 'Day 26' - Australia's 'Invasion Day' recognition.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 55
We continue focus on Black History from local areas. We're questioning the stories and presence of statues, plaques, and street names that recognise people involved in aspects of the slave trade and colonialisation.
Unfortunately, we do not have a recording of this meeting.
Session 56
We continue focus on Black History from local areas. We're questioning the stories and presence of statues, plaques, and street names that recognise people involved in aspects of the slave trade and colonialisation.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 57
David Viner, former amateur racing cyclist, joins us to tell the story of 'Major' Taylor - a Black Sports Superstar.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 58
Prof Sati Fwatshak tells us about his work to collect local histories of Nigeria's Plateau State.
Lucy MacKeith tells us of her research into 'Local Black History, a beginning in Devon'.
Sima Ramkalowan showcases her work for NWREN.
Artist, Mfikela Jean Samuel, brings us his latest works in Africa.
Another artist, Carol Sorhaindo, joins us from Dominica.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 59
This session following the ‘Unlocking our History’ theme, provided a chance for others to update their stores and start to develop guidance about the range of areas for local Black History local research - using some great examples of work that we can learn from.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 60
We welcomed back Dr Richard Anderson to talk about research he has been doing into the testimonies of slavery in missionary sources.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 61
Dr Juanita Cox, research fellow at UoL focuses on 'The Windrush Scandal in its TRansnational and Commonwealth Context' joins us to provide updates on her work.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 62
Nigerian author, Dr Bunmi Oyinsan, joins us from Canada telling her outstanding work of telling of African History on her Sankofa Pan-African platform (on Apple Podcasts) and her new initiative. She also highlights Canadian Black History.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 63
We welcome author, researcher, activist, and founder of the Black and Asian Studies Association - Marika Sherwood. She is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
Session 64
We focus on historical fiction and hear from regular participants including June-Elizabeth White-Smith-Gulley, International Windrush Advocate/Representative.
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
