As part of this year’s celebrations of Black History Month, the University of Bedfordshire is hosting an evening with Professor David Olusoga, OBE, as he explores how Black Britons have stamped their presence on the UK’s story over the past 50 years.
Hosted at the University’s Luton campus, the public lecture on Wednesday 6 October at 5pm can be accessed online and tickets to the event can be booked for free here.
Throughout the lecture, British-Nigerian historian, broadcaster and film-maker, Professor David Olusoga, OBE, will reveal the absence of Black history and Black role models in Britain’s education system and explores the impact Black Britons have had on UK society.
Hosted by Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor, the event is set to be of great interest to all those with an interest in Black British history, social and political history and the education system.
Ahead of the lecture, Professor Bunting said: “We are excited to be hosting the upcoming public lecture with historian, Professor David Olusoga, OBE.
“His work around Black British history and culture is inspirational and something we’re certain our students, staff and the public will admire.
“We are proud of Bedfordshire’s diverse student body and staff, and hope that this event with Professor Olusoga will offer our University community something positive to take away, think about and explore further.”
Professor Olusoga is a historian, broadcaster and film-maker known for his BBC series, A House Through Time, and his contributions to the Oxford Companion to Black British History.
As well as writing for The Guardian, The Observer and for BBC History Magazine, he is also the author of Black & British: A Forgotten History and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to history and community integration. He is also a Professor of History at the University of Manchester.
Of this important annual celebration, Professor David Olusoga, OBE, added: “Since its introduction into Britain in 1987, Black History Month has come of age.
“Thanks to the efforts of campaigners, historians, activists and teachers – often working at a local level – Black Britons have managed to inscribe their history back into our shared national story, overcoming centuries of selective amnesia.
“It is important we celebrate Black history but also that we recognise that making Black History Month into what it is today is in itself an enormous achievement.”
The public, alongside University students and staff, are encouraged to sign up to this online lecture. The event is free to attend but people should register online via Eventbrite here.
Registered individuals will be sent instructions of how to join nearer the event date.
