Black British History in 2025: A Roundtable Conversation
From the creation of lectureships to the closure of postgraduate programmes, the last five years represent a tumultuous period within the study of Black British history. The Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 were a moment of optimism for historians, students, and activists worldwide; however, with the far-right, racist, and anti-immigrant riots of 2024, a re-rise of essentialism, and growing anxieties about the border, what is the place of Black British history within our present moment? This roundtable discussion brings emerging scholars into conversation with established historians to consider how we frame 'Black British History' in terms of the topics and historical subjects we consider within its remit. By considering new work with sixth formers in Hackney, we will also discuss how to engage students with the gaps and silences within colonial archives. The discussion will also pay homage to the late Marika Sherwood, whose research and efforts helped carve a space for Black British history within and outside of the academy.
The roundtable conversation will close with a performance about Mary Prince from PhD researcher Anni Domingo. Domingo is an award-winning actress, director and writer whose doctoral research examines the portrayal of Black Victorians in literature.
All welcome- this seminar is free to attend but advance registration is required.
This page was last updated on 3 March 2025
