Season 8 (Jan - March 2023)

Session 88

Starting this season, we're delighted to welcome guests Hannah Cusworth, historian who specialises in Black British history.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 89

This week Sarah Parkes takes us through a review of Trevor Noah's book, 'Born a Crime'.

Also, Jonathan Bush of Durham University discusses the Race Equality Award.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 90

We are honoured by Angharad Tomos to discuss the book, 'Woven'.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 91

Chief Thomas and Dr Anne Heffernan, Assistant Professor of Southern African History Durham University joined us for a fascinating converstion about Chief Thomas's work and links with the DRC and Dr Anne Heffernan's work on Black History in her role at Durham University.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 92

Linford Sweeney of 'Inspired Histories' leads us in conversations.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 93

Montaz Marche joined us to talk about her interesting work with UCL and the National Archives on 'This is Black Britain' and her research on 'Black Women in 18th Century London'

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 94

This week during our Black History Conversation we caught up with the British Home Office scandal and the UN report led by our colleagues from Justice for the Windrush Generations and the Windrush Allies Network - also this week in Australia the campaigning began for the referendum to get the ‘Yes' vote needed to give a voice the the first people’s of this land to the Australian Parliament. Dr Juanita Cox also presented some of her work.

Tayo Aluko talked about his work as an architect, and then a performer. He has researched and performed a play based on the life of Paul Robeson, a story he wants more widely shared. He has toured it worldwide

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 95

This week author Eleanor Shearer came along to talk about her new book, "River sing me home", which tells the tale of a mother seeking her children after she has been emancipated. Set in 1834, it was a Good Morning America book club pick in February 2023.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 96

Marie-Claire Faray from the Democratic Republic of Congo leads us in conversations.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 97

Tayo Reflections leads us in discussions.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 99

This week, we have a review of the season.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.

Session 100

We met today to thank everyone who has supported Black History Conversations, as this was our 100th session, and end of Season 8.

Melissa Williams of the University of York spoke about the Windrush scandal and the impact on Windrush descendants sense of belonging in the UK, while there were many contributions from participants including June Elizabeth White Smith Gulley. Prof Sir Geoff Palmer reflected on the progress made and challenges in telling honest story of history and other participants shared updates.

Here's a recap of what we discussed.