Local and Place-Based Black British History

Across the UK historians within and beyond the academy are demonstrating the importance of exploring local and place-based Black British history. This research is contributing to public history in many different contexts, school curricula, and university teaching practices. Drawing together a panel of expert practitioners in place-based Black British history, this event will explore how established local and place-based history research could more effectively engage with their practices and research insights. For instance, what would be the implications of fully embracing place-based Black British history for long-standing projects like the Victoria County History?  

During the event panel members will give short presentations, engage in conversation with a discussant, and take questions from the audience.   

The three invited panellists are members of the ‘Black British History Local Perspectives’ initiative, first convened by Dr Jack Webb, University of Manchester, in June 2022.   

• Dr Angelina Osbourne received her PhD in History from the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation, University of Hull in 2014, and is co-author with Patrick Vernon of 100 Great Black Britons.  She is an independent researcher and heritage consultant, whose interests include Caribbean enslavement, Black British history, the history of community and education activism. 
• Clinton Smith is chair of the Preston Black History Group (PBHG).  With the support of members and advocates of PBHG, Clinton seeks to promote cultural understanding and educate the public on the far-reaching contributions of African and African-Caribbean people in the UK.  
• Laurence Westgaph is an independent researcher, community historian, writer, broadcaster, and tour guide. He has a particular interest in Liverpool’s role in the slave trade and how its legacies have benefited the city and impacted its built environment, civic, cultural, and educational institutions. 

This event is part of the Institute of Historical Research’s People, Place and Community seminar series and is co-hosted by the Centre for the History of People, Place and Community and the Victoria County History.