Introduction: Unveiling the Historical Blueprints
David Olusoga is a British-Nigerian historian and BAFTA-winning filmmaker. He is known for his impactful books, including "Black and British: A Forgotten History, "Olusoga is a familiar face on television, hosting shows like "A House Through Time." He's acclaimed for his work on award-winning series like "Black & British: A Forgotten History" and "Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners." His extensive TV credits also feature "The World’s War," "The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files," and the BBC arts series "Civilizations." Olusoga's contributions span literature and television, illuminating forgotten histories and societal truths.
At the 2023 Anti Racist Cumbria (ARC) Summit, Olusoga delivered a powerful keynote speech that set the tone for the event. His opening remarks centred on two pivotal themes: the conclusion of Black History Month and the profound discussions surrounding the Windrush anniversary. Olusoga passionately emphasised the importance of recognising Black achievements and their significant contributions to British history.
During his address, he eloquently highlighted the remarkable significance of both Black History Month and the commemoration of the Windrush anniversary. He considered them not just as calendar events but, as crucial milestones in acknowledging and honouring Black history. Olusoga, drawing from personal experience, stressed the absence of these acknowledgements during his formative years, underscoring the remarkable progress made in recognizing Black history since then.
Challenging Historical Denial: Reviving Lost Narratives of Black Contributions
Shifting Generational Attitudes
David Olusoga's talk at the ARC's summit cast light on pivotal moments in Black British history, notably, 1987 as a turning point due to the release of Peter Fry's groundbreaking book, "Staying Power," which provided the first comprehensive history chronicling the Black British Presence. There was a scarcity of literature on Black British history until the 1960s and was only possible due to the crucial work of academics like James Walvin and Laurent Shlomo who spotlighted untold narratives. However, there has been a noticeable generational shift, especially in how younger individuals now have access to historical narratives, once obscured, and can confront the discomfort we experience with our histories, without fear.
Salvaging Historical Figures
The restoration of buried historical figures like Mary Seacole represented an immense effort by generations of historians, of all races. However, Olusoga explained that there was a dominance of American content during the early years of Black History Month in Britain, and he advocated for the prioritisation and inclusion of local Black British stories in school lessons. One such example he highlighted was the oversight in a Bristol school, which prioritised teaching about Rosa Parks and the Alabama bus boycott over the local heroes behind the Bristol Bus Boycott, such as Paul Stephenson, whose efforts led to significant legislative changes in Britain.
Redefining History
Reflecting on the term "Windrush," Olusoga acknowledged its evolution into a symbol of the post-war Black British experience. He pointed out the lack of awareness among the Windrush generation about earlier Black communities and historical figures within Britain. He recognised the substantial achievements in the reconstruction of fragmented historical narratives. Delving into these histories, Olusoga shared the story of John Blanke, a Black musician in Tudor times, unveiling the presence of Black individuals in Britain for centuries. Olusoga emphasised the profound impact of a minority — People of Colour and allies — who tirelessly salvaged and inscribed their narratives onto the British national story through archival recovery. However, he saw this as the start of a larger process rather than the conclusion. For instance, in addressing the incomplete portrayal of the Industrial Revolution in British education, he noted how the narrative’s omissions —particularly regarding the cotton industry’s reliance on enslaved labour from the American South — could offer a new perspective on the history of industry and colonialism.
Recognising Entangled Histories
Olusoga's speech explored contemporary cultural debates, intertwining discussions on racism, anti-racism, and societal values with a profound reconsideration of history's role. He recognised the urgency of confronting historical truths that had been avoided or sidelined for generations and emphasised the need to challenge selective alterations in historical narratives. Reflecting on Britain’s historical approach, he highlighted a tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths, constructing a fabricated, idealised version of the past. This distortion, he argued, blinded the nation to the imprints of omitted chapters across cultural, linguistic, and institutional dimensions.
Unmasking Concealment and Clarifying the Narrative
Highlighting the fragility of this contrived historical narrative, Olusoga critiqued the contorted intellectual stances required to maintain it. He scrutinised the defence of morally indefensible figures and the dismissals of honest historical truths. Addressing the role of historians and the heritage industry, he exposed the coded language within heritage plaques, which used terms like "West India planter" to veil the harsh reality of ownership and enslavement of people.
Asserting that these movements aimed to challenge selective alterations, not rewrite history, Olusoga stressed the critical examination of omissions and distortions within historical narratives. He challenged the status quo of admiring beautiful architecture without acknowledging its darker ties. He scrutinised the euphemistic language in historical markers, which served to conceal uncomfortable truths. His call resounded for a transparent and unvarnished evaluation of the past, urging a more honest portrayal of historical narratives.
From Centuries Past to Present Prejudices: Culture wars
David Olusoga delved into the contemporary culture wars, intertwining debates on racism, anti-racism, and societal values with a profound reconsideration of history's role. The urgency in these discussions stemmed from the necessity to confront and process long-ignored history, dating back decades and even centuries. Olusoga stressed that these movements did not seek to rewrite history but aimed to challenge the selective alterations imposed over decades. He emphasised that history arrived in lives already selectively rewritten, sparking a critical examination of omissions and distortions in historical narratives.
Fragility of Fabricated History
Echoing James Baldwin's sentiment, Olusoga highlighted how nations and people were entwined in history, often unable to escape its grasp. Britain’s tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths had led to a fabricated, idealised past that birthed a false national identity. This distortion blinded the nation to the imprints of omitted chapters on culture, language, and institutions. Olusoga critiqued the contorted intellectual positions required to sustain this fabricated version of history. He criticised the defence of indefensible figures and the dismissal of honest historical narratives. Shedding light on coded language in heritage plaques, he urged a more transparent and honest assessment of the past.
Consequences of Omitted Histories
Olusoga emphasised the consequences of selectively omitting historical chapters are now being experienced through the culture wars. It is vital for a national history to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of the population. Integrating sidelined narratives from West Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond was deemed crucial to creating a more honest and inclusive national history. Olusoga emphasised the significant contribution of migrants to the establishment and functioning of the National Health Service (NHS). He highlighted that the NHS met its demands effectively following the arrival of the Windrush in 1948, marking the beginning of migration that had been crucial for the NHS. By the 1960s, thousands of nurses from Jamaica were working within the NHS, showcasing the widespread recruitment from the Caribbean and beyond to support the healthcare system. Olusoga stressed that the NHS was, inherently, an international health service. Demonstraiting the importance of recognising and celebrating these aspects of Black and imperial history, reflecting on his dedication to advocating for this acknowledgement and celebration.
Urgent Transformation
Focusing on the built environment, Olusoga urged people to confront the uncomfortable origins behind symmetrical, elegant historical buildings. He criticised the tendency to sanitise history by shying away from associations with terms like "slave trader" or "slave owner." Olusoga called for the urgent transformation of national history to reflect a more honest, inclusive narrative relevant to Britain’s diverse society. He encouraged the acknowledgement of this history, ingrained beneath the surface of everyday life, to forge a more comprehensive and representative national story.
Racism in Plain Sight: The Enduring Influence of Age-Old Ideas
David Olusoga delved into enthralling anecdotes about the interconnectedness of history and cultural symbols, unveiling misunderstandings rooted in certain narratives. He recounted the Blighty Café sit-in controversy in London, which sparked debate over the word "Blighty," often linked to nostalgic Second World War imagery. Olusoga clarified its origin, tracing it back to the First World War and its association with the diverse British army during that time.
Tea and Global History
Olusoga intricately linked Britain’s historical connections through tea, a quintessential symbol of British culture. He highlighted the paradoxes in tea’s origins, emphasising its global journey from cultivation in the Americas using African labour, through China and India, to consumption in Europe. He humorously questioned brand names and their true origins, pointing out the global entanglement behind seemingly British products such as Yorkshire tea.
Scottish Culture's Global Roots
Reflecting on his upbringing, Olusoga revealed hidden connections between Scottish culture and the global past. He uncovered Scotland’s association with the English Empire, which began in 1707, touching upon its participation in the East India Company and the Caribbean sugar trade, often overlooked in historical narratives. Personal anecdotes linked to childhood sweets and music unveiled Scotland’s deeply rooted involvement in the world of enslavement and the Empire
The Origin of 'Guinea' and Its Disturbing Past
Unveiling the forgotten roots of the term "guinea," Olusoga narrated the coin’s historical significance, revealing its grim association with the Guinea coast of West Africa. He exposed the Royal African Company’s abhorrent involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, shedding light on its ruthless practices and treatment of human lives as mere commodities. Olusoga vividly described the company’s ruthlessness, highlighting its status as a chartered monopoly backed by the Royal Navy to protect its interests and maximise profits, actively involving figures like King Charles II and his brother, James, Duke of York. The Royal African Company transported around 150,000 individuals into a life of enslavement between the 1670s and 1730s, branding enslaved individuals with the initials of the company or the Duke of York’s initials. This entwinement with the Royal Family served as a sombre reminder of the deeply entrenched and horrifying history concealed beneath seemingly innocuous traditions and terms.
Uncovering Hidden Histories: Exploring the Erasure of Racial Narratives
Drawing attention to lesser-known figures in Cumbria's history tied to the slave trade, such as John Lowther, Olusoga exposed how Whitehaven transformed into a slave trading centre. He underlined the pervasive influence of wealth derived from slavery, evident in grand estates across Cumbria and other parts of the UK. Olusoga mentioned databases, like the legacies of British slave ownership, are crucial in uncovering these connections. He emphasized the ongoing generational task of unearthing lost links, asserting the relentless nature of this process.
Unveiling Cumbria's Links to the Slave Trade
Acknowledging Cumbria’s familiarity with airbrushed historical narratives, David Olusoga highlighted the persistent denial of uncomfortable historical connections despite evolving attitudes. He pointed to cities like Liverpool, Bristol, and London—direct players in the transatlantic slave trade—that had slowly acknowledged their history under pressure. Olusoga emphasised how places like Liverpool’s museums and Canary Wharf had obscured historical truths, camouflaging profound connections in plain sight. Despite Manchester’s delayed recognition of its wealth amassed from the slave-produced cotton industry post-abolition, Olusoga noted a similar reluctance in Cumbria. Travelling from Bristol, Olusoga attended the event in Cumbria, underlining its significance.
Concealed Histories in Bristol
Olusoga illuminated Bristol’s unknown merchants, thousands deeply involved in the Atlantic slave trade but lacking historical acknowledgement. He highlighted Edward Colston’s statue, revered as a philanthropist by Bristol’s late Victorian elite, which obscured his role as a slave trader. The toppling of Colston’s statue in 2020 sparked crucial discussions about Bristol’s hidden history. Olusoga noted the presence of Colston-like figures across the UK, unrecognised yet pivotal in comprehending local and national history.
Celebrating Growing Contributions
In celebrating the additional narratives of Black contributions to British history, Olusoga highlighted the diverse makeup of those involved in pivotal historical events. He noted the multicultural presence in Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar and the global involvement in the First World War, underscoring the significance of these events and the diverse individuals pivotal in shaping history
Racism's Viral Power: Unpacking Its Longevity and Impact
Olusoga explored the contentious aspect of Black and imperial history: structural racism. He acknowledged the significant opposition and vehement attacks faced when discussing this subject. Emphasising the deliberate construction of structural racism, he asserted the necessity of comprehending its origins to become anti-racist. Olusoga highlighted how racial ideologies, fabricated to justify slavery and colonialism, persisted in contemporary societies, shaping culture and consciousness like a persistent viral concept.
Perpetuation of Racial Ideologies
Delving into the lasting impact of fabricated racial ideologies, Olusoga explained how these ideas continued to influence contemporary society. Transmitted across generations, these ideologies pervaded official documents, academic works, and popular culture, shaping societal norms and perceptions. He explored mediums such as literature, music, theatre, and early cinema, revealing how they propagated racial stereotypes and sustained racial thinking.
Cultural Mediums and Racial Stereotypes
Olusoga unveiled the role of various cultural mediums in perpetuating racial stereotypes. Highlighting works like Uncle Tom’s Cabin, he described how seemingly anti-slavery narratives were laden with racial stereotypes, transforming the character “Uncle Tom” into a derogatory term. He further explained how entertainment forms such as blackface minstrelsy reinforced racial prejudices through performances, songs, and humour, ensuring the endurance of racist ideologies. This art form sustained and disseminated racist ideologies, keeping them alive for decades, far beyond the era of slavery and well into the late 20th century.
From Empire to Today: Echoes of Racial Stereotypes in Modern Society
Falsehoods of Pain Tolerance
David Olusoga shared a distressing historical belief perpetuated through pseudo-science: the myth that Black individuals possessed a higher pain tolerance than white individuals. He spotlighted Benjamin Mosley, an English doctor in 18th-century Jamaica, who disseminated this misconception about Black insensitivity to pain. Mosley’s publication, A Treatise on Tropical Diseases and on the Climate of the West Indies, popularised myths claiming that Black individuals were nearly impervious to pain. It propagated notions such as their ability to sleep soundly during illness, insensitivity to nervous diseases, and an extraordinary capacity to endure surgeries without anaesthesia. Olusoga highlighted the widespread dissemination of Mosley’s claims across medical publications and reports, fortified by Mosley’s esteemed position as Jamaica’s surgeon general, which lent credibility to these misconceptions over time.
Spreading False Narratives Through White Supremacy
Olusoga then focused on French General Charles Mangin’s book, La Force Noire (The Black Force), published in 1910. Mangin advocated for deploying soldiers from France’s West African colonies, particularly Senegal, to fight for France in future European wars, emphasising the concept of using these African troops to defend the nation. In the 20th century, Mangin advanced the false belief that Africans had a higher tolerance for pain and were better suited for combat due to their perceived lower sensitivity to pain. He referenced French surgeons’ accounts in colonial Africa that claimed African men endured surgeries without anaesthesia, a notion similar to claims made by Benjamin Mosley in the 18th century.
Mangin’s argument was based on the fallacy that Africans had an underdeveloped nervous system, supposedly enabling them to withstand pain better and avoid psychological conditions faced by European soldiers. When the First World War occurred, Mangin personally commanded Black colonial soldiers on the Western Front, implementing his theories. These troops were deployed as shock troops on the front line under the belief they felt less pain and had a less developed nervous system. Tragically, they suffered higher casualty rates than white soldiers..
Endurance of Medical Racism Through Centuries
Exploring various historical instances, Olusoga revealed the persistent exploitation and propagation of the false belief surrounding Black peoples’ pain tolerance. He recounted the experiences of John Brown, an African American who escaped enslavement, whose memoir described being subjected to medical experiments aiming to prove that Black people had thicker skin and experienced pain differently from white people. He highlighted the persistent prevalence of deeply ingrained racial biases in modern society, as demonstrated by various studies and analyses.
He cited an experiment where both white and racially diverse children underrated the pain of Black children, reflecting the deep-seated societal perception that Black individuals experienced pain differently. Moreover, he highlighted the under-prescription of pain relief for Black people by medical professionals, influenced by the archic notion that Black people were less sensitive to pain, an idea present in medical textbooks until the mid-20th century.
Legacy of Racism in Modern Society
Olusoga discussed a study by RunRepeat and the Professional Footballers Association that analysed commentary in football matches. The research uncovered clear biases, demonstrating that commentators were more likely to focus on physical attributes and athletic abilities when describing players with darker skin tones, echoing historical stereotypes rooted in biological racism. He emphasised that these biases persisted subconsciously in various professions, perpetuating outdated beliefs that diminished the intellectual capabilities of Black athletes.
In his concluding reflections, David Olusoga underscored the criticality of understanding racism’s construction and origins to effectively combat its pervasive influence. He drew an analogy, likening comprehending racism to dismantling a complex structure, emphasising the need to examine its blueprints deeply embedded in history. Olusoga praised the strides made in uncovering Black British history, emphasising the importance of opening the narrative within the national heritage. Despite facing criticism and challenges, rewriting the empire’s story stood as a crucial step in acknowledging the contributions and experiences of marginalised communities.
Acknowledging the discomfort associated with probing the origins of race and racism, Olusoga recognised the prevailing preference for celebrating the achievements and narratives of Black individuals throughout history. However, he asserted that true anti-racism necessitated confronting the uncomfortable truths behind the formation of racial biases. Doing so, he argued, was pivotal in acknowledging and addressing the enduring impact of these biases on individuals’ lives and opportunities in society.
Conclusion: Anti-Racism is Understanding Origins to Dismantle Ideologies
Olusoga’s speech urged the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the origins of racism. He asserted that genuine anti-racism required not only celebrating overlooked narratives but also addressing the deep-rooted biases that perpetuate inequality. By understanding racism’s genesis, society can move closer to achieving equality, justice, and inclusion.
References:
Olusoga, D. (2023) 'Keynote speech'. Anti-Racist Cumbria's Summit, Theater by the Lake, Keswick, 2nd November.
Anti-Racism Cumbria. (2023, October 20). Speaker and Panellists. Retrieved 08/12/2023, from https://antiracistcumbria.org/summit23-workshops-and-speakers/
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