A Heartfelt Thank You for the First Black Oxford Untold Stories Guided Tour
This year marked an incredible milestone as I witnessed the fruition of years of hard work come to life with the launch of the first-ever Black Oxford Untold Stories Guided Tour.
It was an absolute joy to share the rich history and heritage of Black scholars at the University of Oxford and the wider Oxford Black community. We celebrated their enduring contributions, including the vital impact of the Windrush generation in shaping the university through their diverse roles. The tour is about more than just history—it’s about storytelling, celebration, and connection.
I want to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to the amazing team at Oxford City Sightseeing who believed in my vision and worked tirelessly to help me make it a reality. Together, we’ve created an experience that was fun, accessible, and educational for everyone—whether a history enthusiast, a curious visitor, or simply someone who loves a good story. We’ve stripped away the academic jargon, making history engaging and approachable for all.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the tour, and helped make the inaugural tours unforgettable. Together, we made history interesting, inclusive, and inspiring for all.
Keep an eye on the website for updates and tour dates—we can’t wait to welcome you back to explore these remarkable stories with us again.
See you in 2025!
We Are Our History
I had the honour of participating in the Bodleian Libraries' "We Are Our History" project. It was an incredible experience to create a short video about the university's first Black scholar, Christian Frederick Cole, and explore archives' vital role in preserving our shared heritage. This project underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse narratives that shape our history. Thank you to everyone involved for this meaningful opportunity.
And we're off!
The Black Oxford Untold Stories Guided Bus Tours officially launched on Saturday, July 27th.
Thank you to all the wonderful passengers who joined us on the first tour.
Legendary Brazilian music group takes a special guided bus tour.
I was thrilled Black Oxford Untold Stories and Oxford City Sightseeing were able to provide a special tour for the legendary Brazilian musical group, Ile Aiye, which helped create and deepen the roots of the Black Representation movement in Brazil, to experience the inaugural Black Oxford Untold Stories bus tour.
BLACK OXFORD UNTOLD STORIES LAUNCH NEW GUIDED BUS TOURS.
Black Oxford Untold Stories,
in partnership with Oxford Bus Company, launches a guided bus tour—a unique journey back in time that unlocks the secret histories of Oxford’s Black scholars.
Visitors can enjoy the experience via City Sightseeing Oxford’s hop-on hop-off bus, take in the breathtaking views of Oxford's picturesque spires from the top deck, and get up close with a walk through the city’s historic streets.
“The tour challenges the misconception that historically, Black students never studied at the University of Oxford. “When it comes to the University of Oxford’s historic alumni, the names of Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Harold Wilson, and Bill Clinton are familiar to many. But what about its Black scholars?
Luke Marion, City Sightseeing Oxford Managing Director, said: “We’re proud to have formed such an innovative partnership that enables us to offer our customers a unique insight into Oxford’s history.
For more information and to book a tour, visit the City Sightseeing Oxford website here:
I am delighted to announce that Black Oxford: The Untold Stories of Oxford University's Black Scholars is now available at the Visitors Information Point.
The accessibility of the Visitor Information Point at 44 – 45 High Street,
Oxford will enable visitors to the city to find and purchase a copy of Black Oxford - The Untold Stories of Oxford University's Black Scholar and learn more about the Black presence at the University and its many scholars, from Christian Frederick Cole, the first Black scholar in 1873 to the first African woman Kofoworola Moore, and the first Rhodes Scholar, Alain LeRoy Locke.
Join me on March 23rd from 11.00 am - 3.00 pm for a book signing event at the Visitor Information Point to delve into the fascinating history of Black scholars at Oxford University.
As 2023 draws to a close, I would like to thank everyone again for their support and those who attended a Black Oxford Untold Stories event, the Trailblazers programme, or a book signing.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I look forward to seeing you in 2024.
Thank you for all your invaluable support over the last 12 months. I hope you enjoy the season, and I look forward to seeing you again in 2023.
New Book Announcement
From the discovery of his archive in a battered suitcase in Shepshed, Leicestershire, to five years of research and following in his footsteps, I am excited to share James Arthur Harley's remarkable true story.
The Adventures of a Black Edwardian Intellectual - The Story of James Arthur Harley, Signal Books, 2022, is now available to pre-order.
James Arthur Harley
I am delighted to feature as part of the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission film, screened on the Antiguan Broadcasting Service, to celebrate their 39th Anniversary of Independence, speaking about the Antiguan scholar James Arthur Harley. (53:20)
The story of England's first black barrister
1883. A black man enters the Central Criminal Court (The Old Bailey), stands in front of the Judge, Sir Thomas Chambers, assured and forthright. He delivers an eloquent plea on behalf of the defendant.
Wednesday 21st October 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm
FREE TO ATTEND
Black History Lecture for Hertford College
I am delighted to deliver the Black History Month Lecture at Hertford College.
We Were Here!
The lecture will explore the path, structural racism, and barriers navigated by several African scholars, who came to the University, studied, and succeeded.
FREE TO ATTEND
Four Themed Virtual Walking Tours launched
I am delighted to announce the launch of four themed Black Oxford virtual walking tours. Further details can be found under the tab of the online programme page
Dictionary of African Biography
I am delighted to announce that my biographical profiles for Kofoworola Moore and Christian Frederick Cole are now entries in the Dictionary of African Biography.
Online lecture programme launched
The first lecture in the programme
Following in the footsteps of
James Arthur Harley
BBC History magazine
feature
Read about Christian Frederick Cole, England's first black barrister in April's issue
I am delighted to unveil the photograph of Kofoworola Moore, the university's first African women student, with
Professor Louise Richardson,
Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford, and Dame Elish Angiolini, Principal,
St Hugh’s College, the University of Oxford.
The unveiling of
Kofoworola Moore photograph at
St Hugh's College
I am delighted to deliver the keynote lecture on the 10th March in the Morden Hall, St Hugh's College, preceded by the unveiling of a picture featuring Lady Ademola during her visit to St Hugh’s College in 1937
The Life of Kofoworola Moore
The images are now on the portfolio page/Christian Cole film. Click on the adjacent image to go to the page
The launch of the film England's first black barrister
at the
Old Bailey
We are delighted to announce The Old Bailey will host the London screening of our film Christian Frederick Cole - England's first black barrister.
The Old Bailey to host
screening
We are delighted to announce the screening of our film Christian Frederick Cole – The story of England’s first black barrister at University College, Oxford on Wednesday 29th January 2020.
