Airbrushed out – the untold stories of Oxford university’s black scholars

Wednesday 7th October

Pamela Roberts, an award-winning cultural heritage professional and the author of Black Oxford – The Untold Stories of Oxford University’s Black Scholars.

Pamela’s fascinating lecture, entitled Airbrushed out – the Untold Stories of Oxford University’s Black Scholars, will illustrate the long and illustrious history of black scholars at the University of Oxford, and at the same time draw attention to those that are not portrayed or associated with the famed institution.

Make a visit to University College in Oxford and you cannot fail to see the grandiose white marble statute of Percy Bysshe Shelley set behind high ornate railings, celebrated as one of the College’s most famous alumni, surprisingly, given that he was expelled after only eight months. Contrast this to Christian Frederick Cole also an alumnus of University College, and the first African to practise law in an English court – however, there is no grand monument to Cole, and no plaque. Mention his name at the College and you will be met by blank stares and inquisitive looks.

Pamela said of her forthcoming lecture: “The names of Shelley, Wilde, Pullman and Clinton are synonymous as Oxford alumni. My lecture will present other scholars such as Locke, Williams, Manley, who have also made great achievements but yet are unfamiliar to many.”

A former television producer and director who has worked for Channel Four Television, ITV and the BBC, Pamela works to conceive, develop and produce black cultural heritage projects which celebrate and acknowledge black heritage contributions and achievements. She has organised screenings, events, festivals and conferences for a range of organisations which have included the Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the British Film Institute, the University of Oxford, and Oxford Preservation Trust. Pamela has received awards for her work including being recognised for outstanding contribution for media services by Her Majesty the Queen in 2004.

•12:30-1:00pm: Networking Lunch
•1:00-2:00pm: Lecture
•2:00-2:30pm: Q&A

The event will be preceeded by a Networking Lunch, and Pamela will be welcomed and introduced by Professor Dinah Birch, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) of the University of Liverpool.

Tickets are free, but booking is essential.

This event has been organised by the Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Staff Network and contributes to events taking place for Black History Month 2015.

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