Historian Pamela Roberts will mark the publication of a revised edition of Black Oxford: Untold Stories of Oxford University’s Black Scholars with an open-top bus journey and a public discussion in Oxford.
The launch event is scheduled to take place during a 60-minute guided tour of the city.
Departure is set for 12.30pm on Saturday, November 7, from Broad Street, and participants will receive a signed copy of the newly released edition.
Roberts explained that further research made an update necessary after additional accounts came to light.
She said these accounts had often escaped notice or memory, yet they help connect the history of the university with the surrounding community and reveal part of a broader historical story.
She also said the combination of a book event and bus excursion would provide an engaging start to that journey and welcomed continued backing from City Sightseeing Oxford.
The revised book returns to the lives and achievements of Christian Frederick Cole, described as Britain’s first black barrister, and Alain LeRoy Locke, identified as an intellectual architect of the Harlem Renaissance.
It also gives greater prominence to African and African-American women, examines the contributions and experiences associated with the Windrush generation, and considers an emerging cohort of black scholars and leaders connected with Oxford.
Luke Marion, managing director of City Sightseeing Oxford, praised Roberts’ ability to communicate history and tell stories accessibly.
He said the company’s partnership with the author was continuing to develop.
Marion added that the updated publication, the bus journey and a forthcoming talk at the Weston Library together offer insights into Oxford’s varied history.
At 2pm, the Weston Library will stage a public lecture in collaboration with the Bodleian Libraries.
Roberts will outline the research behind the revision, describe the accounts that had the greatest impact on her, and explain her reasons for revisiting the book.
Those attending will be able to put questions to her and learn further details about the publication directly from its author.
Roberts founded Black Oxford Untold Stories, a cultural initiative focused on identifying, recording and publicising the histories and achievements of black scholars associated with the University of Oxford.
The platform uses publications, heritage activities, presentations, exhibitions, films and creative work to create opportunities for engaging with histories that have frequently been concealed or neglected.
Roberts and City Sightseeing Oxford have previously worked together on black heritage bus tours developed and delivered through their partnership.
City Sightseeing Oxford is owned by Oxford Bus Company, and its tours of this kind can be hired privately at any time of year.