David Olusoga

David Olusoga OBE is a British-Nigerian historian, writer, broadcaster, and BAFTA-winning filmmaker, renowned for his work in public history and his commitment to uncovering marginalized narratives. Born in January 1970 in Lagos, Nigeria, Olusoga moved to the UK at the age of five and grew up in Gateshead, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of racism and cultural identity. He pursued his academic interests in history at the University of Liverpool, focusing on the history of slavery, and later studied broadcast journalism at Leeds Trinity University.

As a professor of public history at the University of Manchester, Olusoga has made significant contributions to the field through his television documentaries and publications. His acclaimed works include the BBC series Black and British: A Forgotten History, which examines the long-standing presence and contributions of Black people in Britain, and A House Through Time, a series that explores the history of individual houses to reflect broader societal changes. In recognition of his services to history and community integration, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019.

Olusoga's reflections on history and society are encapsulated in his insightful quotes. He asserts, “The past does not belong only to a privileged few; it belongs to us all.” He also emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths, stating, “The refusal to accept that the black presence in Britain has a long and deep history is not just a symptom of racism, it is a form of racism.” Through his work, Olusoga continues to challenge conventional narratives and advocate for a more inclusive understanding of history.