St John's Black History Month Lecture 2023: Defending the history of African and Caribbean people in Britain

We are delighted to announce that this year's St John's Black History Month Lecture will be given by Professor Hakim Adi (University of Chichester)

Hakim Adi was the first historian of African heritage to become a professor of history in Britain when he was appointed Professor of the History of Africa and the African Diaspora at the University of Chichester, a position which he held from 2015-23. Professor Adi is also the founder and consultant historian of the Young Historians Project.

In this lecture for Black History Month, Professor Adi will explore themes raised in his African and Caribbean People in Britain: A History (Allen Lane, 2022), recently shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize 2023. Looking at the evidence for the actions of African and Caribbean people in the history of Britain, Professor Adi will show how much the country’s collective achievements – universal suffrage, the fight against fascism, the forging of the NHS – owe to these men and women, and how, in understanding our history in these terms, we are more able to fully understand our present moment.

Professor Adi has written widely on the history of Africa and the African Diaspora, including three history books for children. His most recent publications include: Pan-Africanism and Communism: The Communist International, Africa and the Diaspora, 1919–1939 (Africa World Press, 2013), Pan-Africanism: A History (Bloomsbury Press, 2018), Black Voices on Britain (Macmillan, 2022) and New Perspectives on the History of African and Caribbean People in Britain (Pluto, 2023).

The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception in the Garden Quad Reception Room. The event is free and all are welcome, but registration is required.