New University of Bristol project to explore legacy of transatlantic slavery

A new project led by the University of Bristol will work with communities in the city to build a fuller understanding of how the legacy of transatlantic slavery is still impacting on Bristol, and wider society, in 2021.

‘We are Bristol: reparative justice through collaborative research’ will be led by Olivette Otele, professor of history of slavery and memory of enslavement at the university, and will see four major projects undertaken in the city.

This project is one of five that the UK Research and Innovation have invested in and has awarded just over £290,000 to the university for the collaboration, which puts people at the centre of academic research.

“Bristol’s economic, social and cultural life, and the lived experience of its citizens, have been shaped by transatlantic slavery, with the city struggling to address the legacies of this past,” says Olivette.

“Recent events in Bristol, such as the toppling of Edward Colston statue, have brought into sharp focus the inequalities that still exist and a strong feeling that the history of the city, how it is represented and taught, still remains unresolved.

“Academics, city partners, citizens and community groups will work together to discuss and examine these important issues to build a greater understanding of the impacts of transatlantic slavery and, importantly, how the city can learn lessons and make changes.”

Olivette Otele will lead the project – photo: University of Bristol

The first project will investigate the lives of Bristol’s slave owners and those they claimed ownership of. Led by Dr Richard Stone from the department of history, citizen researchers will identify Bristol’s slave owners and find out how their money has shaped Bristol’s built environment, businesses and charities.

They will also look at the lives of those forced into slavery using Caribbean Slave Registers. The records of compensation awarded when slavery was abolished in 1834 will also be used as a research tool.

“We talk a lot about how Bristol has benefited from slavery, but we don’t really have a concrete sense of how much and where,” says Richard. “We hope to address the problem of the invisibility of the enslaved in Bristol.

“So now, when looking at a grand Victorian building, you will also be able to see the names of the enslaved people whose labours generated the wealth that built it.”

Dr Jessica Moody, also from the department of history, will work with Cleo Lake and Kwesi Johnson on the second of the four projects.

Citizens, artists and dance groups in Bristol will identify sites of memory in Bristol, culminating in creative performances and an AR app through which these can be viewed.

Former Bristol lord mayor Cleo Lake will partner with Kwesi Johnson and Dr Moody for this project – photo: Jon Craig

“We believe that the full impact and trauma of transatlantic enslavement as well as its complex ongoing legacies cannot be understood solely through standard historical, scientific or academic methods,” says Jessica.

“This is an area where the creative arts make a powerful and necessary intervention in research and engagement.”

The third project, Bridging Histories, will create a learning resource for communities exploring issues of contested heritage which can be used in countries around the world.

Led by Dr Joanna Burch-Brown, co-chair of the Bristol History Commission and senior lecturer in philosophy at the university, it will be a journey through street-level and family history, a way to share recipes and poems, and look at monuments.

The resource will also encourage learners to make change in themselves and their communities.

The fourth project will see Dr Marie-Annick Gournet from the department of english partner with the Global Majority Teachers Network and Bristol City Council’s education and skills directorate.

They will examine how inequalities and racism experienced by people of colour in the education sector are inextricably linked to slavery and its legacy.

“The aim of this package is to work with teachers as citizen scientists to develop ways of understanding and teaching of the different aspects of that legacy, equipping them to be agents for change and enhance their own and other educators’ ability to address inequalities,” says Marie-Annick.

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Read more: New series explores pupils’ experiences of racism and discrimination in schools’

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Deputy mayor Asher Craig added: “Listening to and learning from our communities is an important part of our approach at the council. We’ve partnered with the university in this research to ensure we continue to explore the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and its continuing impact on the city and its communities.”

‘We are Bristol: reparative justice through collaborative research’ will also partner with The Legacy Steering Group, Black South West Network, The Commission and FENYCE to complete the research,

“Bristol has a rich and varied past and the legacy of the transatlantic slavery is one that still impacts citizens in a number of different ways,” says Asher.

“It’s important that we take the time to learn more now to ensure future generations are educated and feel connected to the history of our city. And that individually and as a collective we can move forward together to build a city of unity, hope and ambition.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Bristol University appoints first history of slavery professor