Wrapped into his research are revelations of the contradictions in British society, like the warm and humane welcome of Frederick Douglass during his visits in the late-19th century, while also clinging to the interests and wealth of the American Slave Trade in Britain. Drawing on new genetic and genealogical research, original records, expert testimony, and contemporary interviews, Black and British lunges back into eras where one would assume there was no prominent African presence in Britain. It’s a major part of the story of us all.' - David Olusogaĭavid Olusoga's spirited re-examination of a shared history, Black and British: A Forgotten History, was published to accompany the BBC Two series that debuted in Autumn 2016. It's the long, often tragic and always surprising story of Britain’s relationship with Africa and her peoples, both here in Britain but also in Africa and across the Caribbean and North America, and most of it is little known. The ceremony will be hosted by comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan and broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer at 7pm.'To me black history is everyone’s history. Olusoga will be presented with the award at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday May 14. In recent years, Olusoga has also led major interviews with former US president Barack Obama and held lectures, including the Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart Lecture in 2020.īafta said: “With a three-decade career spanning the creative arts and academia, Olusoga has been a trailblazer for the television industry, leading a reappraisal of how history has been traditionally told through popular culture.” “David has made our industry and society a better place and this Bafta Special Award couldn’t be more deserved.” He represents the best of what television can do – its power to inspire, educate and challenge. “His commitment and bravery in reappraising how history is presented through television is inspiring.

Bafta boss Jane Millichip said: “David Olusoga has made an outstanding contribution not just to the television community but to our society and culture.

Black and british by david olusoga