Our Story: A History of People of Color in Britain

Our Story traces the presence of people of color in Britain from Roman times through the 21st century. David Olusoga documents this history through personal accounts, archival records, and archaeological evidence. The book follows key periods including Roman Britain, Tudor England, the Georgian era, Victorian times, both World Wars, and the Windrush generation. Olusoga examines the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds who lived, worked, and influenced British society across these periods. The narrative incorporates primary sources including letters, court documents, paintings, photographs, and personal testimonies. These materials help reconstruct the experiences of people whose stories were often excluded from traditional British historical accounts. This history challenges conventional views about Britain's past and demonstrates the long-standing multicultural nature of British society. The book contributes to ongoing discussions about identity, belonging, and the complex makeup of modern Britain.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of David Olusoga's overall work: Readers praise Olusoga's ability to present complex historical topics in clear, engaging language. On Goodreads, reviewers frequently note his skill at connecting historical events to present-day issues. Many readers highlight his thorough research and use of primary sources. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complicated historical connections - Balance of academic depth with readability - Inclusion of overlooked perspectives and forgotten stories - Effective use of personal narratives to illustrate broader themes What readers disliked: - Some find the pacing slow in certain sections - A few mention repetition between books - Some want more detail on specific events - Occasional criticism of political viewpoints in contemporary analysis Ratings: - "Black and British": 4.5/5 on Amazon (2,800+ reviews), 4.48/5 on Goodreads (3,900+ reviews) - "The World's War": 4.6/5 on Amazon (390+ reviews) - "Civilisations": 4.4/5 on Amazon (120+ reviews) Many readers mention his television work enhances their reading experience, with several noting they sought out his books after watching his documentaries.

Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga Documents the long history of Black people in Britain from Roman times through the present, using personal stories and historical records.

Mother Country: Real Stories of the Windrush Children by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff Presents first-hand accounts of Caribbean immigrants who arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1971 on the Empire Windrush and subsequent ships.

Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain by Peter Fryer Chronicles Black British history from the Roman era to the 1980s through examination of court records, newspapers, and personal correspondence.

Black London: Life Before Emancipation by Gretchen Gerzina Reconstructs the lives of Black Londoners in the 18th century through investigation of historical documents and period literature.

Indians in Britain: Anglo-Indian Encounters, Race and Identity by Shompa Lahiri Examines the presence and experiences of South Asian people in Britain from the 17th century onward through archival research and social history.

🔹 David Olusoga was born in Nigeria and moved to Britain as a child, experiencing racism firsthand in 1970s Newcastle - experiences that later influenced his work as a historian focused on race and colonialism. 🔹 The book reveals that Africans have been present in Britain since Roman times, with archaeological evidence showing African soldiers stationed along Hadrian's Wall in the 3rd century AD. 🔹 Research featured in the book shows that Queen Victoria had a black goddaughter named Sarah Forbes Bonetta, who was a Nigerian princess given as a "gift" to the Queen and later became a regular visitor to Windsor Castle. 🔹 The book documents how thousands of Black GIs were stationed in Britain during World War II, leading to the birth of around 2,000 mixed-race children - many of whom faced significant discrimination in post-war Britain. 🔹 During his research, Olusoga discovered that Britain's first black community formed in London in the mid-16th century, much earlier than previously thought, consisting mainly of freed slaves and sailors from Africa.