Podcast: Should the African presence in Tudor England be taught in schools?

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Historian Onyeka is pushing for the African presence in Tudor England (1485-1603) to be included in Britain's National Curriculum.

With the support of educational organisation Narrative Eye, the author of: 'Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England, Their Presence, Status and Origins', has already presented over 5,000 signatures to the House of Commons. 

"We wanted Black Tudors to be included in particular because it is pre-Trans-Atlantic slavery, pre-scientific racism and therefore would give ALL children a perspective of an African presence before Trans-Atlantic slavery kicks in. And it gives them a window into medieval history which is even more interesting," he told MisBeee.

 "We are still pushing that and it's hard work. Obviously, it's not an overnight thing ....".

 In his book, Onyeka argues that Africans had a rich and diverse presence in Tudor England that transcends the familiar and singular slavery story.

 In a series of exclusive podcasts with Onyeka, MisBeee explores what it meant to be an African in Tudor times, and how these African figures have shaped modern Britain.

Check out Part I: Introductions



 And Part II: Abolitionist pioneers Ottobah Cugano and Olaudah Equiano.



  Music in this podcast - The Girl - is provided by singer-songwriter Wezley Stephens.

 By Kirsty Osei-Bempong

For more blogs on slavery and its legacies, check Belle - a new kind of English rose  
Gold Coast: a lucid look into Denmark's colonial past

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