Since the launch of our race equality training for students in 2019, feedback from students has shown they are eager to learn more about the history and context of contemporary racism. The lasting effects of the British Empire and colonialism are rarely taught in schools, and slavery is often presented as ‘ancient history’ with no lasting material effects on British life. And without a foundational understanding of what racism is on a historical, social and political level, it becomes impossible to understand the contemporary, far-reaching problems racism creates and continues to perpetrate.

We created this a video series to examine slavery, colonialism and other aspects of the history of racism, to create a better understanding of how Britain was and continues to be shaped by their impacts. Our aim was to make the videos educationally robust whilst also being engaging and hopeful, emphasising how people have challenged racism and colonialism across the Empire and within Britain throughout history. We wanted our students to feel excited to be part of the change after watching them, not despondent.

This video featured Dr Rosie Knight and Dr Michael Bennett from the department of History, discussing their newly-released research into Sheffield's ties to slavery. It acts as an interesting and nuanced case study into how England was involved in the trade - both through manufacturing and reaping the profits of slavery, but also showing how the people of Sheffield worked tirelessly to abolish slavery.