Early Life and Education

Born in January 1970 in Lagos, Nigeria, Olusoga moved to the UK at the age of 5 with his mother. He grew up in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, on a council estate where his family was one of very few non-white households. As a child, Olusoga experienced severe racial harassment, including attacks on his family home by the National Front, which eventually forced them to leave the area. Despite these challenges, Olusoga pursued his education with determination. He attended the University of Liverpool, where he studied the history of slavery, graduating in 1994 with a BA (Hons) in History. He followed this with a postgraduate course in broadcast journalism at Leeds Trinity University.

Career in Television and Academia

Olusoga began his television career behind the scenes, working in production roles before transitioning to presenting. He has since become one of Britain’s foremost historians on screen, known for his thoughtful and nuanced approach to complex historical topics.Some of his most notable television works include:

• “Black and British: A Forgotten History” (2016)

• “The World’s War: Forgotten Soldiers of Empire” (2014)

• “Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners” (2015)

• “A House Through Time” (2018-present)

• “Civilisations” (2018), which he co-presented with Mary Beard and Simon Schama

In addition to his broadcasting work, Olusoga is Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester, a position he has held since 2019.

Literary Contributions

Olusoga is a prolific author, having written several critically acclaimed books on history. His works include:

• “Black and British: A Forgotten History” (2016)

• “The World’s War” (2014)

• “The Kaiser’s Holocaust: Germany’s Forgotten Genocide and the Colonial Roots of Nazism” (2011, co-authored with Casper Erichsen)

• “Civilisations: First Contact / The Cult of Progress” (2018)

His writing has earned him numerous accolades, including the Longman-History Today Trustees Award and the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize for “Black and British: A Forgotten History”.

Recognition and Awards

Olusoga’s contributions to history and broadcasting have been widely recognized:

• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to history and community integration

• Included in the Powerlist of the 100 most influential Black Britons in 2019, 2020, and 2021 (ranking 8th in 2021)

• BAFTA awards for his television work

• President’s Medal from the British Academy

Approach to History

Olusoga is known for his efforts to reframe British history within its imperial context, emphasizing the need to acknowledge both the positive and negative aspects of Britain’s past. He has been a vocal advocate for addressing the legacy of slavery and colonialism in contemporary British society. His work often challenges traditional narratives, aiming to bring forgotten or overlooked histories to light. This includes highlighting the experiences of Black soldiers in World War I and exploring the economic impact of slavery on British society.

Recent Work and Ongoing Impact

In recent years, Olusoga has continued to be a prominent voice in discussions about race, history, and identity in Britain. His expertise has been particularly sought after in the wake of global movements like Black Lives Matter.Olusoga remains committed to making history accessible and relevant to wide audiences. His work, both on screen and in print, continues to shape public understanding of British history and its global connections, making him a true Black hero in the field of historical education and representation.