News / David Olusoga
David Olusoga awarded The British Academy’s ‘highest honour’
A Bristol-based historian, presenter and filmmaker is set to be a recipient of the prestigious President’s Medal.
Professor David Olusoga, who is best known for presenting documentaries, most notably Bafta-winning Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners, and for authoring acclaimed books such as Black and British: A Forgotten History, will receive the award from The British Academy in recognition of his contribution to the humanities and the social sciences
Through his TV work and writing, Olusoga has sought to make history more inclusive and diverse, and the third series of the documentary, A House Through Time, explores Bristol’s historic role as one of the world’s biggest slave-trading ports.
is needed now More than ever
The 51-year-old will be the 39th beneficiary of the award, which is awarded annually in recognition of services to the humanities and the social sciences.
10 Guinea Street in Redcliffe was featured in A House Through Time – photo by BBC/ Twenty Twenty Ltd./ Mark Bourdillon
Whilst this is not the first time that Olusoga’s achievements have been formally commended, having received an OBE in the 2019 New Year Honours list for services to history and to community integration, Olusoga called it an “extraordinary and unexpected honour” to have his work recognised by the British Academy’s highest prize.
Previous winners of the President’s Medal have been writer Margaret Atwood last year and primatologist Jane Goodall in 2014.
On being given the President’s Medal, Olusoga said: “Throughout my career, whether writing history or bringing stories from the past to television, I have believed that history and the humanities must be made available to everyone and include everyone’s stories. At a time when calls for inclusivity have never been louder, I’m thrilled to have my work so generously recognised by the British Academy.”
Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy, explained that Olusoga has been chosen for the award due to “his approach to championing inclusive approaches to British and international history by presenting diverse stories from Britain’s past and engaging a wide range of people on the important issue of how we understand our collective histories”.
The presentation ceremony will be held on May 12 2022 and will feature professor David Olusoga and professor Julia Black in conversation.
Main photo courtesy of BBC
Read more: New bookshop to be officially opened by David Olusoga
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