Intelligence Squared The Untold Story of African Europeans, with Olivette Otele
Oct 22, 2021
Olivette Otele, a prominent historian and author, sheds light on the overlooked history of Africans in Europe, tracing their presence back centuries. She discusses the lives of historical figures like Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, and the impacts of colonialism on identity. Otele emphasizes the importance of reclaiming Black narratives and the challenges of recognizing women's contributions. The conversation also tackles the legacy of racism, the Colston statue controversy, and the importance of understanding this history for future movements like Black Lives Matter.
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Importance of African European History
- Documenting the history of African Europeans is crucial for understanding our shared humanity and European history.
- These stories shed light on connections, divisions, and the ongoing impact of racism.
Shifting Notions of Race
- In Roman and medieval times, race was less important than power, education, and social status.
- The concept of racial prejudice developed later, influenced by factors like colonial exploitation and the transatlantic slave trade.
Black Religious Figures
- Black saints and Madonnas were common in churches during the Middle Ages.
- Their presence suggests that racial prejudice was not as prevalent then.
