How Haiti won its independence
On 5 December 1492, European navigator Christopher Columbus came upon an island in the Caribbean that he claimed for Spain and called La Isla Española (“The Spanish Island”, later Anglicised as …
Colonisation: Uncovering the Legacies, Honouring the Stories
This space is dedicated to unpacking the far-reaching impact of colonisation, not just as a historical event but as a force that continues to shape our world today. Through personal stories, historical analysis, and cultural reflection, we explore how empires rose and fell, how borders were redrawn, and how identities were both erased and redefined.
Acknowledging our ancestors' different journeys. Exploring our connected Black histories and respecting our different cultures.
From Africa to the Caribbean, from the Americas to the Pacific, we dive into the complexities of resistance, survival, and resurgence. This category is a living archive of truth-telling, memory-keeping, and collective healing.
Olaudah Equiano – Writer and abolitionist
Olaudah Equiano (c.1745-1797) was an eighteenth-century African writer whose experiences as a slave prompted him to become involved in the British abolition movement.
Early years
Equiano was …
The history of Eswatini
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has a rich history that spans centuries. This landlocked nation in Southern Africa has undergone significant transformations, from early migrations to claiming …
The history of Niger
Nestled in the heart of West Africa, Niger is a country steeped in history and rich cultural heritage. From its early civilisations to its struggle for independence and its journey towards democratic …
The history of Burundi: A tale of complex ethnic relations and political turmoil
Burundi, a landlocked country in East Africa, is known for its rich history and complex ethnic relations. From its pre-colonial era to the present day, the region has witnessed a series of political …
The History of Rwanda: From ancient settlements to Independence
Rwanda, a land-locked country in Eastern Africa, has a rich and complex history stretching centuries. From the dominance of the Tutsi over the Hutu to the tragic events of the 1994 genocide, …
Cuba: From colonisation to independence
A history of conquest, slavery, rebellion and the long struggle for freedom
The First Peoples: Before Columbus
Long before a European sail broke the Caribbean horizon, Cuba was home to several …
The Encomienda System: Spain’s blueprint for colonial exploitation
Spain built one of history’s most ambitious empires in a matter of decades, but ambition alone doesn’t extract silver from mountains or sugar from fields. For that, you need labour. …
Spanish colonisation of Mexico: A tale of destruction and coercion
The colonisation of Mexico was a transformative period marked by exploration, conquest, and the establishment of Spanish rule in the region. At its core lies the invasion of the Aztec Empire by …
The evolution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A historical overview
Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. This vast Central African nation was once known as the Belgian Congo during its …
History of Saint Kitts and Nevis
The history of Saint Kitts and Nevis is intertwined with the colonisation efforts of the British and French in the Caribbean. These islands, known for their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, …
The History of Liberia: From colonisation to independence
Liberia, located on the west coast of Africa, has a fascinating history spanning from its colonisation to its fight for independence.
The American Colonization Society and the Birth of a …