David Olusoga

David Olusoga
The British Library · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	David Olusoga
Birth date	1970
Birth place	Manchester, England
Nationality	British
Occupation	Historian, broadcaster, writer, curator, academic

David Olusoga is a British historian, broadcaster, writer and curator known for his work on history, memory and empire. He presents television series, authors books and curates exhibitions addressing topics such as slavery, empire, migration and public memory. His work connects historical research with public audiences across institutions such as the BBC, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Imperial War Museum and university departments.

Early life and education

Born in Manchester to a Nigerian father from Lagos and a British mother, Olusoga grew up in a family shaped by migration experiences in the late 20th century. He attended local schools before reading history and related subjects at university, undertaking postgraduate study and research that engaged with archives at institutions such as the National Archives, the British Library and regional record offices. His formative influences included historians and public figures associated with debates about empire, race and memory in the United Kingdom, and his early education connected him with museums and heritage organisations in Manchester and London.

Academic and curatorial career

Olusoga worked in museum and archive sectors, holding posts that linked collections management with public history practice at organisations including the Imperial War Museum, the National Maritime Museum and the Museum of London. He collaborated with curators, archivists and academics from universities such as the University of Manchester, the University of Oxford, King's College London and University College London to develop exhibitions, catalogues and public programmes. His curatorial projects often intersected with scholarship on the transatlantic slave trade, the British Empire, colonial collections and diasporic histories, engaging specialist communities connected to the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and local history centres.

Television and broadcasting

Olusoga has presented landmark television series, working with producers and commissioners at the BBC, Channel 4 and other broadcasters to bring history to wide audiences. His programmes have explored themes including the transatlantic slave trade, British imperial history, World War I and World War II, migration and the legacies of empire, featuring collaborations with presenters, producers and researchers linked to institutions such as the Royal Historical Society, the British Film Institute and the Open University. He has appeared on panel programmes, documentary strands and podcast series, contributing alongside historians, journalists and public intellectuals associated with outlets like The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph and the Financial Times.

Writing and publications

Olusoga is the author of books and essays published by major presses and cultural organisations, producing work that combines archival research with narrative history. His publications have addressed slavery, empire and national memory and been reviewed and discussed in journals and newspapers connected to academic and cultural institutions such as the London Review of Books, History Today, the New Statesman and the Economist. He has contributed chapters and forewords to edited volumes alongside scholars from institutions like Harvard University, Yale University, Cambridge University and the School of Oriental and African Studies, and his texts have been used in courses at universities and in public reading lists managed by libraries and heritage organisations.

Public speaking and advocacy

Active as a public speaker and advocate, Olusoga has lectured at venues including the British Library, the Royal Geographical Society, the Royal Society of Arts and major universities across the UK and internationally. He has participated in public debates and advisory panels on museums, commemorations and curriculum reform, engaging with policymakers, trustees and civic leaders from Westminster, devolved administrations and city councils. His advocacy work involves collaboration with charities, campaigning organisations and think tanks concerned with racial justice, heritage reform and reparative initiatives, connecting with figures and groups linked to civil society networks and international forums.

Honours, awards and recognition

Olusoga's work has been recognised by awards and honours from cultural and academic bodies, receiving commendations that reflect impact in broadcasting, publishing and public history. He has been acknowledged by organisations such as the Royal Historical Society, the British Academy, the Royal Television Society and national honours lists, and his contributions to public understanding of history have been cited by institutions including the BBC, the National Trust and UNESCO. His profile within media, heritage and academic circles aligns him with prominent historians, broadcasters and curators who have shaped contemporary debates about memory and empire.

Category:British historians Category:British television presenters Category:Historians of the British Empire Category:People from Manchester