The London Enterprise Office

5th December 2008

‘Reclaiming African History’ was the topic of debate for the first Department of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) Debates and Lectures series 2008-9. The event held on 29 November featured keynote talks from author Marika Sherwood and Senior Research Fellow Shihan de Silva. They were joined by event organiser Shiraz Duranni.

Marika, author of a number of books including most recently After Abolition: Britain and the Slave Trade Since 1807 spoke on ‘Liberating African Past.’ Marika is a firm believer in the uncovering and inclusion of Black and Ethnic minority history into the school curriculum. Her work incorporates acting as secretary of the Black & Asian Studies Association, and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at London University's Institute of Commonwealth Studies.

Shihan de Silva, also a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies focused her discussion on ‘The Silent History of Afro-Asians’. Introducing her two most recent books: African Identity in Asia and The Portuguese in the East Dr de Silva spoke about the importance of adequate research and academic study being dedicated to ethnic minority groups in Africa affected by colonisation.

The audience included staff, students and members of the public who contributed to a lively Question and Answer session after the speakers.

Audio tapes of the event will be available shortly.

DASS holds a series of public debates and lecture to highlight the contribution of leaders, movements and ideas that have shaped the world.

Many of these have been forgotten, marginalized or deliberately hidden from public view. People everywhere are increasingly using new possibilities created by forces of Information and Communications Technologies to liberate their minds and using alternative ideas to shape a new world where people are at peace with people. Information about emerging ideas and social movements around the world can now be shared instantaneously.

DASS Debates and lectures aim to create a place to think, to debate and develop ideas so as to raise awareness about issues and ideas that are changing the face of the world today. The series aims to provide a forum for visiting and resident speakers to present and discuss their work in a variety of fields.