Having signed the Race Equality Charter in 2022, Durham University set out a plan to “improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students”. To do this, the University Library and Collections department decided to put in place the “Legacies of Enslavement and Colonialism at Durham University” research project to investigate the University’s potential links with slavery and colonialism. I assisted University Archivist Dr Jonathan Bush in researching potential connections with enslavement and colonialism in the university archives.
Looking for donations
Although the North-East is not strongly associated with the history of slavery, the entire British economy was tied-in with enslavement, especially as many of the fortunes built in the slave trade were used to fund institutions such as hospitals, churches and universities. I was tasked with looking into the provenance of donations, scholarships, prizes, exhibitions, gifts and bequests to the University. To do so I had to research not only the donor but also their family and sometimes spouse’s family. Biographical information on the donor allowed me to establish potential links with colonialism, and the UCL database of the Legacies of British Slavery allowed me to determine if a family had obvious ties to British slavery. However, this method was not without limits as some donors had common names making it impossible to conclude without doubt on their relationship with a claimant.
The incredible students of Fourah Bay College
Two colonial colleges were affiliated to Durham University, Codrington College in Barbados (1875-1965) and Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone (1876-1967). My second task was to explore how students and staff members at Fourah Bay College (FBC) resisted the colonial administration of the college by Durham University and the Christian Mission Society. After choosing six students and staff members from FBC, researching their names in the University archives and using existing scholarship I was able to explore how they interacted with FBC during and after their studies. Our goal was to approach the study of Durham University’s link with the colonial colleges from the perspective of the black students, staff and alumni, not only acknowledging an uncomfortable past but also humanizing and highlighting these black students and staff members.
My experience
As an undergraduate student this was my first time using the University Archives in Palace Green. This was a great experience in research work, sometimes repetitive but incredibly rewarding. My research was made more exciting by the materiality of books and it was fascinating to learn how to properly handle books from one of the Conservators. I was also shown other archives and collections, such as the Sudan Collection, whose history I found incredibly interesting.
I enjoyed learning about the University’s history; the Journals and Gazettes paint an authentic picture of the university and give a fraternal image of the colleges throughout the years. The Journals and Gazettes are full of fascinating essays and stories of the university and were delightful to work with.
Reflections on working on a difficult history
Something unsuspected that I struggled with was having to be cautious not to de-sensitize myself. Discovering an interesting lead or potential link was rare and thus exhilarating. I found I had to remind myself of the painful history that echoed behind these findings. Reflecting on the emotions one may experience while researching archives, from the amazement when looking at a beautiful book to the thrill of finding something after hours of unsuccessful efforts, I found it was still necessary to pause and realise the meaning of each new finding.
As a student of African descent, I am glad to see Durham working towards uncovering the university’s privileges inherited from colonialism. Researching the University’s colonial ties is a step against a racist historical amnesia. I appreciate the university’s efforts and was honoured to help. I learned a lot from the staff at Palace Green, everyone was welcoming, friendly and incredibly helpful. I hope that this project will encourage further research and be a positive step towards breaking the institutional and cultural legacies of enslavement and colonialism.
Discover more
about Legacies of Enslavement and Colonialism at DU project.
