Oxford bus tour returns to mark Black History Month

Today is the final day for people to tour the city in a bus whilst learning more about the ‘untold stories’ and ‘secret histories’ from the city, celebrating Oxford’s black history.

Oxford Bus Company has announced it will operate the service in October to mark Black History Month, following the start to the tour during the summer.

Black Oxford: Untold Stories brings to life unknown local stories and secret histories of the city’s black scholars. It includes the story of pioneer Christian Frederick Cole, the University of Oxford’s first black scholar and Britain’s first black barrister.

'What about black scholars?'

Pamela Roberts, founder, and director of Black Oxford: Untold Stories said: “The tour sets out to challenge the misconception that historically black students never studied at the University of Oxford.

“When it comes to the University of Oxford’s historic alumni, the names of Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Harold Wilson, and Bill Clinton are familiar to many. But what about its Black scholars?

“Guests will learn about the lives of Oxford’s forgotten black community in a time of adversity. For example, James Aurther Harley, who became the first black scholar at the Pitt Rivers Museum and Kofoworola Moore, Oxford University’s first African woman scholar at St Hugh’s College.”

'Unique insight into Oxford’s diverse history'

The bus tours will be hosted by City Sightseeing Oxford, who recently transformed its fleet to all-electric as part of Oxford Bus Company’s roll-out of zero emission vehicles across the city.

City Sightseeing Oxford provide visitors with information on everything there is to see and do in the city and the greater Oxfordshire area.

Luke Marion, City Sightseeing Oxford Managing Director, said: “Following its success this summer we are proud to be providing additional tours to celebrate Black History Month.

“We’re proud to have formed such an innovative partnership that enables us to offer our customers a unique insight into Oxford’s diverse history.”

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