Available to book
David Olusoga gives organisations the historical context behind today's questions about race, empire, and inclusion. A historian, broadcaster, and Professor of Public History at Manchester, he's a BAFTA winner, OBE recipient, and a Celebrity Traitors finalist.
David Olusoga is a historian and broadcaster who brings Britain's Black history into the mainstream, through documentaries, books, and academic work on slavery, empire, and racial identity.
He's Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester and received an OBE in 2019. His BBC series include Black and British: A Forgotten History, A House Through Time, and Empire with David Olusoga, and he won a BAFTA for Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners. His book Black and British won the Longman-History Today Trustees Award, and he co-hosts the Journey Through Time podcast. In 2025 he reached the final of The Celebrity Traitors.
David helps organisations confront the historical blind spots that shape today's challenges around diversity and inclusion. Drawing on his Nigerian heritage and his own experience of racism in the UK, he gives leaders the context behind modern social issues, so institutions can build inclusive cultures on evidence rather than assumption.
Audiences leave with practical ways to address unconscious bias in organisational structures, a clearer sense of how historical narratives shape present-day decisions, and approaches they can apply to creating more equitable environments.
Book David for insights that turn historical awareness into real organisational change.
Topics, sessions and talks
In his keynote presentation, David Olusoga challenges attendees to rethink the marginalised history of Black British individuals within the context of British trade and empire. By examining industries like tea and cotton, he highlights the contributions of enslaved Black Americans and Africans, promoting a more interconnected understanding of British history. David delves into various historical periods, from the Napoleonic Wars to Tudor times. Attendees will gain insights into the complexities of Black British history and its significance in shaping mainstream narratives.
BAFTA winner, OBE recipient, and Professor of Public History at Manchester, David Olusoga has put Britain's Black history in front of mainstream audiences through BBC series, bestselling books, and a run to the Celebrity Traitors final. That mix of rigour and reach is why he holds a room on subjects most speakers handle carefully.
Testimonials
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frequently asked questions
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To book David Olusoga, email david.olusoga@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm David's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
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Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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