Who gets to be remembered and why? London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but our statues, plaques and street names don’t always reflect our city’s stories.

Following the tragic murder of George Floyd in the US and a global outpouring for the mass movement for Black lives, Britain’s own role in transatlantic slavery and ensuing legacies of institutional racism were catapulted into wider public debate.

Unveiling hidden histories from West India Quay to Bow, this episode explores London’s complex relationship with slavery, colonialism, honouring and remembrance – and how deeply these legacies run within the public realm.

We ask Londoners today whether markers of the past can impact the present and offer a window into the debates and discussions we must have about the future of the city’s public spaces.

Listeners should be advised that this episode contains a single swear word at 11m12s. You may like to skip forward by a couple of seconds if you don't want to hear this.

----------

Presenter: Aindrea Emelife, Curator of Modern and Contemporary at MOWAA (Museum of West African Art).

Contributors: Debbie Weekes-Barnard, Deputy Mayor, Communities and Social Justice; Douglas Gilmore, managing director of the Museum of Docklands; Fin Kennedy, playwright and producer; Gary Younge, author, broadcaster and academic at the University of Manchester; Gillian Jackson, cultural strategist and former director of engagement at the House of St. Barnabas; Lynette Nabbosa, CEO and co-founder of Elimu.

Produced by Sylvie Carlos. Sound design by Weyland Mckenzie-Witter. Hosted on Spotify. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast series are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Mayor of London.