Routes in the Records: Church of England's Black History at the Archives

Hear two talks about some of the Black figures and activists who can be found in the archives.

1. ‘Faith in Baptism: Esther Smith and the Pursuit of (Religious) Freedom’ by Dr Annabelle Gilmore
2. ‘Between The Rock and “ a hard place”: The “betrayal” of Samuel Crowther’ by Kwesi Ochosi

Learn about the Church Commissioners’ links with transatlantic chattel enslavement and the significant records held in the archive.

This is a chance to connect with history, reflect on the Church of England’s Black History, and see how the past is preserved for future generations.

This event will take place on Thursday, 22 January 2026, from 18:00 GMT at The Black Cultural Centre, Islington, 16–18 Hornsey Road, London, N7 7BT. Nearest tube station is Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line).
For this event we know that demand will be high but capacity is limited so entrance will be on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.

Please note that this event will be photographed for historical record and uploaded to the World Wide Web. By attending and participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be photographed and waiving any and all claims regarding the use of your image.

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Host or Publisher Black History Studies