Legacies of Enslavement at Cambridge

Legacies of Enslavement at Cambridge

Background 

In 2019, the University of Cambridge began an investigation into its links to the history of enslavement. The 2022 report of that investigation marked the beginning of a new phase of engagement with these legacies, accompanied by a series of initiatives aimed at recognising past and addressing present injustices. 

In response to the 2022 Report, Professor Stephen J Toope, then Vice-Chancellor of the University, wrote: 

A society’s historical baggage and its modern-day challenges are inextricable. Understanding our past and shaping our future are not separate projects. The University of Cambridge is exceptionally well placed to undertake both of them. 

The legacies of enslavement form a part of who we are today, and inform what we wish to achieve. We can never rewrite history, or do away with our heritage, but we can try to address prevailing inequalities. This process begins through greater self-knowledge and self-reflection. 

Professor Stephen J Toope 
Vice-Chancellor, 2017-2022 

Since 2019, many other institutions across collegiate Cambridge have begun to examine their links to slavery and colonialism and embarked on projects informed by these histories. The Fitzwilliam Museum, one of the University's principal points of public engagement, has produced and hosted two major exhibitions addressing the Museum and Cambridge's connections to enslavement - Black Atlantic, People, Power and Resistance (2023-2024) and Rise Up! Resistance, Revolution, Abolition (2025). Across the university many students, scholars and staff continue to research this history and work actively to address the inequalities inherited from the system of slavery. 

Looking ahead 

Understanding our past, reflecting on its implications and tackling present-day injustices are not finished tasks, but must be part of a continued and sustained commitment. For this reason, the University has created a Legacies of Enslavement Special Initiative to take forward the recommendations of the 2022 report and its spirit of reflection and engagement.   

The Special Initiative began its work in the spring of 2025 and will connect and support projects, events and actions related to Legacies of Enslavement work with the following areas of focus:  

i) Research and institution building: facilitating and promoting research into Cambridge's legacies of enslavement, both by University members and international colleagues and partners, with a particular focus on those from the African diaspora;  

ii) engaging with Black British communities and those from the wider African diaspora and supporting their participation in all aspects of the University's mission and;  

iii) fostering equitable, collaborative and sustained partnerships with institutions and students from those countries most affected by the institution of slavery and which continue to bear its legacies. 

The Special Initiative is being hosted by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, but will work across the University. Professor Pedro Ramos Pinto, from the Faculty of History, has been appointed as its convenor and is being supported by a co-ordinator and the wider School team. 

Get involved 

All those interested in or wishing to contribute to this topic are invited to join the Legacies of Enslavement Special Initiative Network, which will share information on events and initiatives and facilitate contributions from its members, 

The Network is open to students, staff, and academics – please sign up. Alumni and anyone from outside the university who wishes to join should contact the co-ordinator for more information: legaciesnetwork@admin.cam.ac.uk 

Watch this space 

The Legacies Special Initiative is developing a new website that will connect the many strands of legacies work across the University and will become a hub for its work. More soon...!