Black Oxford Untold stories

Why Hearing Christian Cole’s Name on TV Meant More Than It Seemed

Last night, I was drifting in and out of sleep-in front of the television when the quiz shows Sorry, I Didn’t Know happened to be playing in the background. In my dazed stupor, I heard the host, Chizzy Akudolu, ask: “Who was the first Black student at the University of Oxford?”
That question snapped me fully awake.

Did I really hear that?

For those who know my research on Black scholars at Oxford, the answer is familiar: Christian Frederick Cole — the first Black scholar at the University in 1873 and Britain’s first Black barrister.

I have written about Cole for many years and have championed his name and legacy through my work as Founder and Director of Black Oxford: Untold Stories. Through this platform, I have sought to ensure that the contributions of Black scholars are researched, recorded, and recognised.

In an article I wrote back in 2013, when I was asked about my aims in profiling Black scholars at Oxford, I said that I wanted their names to be as closely associated with the University as those of Wilde, Shelley, or Thatcher — that figures like Alain Locke, Kofoworola Moore, and Christian Cole would be spoken of as naturally as Harold Wilson, Percy Shelley, or Bill Clinton.

Last night, hearing Cole’s name mentioned on national television, I couldn’t help but smile.

For many, it may seem like a small moment. But for me, it felt quietly significant. It was a reminder that sustained research, storytelling, and advocacy do matter. Names that were once overlooked are beginning to find their rightful place in public memory.

So, my thanks to the team behind Sorry, I Didn’t Know, for including that question — and, hopefully, for sparking new curiosity about Christian Frederick Cole and his remarkable legacy.

It’s been a full and inspiring few weeks as we marked the legacy of Alain Locke, the first Black Rhodes Scholar , and celebrated the centenary of the Harlem Renaissance.

One of the highlights was our Afternoon Tea Party, an event that brought people together for an afternoon of culture, conversation, and genuine connection.

The atmosphere was warm, lively, and reflective, guests shared ideas, stories, and laughter over tea while engaging with the history and impact of Locke and his contemporaries.

For those who couldn’t make it, you truly missed a wonderful event, but don’t worry, we’ve put together a short video capturing some of the best moments: the conversations, the smiles, and the spirit of the afternoon.

🎥 To watch the event highlights, head over to The Black Oxford website: www.blackoxford.net

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event.

A heartfelt thank you to The Randolph Hotel, Lexie, Phil, the incredible Food & Beverage team, as well as Stefan Wade and Chantel Riley for their outstanding support. Each of you played a key role in making the event truly exceptional.

I’m donning my tour-guiding hat for the final time this Saturday!

If you’ve been planning to join the Black Oxford Guided Bus Tour but haven’t made it yet — this is your last chance of the season!

Come discover the stories of Black scholars, activists & trailblazers who helped shape Oxford — from the university halls to the city streets. ✨

📅 Saturday | 1:00pm
📍 Departs from Broad Street
🎟️ Tickets: www.blackoxford.net

Don’t miss the ride — history looks even better from the top deck! 🖤🚌

Only five more days until our first Afternoon Tea and Talk with Black Oxford Untold stories - and two more days to purchase your tickets!

Join us this Sunday, 5th October, from 2 - 5:30pm as you learn a piece of Oxford history over afternoon tea.

Grab your tickets below! Sales end 2nd October.

Black Oxford Afternoon Tea and Talk Join author Pamela Roberts at The Randolph Hotel for an afternoon of rich Black Oxford history over afternoon tea.

Join us on Sunday 5th October 2025 for a very special afternoon at Oxford’s iconic Randolph Hotel. Together, we will mark the centenary of The New Negro by Alain LeRoy Locke—the groundbreaking work that ignited the Harlem Renaissance and reshaped culture, art, and literature for generations.

Locke’s story has a unique connection to Oxford. As the first Black Rhodes Scholar in 1907, his time at the University helped shape his vision as one of the most influential cultural thinkers of the 20th century.

This exclusive event will bring together afternoon tea, jazz, and cultural storytelling in a setting that combines indulgence with inspiration.

Hosting the proceedings will be actor Stefan Wade—most recently featured in the acclaimed Bob Marley biopic One Love. With his indomitable style and flair, Wade will ensure the afternoon is as engaging as it is memorable.

The Randolph, a venue renowned for welcoming dignitaries, artists, and celebrated guests throughout its history, provides the perfect backdrop for this tribute to Locke’s enduring legacy.

Event Details:
📅 Sunday 5th October 2025
🕑 2.00pm – 5.30pm
📍 The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

Join us as we sip, savour, and celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire.

In 1907, Alain LeRoy Locke made history as the first Black Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. Less than two decades later, he reshaped cultural history with The New Negro (1925), a visionary anthology that sparked the Harlem Renaissance

A century on, Locke’s legacy remains urgent.

As the founder of Black Oxford Untold Stories, our work is rooted in the same mission he championed: uncovering overlooked histories, reclaiming narratives, and ensuring that Black intellectual and cultural contributions are celebrated.

Locke didn’t just write — he built spaces for dialogue.

Locke hosted an intellectual salon he called The Cosmopolitan Club, a gathering space where ideas, culture, and conversation thrived.

In 2025, we’re reimagining that legacy:

Join us for an afternoon of tea, culture, and jazz as we honour Locke’s brilliance and reflect on why his vision of identity, creativity, and belonging remains urgent today.

A century later, Locke still invites us to the table—and we’re saving you a seat.