Legacies of Enslavement

The Legacies of Enslavement Special Initiative supports research, collaboration and public engagement exploring the histories, legacies and afterlives of enslavement, and how these histories continue to shape contemporary societies.

About the Initiative

Background and aims
Learn about the origins of the Initiative, its objectives and its approach to researching and addressing the legacies of enslavement.
Who we are
Meet the people leading and supporting the Initiative, and learn about the network of researchers, practitioners and partners involved in its work.
Join the network
Connect with researchers, students, practitioners and community partners working across disciplines and sectors.

Explore our work

A nineteenth‑century handwritten register listing enslaved people, showing names, ages, and physical descriptions. The page includes multiple entries in ink, with notes on scars, marks, and injuries, written in cursive script.
Exploring Legacies of Enslavement

Read articles by Early Career Researchers exploring the historical and contemporary legacies of enslavement.
The South Front of the Senate House, and West End of St Mary's Church in the University of Cambridge, 1799, Etching and aquatint with hand coloring on moderately thick, moderately textured, cream wove paper
Cambridge Legacies of Enslavement Reports

Explore reports, inquiries and research projects examining historical links to enslavement across Cambridge colleges, departments and institutions.
A walkway covered in orange autumn leaves with several people walking ahead toward a black iron gate and historic stone building.
Addressing Legacies at Cambridge

Learn how colleges, departments and institutions are responding to research findings through memorialisation, education, engagement and other initiatives.
A person working in a kitchen stands beside a stove, stirring a large pot with a long wooden utensil. The setting includes metal cookware, a tiled wall, and various kitchen equipment in the background.

Featured research

A reflection on the making of the Black Town & Gown documentary, exploring Black history in Cambridge through community voices, archival research and film.

Read the full blog

Get involved

Audience listen as Professor João José Reis presents the lecture from a small stage in front of a powerpoint slide
Attend events

Join seminars, workshops, film screenings and public discussions exploring the legacies and afterlives of enslavement.
Students looking at whiteboard with handwritten notes and ideas
Funding and opportunities

Find grants, fellowships, scholarships and calls that support research, engagement and collaboration.
A person standing by a window inside a quiet university hallway, looking down at something in their hands, with warm hanging lights illuminating the long corridor.
Join the network

Connect with researchers, students, practitioners and community partners working across disciplines.

News

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8 Oct 2026

How Girton College is exploring its connections to the Legacies of Enslavement

Black and white photo of Girton College.

5 Oct 2026

In Conversation with Professor Sir Patrick Vernon and Dr Carol Brown-Leonardi

Poster advertising "In Conversation with Professor Sir Patrick Vernon and Dr Carol Brown-Leonardi" on 13 October, 2.15-4.00pm, at the Winstanley Lecture Theatre, Trinity College, Cambridge. The event, part of Black History Month, will discuss racial equality, health equity, social justice, and connections between the Caribbean and its diaspora.

29 Sep 2026

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme: applications open and new cohort welcomed

24 Sep 2026

Winner announced for the 2026 William Dusinberre Essay Prize

A view of a Girton College library with tall wooden bookshelves, a high timber‑framed ceiling, study tables, and a large arched window at the far end letting light into the room.

17 Sep 2026

Legacies of the Windrush Exhibition comes to Soham and Ely this October

"Collage of historical photographs from the Legacies of the Windrush exhibition illustrating the lives and experiences of Windrush community members.

27 Aug 2026

Community-led research initiative explores the financial networks of transatlantic slavery

Portrait of Malik Al Nasir standing outdoors in an urban setting, with a large mural and historic buildings in the background.
Cambridge Market Place, with Great St Mary's, looking towards the senate House and King's College Chapel

2022 report and response

Explore the 2022 Legacies of Enslavement Report and the University's response to its recommendations.

Read the report Read the Vice-Chancellor's response to the report