How can we move beyond the divisions and toxic culture wars polarising us over Britain's colonial past?
Over this series I interview Conflict Mediators, International UN Lawyers and Investigators, Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners, victims and perpetrators that have testified at commissions, human rights activists, “Heirs of Slavery”, authors, artists, and psychotherapists.
We hear new evidence, recently uncovered in the dusty attics of ancient British homes, and widen the narrative with little known stories of Empire from across Britain's former colonies, and we ask how can we reconcile these often clashing narratives. These personal stories tell of both the risks and healing potential in exposing hidden histories, told by the descendants of those that suffered and others that benefited from a past that they share. We also hope to inspire with remarkable stories of restitution and reconciliation alongside growing calls for reparations .
Learning from both individuals and entire countries that have dared to confront their past, from around the world, and most recently in Europe, we ask how best to correct the record, redress the legacy and turn the page in hope of a less fractured future.
The series is hosted by Tamara Gordon, BBC Producer and conflict mediator.
On returning to the UK after living in South Africa and filming their Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the BBC she held the hope that one day Britain might be courageous enough to attempt the same. Tamara also embarked on her own personal search for truth, to find her birth father after being interracially adopted into Britain as a baby. However what she uncovered was a conflicted family story of Empire, which left her painfully divided. Her two sets of ancestors had both benefitted and been oppressed by this past that they shared. Luckily, having witnessed what was possible in South Africa, she held the belief that it would be possible to reconcile their past in the present, generations on bringing both sides of her family back together over their love of one child. The story of which is also told across this series.
The podcasts are also a call for action, There is a link below to the global petition calling for an official British TRC to be established, If you agree please sign and share .
https://chng.it/mjksWP7bBB
Constructive feedback and interviewee suggestions please write to
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