British Library Windrush - Love Camden

Pitt Lecture

Camden is launching the annual Pitt Lecture in recognition of Lord David Pitt, Baron of Hampstead. Lord David Pitt dedicated his life to medicine and politics, tenaciously fighting against racism and discrimination. He significantly contributed to changes to legislation on Race Relations and was the first black parliamentary candidate in the UK, standing as the candidate for Hampstead.

Historian, writer and broadcaster, David Olusoga will deliver the keynote speech reflecting on David Pitt's achievements, how he has changed society, his impact on racial and health inequalities over the last 50 years and how we take this legacy into the next 50 years, both for Camden and more broadly.

Part of the evening will be an 'in conversation with Darla Jane Gilroy,' which will be hosted by Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Young People and Culture. Gilroy will bring her insight into the life and legacy of her mother Beryl Gilroy, Camden's first black headteacher and her personal experience as an academic into the discussion around legacy.

Limited tickets available. More information on how to book a ticket will follow shortly. 

Councillor Sabrina Francis is a Labour councillor for Camden’s Bloomsbury ward, currently serving her third term. Since the May 2022 Council election, Sabrina has served on Camden’s executive committee, the Cabinet, as Cabinet Member for Young People and Culture. She was from 2021 to 2022 the first black female Mayor of Camden, the borough’s first citizen. 

David Olusoga is a British-Nigerian historian, author, and award-winning filmmaker. He holds the position of Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester and contributes as a columnist for The Observer, The Guardian, The New Statesman, The Voice, and BBC History Magazine. With an impressive portfolio, he has presented various acclaimed BBC history series, including "A House Through Time," "Black & British: A Forgotten History," "Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners," "The World’s War," "The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files," "Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer," and the landmark BBC arts series "Civilizations."
As an accomplished author, David has written seven books, including "Black & British: A Forgotten History," which received the Longman-History Today Trustees Award and the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize.

Professor Darla-Jane Gilroy, daughter of Beryl Gilroy, is Reader and Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange at the Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London and Programme Director in the School of Design Technology at London College of Fashion. She has a career that spans design, consultancy, and education. Darla has built a successful fashion label, worked as a brand strategist and cultural analyst, and has contributed to fashion exhibitions at the V&A.