New book about black university scholars to be launched during special bus tour of Oxford

A new book exploring the lives of black scholars at the University of Oxford will be launched during an open-top bus tour.

One of City Sightseeing Oxford’s open-top double-decker buses will travel through the city on Saturday 7th November to celebrate the new work by author and historian Pamela Roberts.

The new edition of Black Oxford: Untold Stories of Oxford University’s Black Scholars revisits the pioneering stories of Christian Frederick Cole, Britain’s first black barrister, and Alain LeRoy Locke, the intellectual architect of the Harlem Renaissance, and also brings new attention to African and African-American women, the contribution and experiences of the Windrush generation, and a new generation of black scholars and leaders at Oxford.

The 60-minute bus tour book launch will leave Broad Street at 12:30pm on 7th November, with the experience including a signed copy of the new book. Tickets cost £15.

Following the heritage bus tour, there is a talk with Pamela taking place at 2pm at the Weston Library. In partnership with Bodleian Libraries, this is a free event and open to everyone. Tickets for the bus tour are not required.

The talk will delve into Pamela’s research, the people and stories that surprised her, and why updating the book became so important.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the book directly from Pamela.

She said: “Updating the book became imperative as continued research unearthed new stories to tell.

“These stories have often been overlooked or forgotten but are important in connecting Oxford’s university history and the wider community, and form part of a much bigger history.

“The book launch combined with a bus tour will be an engaging way to begin our journey next month and I’m appreciative of the continued support from City Sightseeing Oxford.”

Pamela has previously worked closely alongside City Sightseeing Oxford, owned by Oxford Bus Company, to create and deliver the first black heritage guided bus tours, which are available for private hire year-round.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of City Sightseeing Oxford, said: “Pamela is a brilliant narrator and storyteller, with a unique way of bringing history to life and making it accessible, and we’re delighted that our innovative partnership with her continues to develop.

“The new book, in addition to the bus tour and talk at the Weston Library, provides fascinating insights into Oxford’s diverse history.”

Pamela has a long-standing relationship with the Bodleian Libraries. One piece of collaboration comes from two years ago, when she filmed a short-form video about Christian Cole, the first black graduate of the University.

For more information and to book tickets for the bus tour book launch, please visit: www.citysightseeingoxford.com/black-oxford-book-launch/

Tickets for the talk at the Weston Library can be booked via visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/event/2026/nov/pamela-roberts