What can we learn from our history to make positive changes for the future? Professor Michele Barbour investigates this question with Dr Joanna Burch-Brown, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Co-Chair of the Bristol Histories Commission, and Co-Director of Bridging Histories. Joanna talks about her work to celebrate diversity, empower people, and foster a sense of collective heritage.

⭐Highlights

Learn how the Countering Colston campaign and the removal of Edward Colston’s statue during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 shaped Bridging Histories’ grassroots approach to community engagement.
Joanna reflects on her background growing up in Virginia and the Appalachian Mountains, shaping her perspective on the importance of community and social change.
Find out how you can take part in Bridging Histories signature activities. Submit poetry and recipes. Learn about your street’s history. Explore family histories. Discover the monuments and memorials in your area. Be a changemaker.

🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions

The Enterprise Sessions bring together a diverse mix of company founders and researchers who talk openly about their personal experiences of forming spin-outs and start-ups, raising capital, academic-industry partnerships and the joys of translating research discoveries into real-world impact.

The series aims to inform, inspire and challenge myths and stereotypes about research commercialisation and how businesses and universities can work together to tackle society's biggest challenges.

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🔗 Connect with Bridging Histories and the University of Bristol

Bridging Histories website: https://bridginghistories.com/

Bridging Histories on X: https://twitter.com/HistoryBridging

University of Bristol’s Commercialisation team: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/business/innovate-and-grow/research-commercialisation/

Chapters:

0:00 – Introducing Dr Joanna Burch-Brown

0:23 – Growing up in Virginia and going to Alternate Roots; Disneyland for social justice workers

1:36 – The Countering Colston campaign: acknowledging Bristol’s role in trans-Atlantic enslavement

3:11 – Black Lives Matter protests, Colston statue comes down, and moving from Bristol Histories Commission to grassroots structures

4:17 – Bridging Histories forms and expands beyond Bristol

7:26 – Commercialising a social enterprise and raising investment at the University of Bristol

8:57 – Welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and respectfulness across difference

10:03 -- Finding the railway track back home

11:19 – Outro and Other Videos

Social Justice and Bridging Histories | The Enterprise Sessions with Joanna Burch-Brown

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Social Justice and Bridging Histories | The Enterprise Sessions with Joanna Burch-Brown