Open University Honorary Doctorate (DUniv)
Barbican Centre, London
22nd March 2024
Michael I. Ohajuru
DUniv (Open University,2024), FRSA (2022), Senior Fellow Institute of Commonwealth Studies (2017), BA (Hons) (Open University, 2008), BSc (Hons) (Leeds University, 1974)
Conferred by the Pro-Chancellor of the Open University Professor Kevin Shakesheff [L]
Presented by Dr Carla Benzan, Lecturer in Art History, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences [R]
Citation - Dr Carla Benzan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, colleagues, graduates, guests:
Michael Ohajuru is a pioneering historian whose research has transformed both scholarly and public understandings of Black British history.
Born in Liverpool, Michael studied physics at the University of Leeds before a long and successful career in mobile communications. Approaching retirement, he returned to higher education and studied art history at The Open University. Here he became interested in the figure of the Black Magus - the Black King frequently depicted in representations of the adoration of the infant Jesus - and that of St Maurice, a Black Roman centurion.
Since graduating, Michael has become a leading expert on depictions of Black African people in the art of Renaissance Europe. He is a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, based within the School of Advanced Study in the University of London. He is the co-convenor of a longstanding seminar series examining 'what's happening in Black British history'. This brings together historians, heritage professionals, educationalists and policy makers to showcase and support new research into the history of peoples of African descent in Britain.
At the same time, Michael has become one of Britain's most influential public historians. In 2015, he founded the John Blanke project that invites artists and historians to respond creatively to Blanke's presence. This pioneering project shaped curatorial practices and public understanding of British history. It has been referenced in the National Portrait Gallery's (NG) John Blanke display in the Tudor Gallery, and on the NPG website. Making connections between the past and present has resulted in a dazzling array of artistic and scholarly work, some of which was recently showcased at the Walker Gallery in the National Museum in Liverpool, as part of a major exhibition entitled The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics. Michael describes how the project connects history and imagination in a chapter for Gretchen Gerzina's recent book, Britain's Black Past.
Michael has also founded the Image of the Black in London Galleries, which introduces visitors to representations of Black people and the diversity of their lives in the capital's major collections, the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the Wallace Collection, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. He has presented his work at leading museums and galleries including the National Archives, the British Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. He is the co-author of the forthcoming Guide to Black London, introducing readers to Black history in the capital, and a contributor to the FutureLearn course entitled Black Tudors: The Untold Story.
Few historians working today have done more to advance knowledge and understanding of Black British history and art history. We are proud of the part that The Open University has played in Michael's career, and humbled by all he has accomplished. It is a great honour to celebrate the incredible impact of his ongoing work to uncover and champion a richer, more diverse and inclusive understanding of our shared past.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, by the authority of the Senate, I present to you for the honorary degree of Doctor of the University, Michael Ohajuru.
My Address
Thank you, Presiding Officer, colleagues, graduates, and guests.
Receiving this honorary doctorate from The Open University, an institution that has played such a pivotal role in my Black British History journey, is both an honour and a privilege.
My path from a career in mobile communications to a passion for Black British history was unconventional, yet it was driven by an insatiable curiosity about the stories untold and representations unseen.
Embarking on humanities studies at The Open University in 2005 as I prepared for my retirement, was a pivotal moment for me, nurturing my ability to critically engage with art and history while leveraging my imagination to forge new understandings and perspectives. The OU experience taught me the critical thinking skills necessary to question established narratives and envision new and different possibilities and realities.
Today, this is derisively called 'being woke' The Open University equipped me with the tools to embrace being unashamedly woke. It prepared me to challenge established narratives and envision those fresh possibilities and realities, embodying what it truly means to be 'woke' in the most positive sense—aware, questioning, and forward-thinking
My passion for the Black presence in Renaissance art was first sparked by my final year essay on the Black Magus figure in an early 16th century panel painting from a church in rural Devon. That curiosity blossomed into a broader exploration, notably into the life of John Blanke, a trumpeter at the court of Henry VII and VIII.
Through my projects like the John Blanke project and the Image of the Black in London Galleries, I've sought to bridge the gap between historical scholarship and public engagement, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of our past.
These initiatives have not only highlighted the importance of Black individuals throughout history but have also emphasized the role of public history in making these narratives accessible to all. It's a reminder of how history, art, and education can come together to foster a more inclusive understanding of our shared heritage.
Special thanks must go to my tutors at The Open University, whose guidance was invaluable, and to my fellow students, some of whom have become lifelong friends. And thanks to my partner Ebun, to my friends and family, especially those with a humanities background – you know who you are - your patience and insight were essential in helping me transition my scientific mindset to one that could cope with humanities, with its even handedness – “on the one hand and yet on the other” unlike science which most times (it) is one handed! Your support was crucial in weaving the rich tapestry of knowledge that I now hold dear, blending science and the humanities.
As I look to the future, my hope is to continue this work, uncovering and celebrating the contributions of Black individuals in Britain's history. Through continued research, education, and engagement, we can ensure that these important stories are not only acknowledged but celebrated.
Just before I finish I want to say a few words to those of you graduating today – I urge you to stay woke – be aware, keep questioning, and stay forward-thinking – these are fundamental OU attitudes.
I will finish by saying I am humbled by this recognition and so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a field that has the power to change our understanding of our history and ourselves. Thank you once again for this incredible honour.
Huge congratulations I’m very proud of you and your accomplishments and to work with and beside you as your partner and as an artist xxx
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