Wake The Hidden History of Women
Channel: British Library
Date: 2021-06-29

Women warriors planned and led slave revolts on slave ships during the passage across the Atlantic. They fought their enslavers throughout the Americas. And then they were erased from history.

In this event, presented in association with the British Museum, Rebecca Hall, a historian, a granddaughter of slaves, and a woman haunted by the legacy of slavery, tells their story. Her new book Wake, powerfully illustrated by Hugo Martínez, uses in-depth archival research and a measured use of historical imagination, to construct the likely pasts and stories of women rebels. 

Rebecca is in conversation with Bonnie Greer, whose own work at the British Museum has illuminated the ‘Era of Reclamation’ – a time for conversations around ownership. The artist Hugo Martínez also shares some of the practice and inspiration behind his illustrations. 

Rebecca Hall, JD, PhD, is a scholar, activist and educator who writes on the history of race, gender, law, and resistance as well as articles on climate justice and intersectional feminist theory. She is currently involved with Black Lives Matter and rapid response support for families facing deportation. Her work has been supported by numerous grants and fellowships, including the American Association of University Women, The Ford Foundation, The Mellon Foundation, and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. 

Hugo Martínez is an independent comic artist focused on depicting narratives of struggle, identity, and resilience. He is based in New Orleans. 

Bonnie Greer is a playwright, author, and former British Museum Trustee. A celebrated broadcaster and critic, she has also served on the boards of several leading arts organisations. She hails from the South Side of Chicago and from London since 1986.