Alex White
@alexjwhite.bsky.social
Historian-in-public with a focus on African anti-colonialism and the global media. Editorial fellow at @historyworkshop.org.uk, freelance everywhere else!
Reposted by Alex White
'The language of catastrophe legitimised moral and racial exceptionalism from Notting Hill to Nairobi.'
Joseph Abraham explores how colonial anxieties about Black African men shape debates about migration and security to this day.
Joseph Abraham explores how colonial anxieties about Black African men shape debates about migration and security to this day.
The Return of the ‘Black Peril’
In the early twentieth century, British settlers across Africa used the fear of sexual violence to justify colonial control. Joseph Abraham explores how these 'Black Perils' shape debates about migration and security to this day.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 12:45 PM
'The language of catastrophe legitimised moral and racial exceptionalism from Notting Hill to Nairobi.'
Joseph Abraham explores how colonial anxieties about Black African men shape debates about migration and security to this day.
Joseph Abraham explores how colonial anxieties about Black African men shape debates about migration and security to this day.
Fantastic opportunities here for anyone looking to pursue a PhD in Nigerian history!
Two more PhD scholarships at @kingshistory.bsky.social: focussing on different aspects of Nigerian history, and working with my excellent colleague @bixhiribarren.bsky.social :
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQM397/p...
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQM397/p...
PhD Studentships at King's College London
At jobs.ac.uk, you can apply for a PhD Studentships. Explore our diverse range of PhD opportunities today.
www.jobs.ac.uk
February 13, 2026 at 10:22 AM
Fantastic opportunities here for anyone looking to pursue a PhD in Nigerian history!
Reposted by Alex White
Violent Waters: Environmental Politics in Early Modern England is out now with Cambridge University Press: www.cambridge.org/core/books/v...
This watery, riotous book has been more than a decade in the making, and I'm delighted to see it out in the world to live its own life!
This watery, riotous book has been more than a decade in the making, and I'm delighted to see it out in the world to live its own life!
February 13, 2026 at 8:33 AM
Violent Waters: Environmental Politics in Early Modern England is out now with Cambridge University Press: www.cambridge.org/core/books/v...
This watery, riotous book has been more than a decade in the making, and I'm delighted to see it out in the world to live its own life!
This watery, riotous book has been more than a decade in the making, and I'm delighted to see it out in the world to live its own life!
We've just reached another milestone - the 100th article in our Historian's Watch series! The piece is fascinating, too: it's an unflinching look at colonial anxieties about 'aggressive Black men' and how these fears became embedded in British immigration debates.
Why do fears about migration so often centre on sex, violence, and the protection of women?
Joseph Abraham explores how ‘Black Perils’ in colonial Africa continue to haunt British politics.
Joseph Abraham explores how ‘Black Perils’ in colonial Africa continue to haunt British politics.
The Return of the ‘Black Peril’
In the early twentieth century, British settlers across Africa used the fear of sexual violence to justify colonial control. Joseph Abraham explores how these 'Black Perils' shape debates about migration and security to this day.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 7:20 AM
We've just reached another milestone - the 100th article in our Historian's Watch series! The piece is fascinating, too: it's an unflinching look at colonial anxieties about 'aggressive Black men' and how these fears became embedded in British immigration debates.
Reposted by Alex White
What entitles a life to a place in the annals of feminist history?
@marybethhamilton13.bsky.social explores the marginalisation of writer and drifter, Valerie Solanas.
@marybethhamilton13.bsky.social explores the marginalisation of writer and drifter, Valerie Solanas.
Mad Lives and Feminist History
What entitles a life to a place in the annals of feminist history? Marybeth Hamilton explores the marginalisation of writer and drifter, Valerie Solanas.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
February 10, 2026 at 7:28 AM
What entitles a life to a place in the annals of feminist history?
@marybethhamilton13.bsky.social explores the marginalisation of writer and drifter, Valerie Solanas.
@marybethhamilton13.bsky.social explores the marginalisation of writer and drifter, Valerie Solanas.
Reposted by Alex White
It was a great pleasure to present my recent research "The Ottoman Empire Imagined from Africa: Visions of Tripolitan Elites for an Islamic African State under Ottoman Rule" at the Institute of Historical Research in London. There are still much to discover of the global history of Africa.
February 6, 2026 at 7:33 PM
It was a great pleasure to present my recent research "The Ottoman Empire Imagined from Africa: Visions of Tripolitan Elites for an Islamic African State under Ottoman Rule" at the Institute of Historical Research in London. There are still much to discover of the global history of Africa.
Reposted by Alex White
During his 2024 visit to Kenya, King Charles acknowledged the legacy of colonialism — but only part of the story. @alexjwhite.bsky.social examines Britain’s role in independent Kenya:
How the UK’s Propaganda Won Cold War Allies in Kenya
The British Foreign Office’s secret anti-communist efforts helped to shape the country’s post-independence elites
newlinesmag.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:07 AM
During his 2024 visit to Kenya, King Charles acknowledged the legacy of colonialism — but only part of the story. @alexjwhite.bsky.social examines Britain’s role in independent Kenya:
For anyone keeping track, that's another recently discontinued BBC service (defunct since 2023) brought back as an emergency lifeline. Does this kind of firing and rehiring save money on the whole or is it just driving up costs?
BBC World Service launches emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran - avail live at 4.30pm GMT (8pm Iran Time) on 702kHz medium wave and 9465kHz short wave, repeated at 6pm GMT (9.30pm Iran)
A visualised version of the programme will be broadcast on BBC Persian TV at 6pm GMT (9.30pm Iran time)
A visualised version of the programme will be broadcast on BBC Persian TV at 6pm GMT (9.30pm Iran time)
February 4, 2026 at 7:18 PM
For anyone keeping track, that's another recently discontinued BBC service (defunct since 2023) brought back as an emergency lifeline. Does this kind of firing and rehiring save money on the whole or is it just driving up costs?
Brilliant article by @laurencochrane.bsky.social on why the history of the Mau Mau still attracts intense criticism - including some much-needed debunking of persistent right wing myths.
www.geeska.com/en/who-gets-...
www.geeska.com/en/who-gets-...
Who gets to tell the history of Mau Mau?
David Elstein’s attack on David Olusoga’s docuseries on the legacy of the British empire reveals less about historical error than about the enduring impulse to
www.geeska.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Brilliant article by @laurencochrane.bsky.social on why the history of the Mau Mau still attracts intense criticism - including some much-needed debunking of persistent right wing myths.
www.geeska.com/en/who-gets-...
www.geeska.com/en/who-gets-...
Reposted by Alex White
The latest issue of History Workshop Journal is out now, and it marks two exciting milestones: 50 years and 100 issues of innovative radical history.
You can read the journal on the HWJ website through the link below!
academic.oup.com/hwj...
You can read the journal on the HWJ website through the link below!
academic.oup.com/hwj...
February 2, 2026 at 7:30 AM
The latest issue of History Workshop Journal is out now, and it marks two exciting milestones: 50 years and 100 issues of innovative radical history.
You can read the journal on the HWJ website through the link below!
academic.oup.com/hwj...
You can read the journal on the HWJ website through the link below!
academic.oup.com/hwj...
Reposted by Alex White
Such a fun and inspiring day celebrating @historyworkshop.org.uk 100th issue. A timely reminder of the importance of history and its dissemination. Very much why I aspire to be a public historian ✊🏻
@historyworkshop.org.uk is my vibe ✌️
@historyworkshop.org.uk is my vibe ✌️
A packed house @bbkhistorical.bsky.social for History Workshop Journal's 50th anniversary/100th issue celebration! It's a joy to see so many wonderful historians here to mark @historyworkshop.org.uk's incredible 50 years.
January 31, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Such a fun and inspiring day celebrating @historyworkshop.org.uk 100th issue. A timely reminder of the importance of history and its dissemination. Very much why I aspire to be a public historian ✊🏻
@historyworkshop.org.uk is my vibe ✌️
@historyworkshop.org.uk is my vibe ✌️
Reposted by Alex White
Which histories are meaningful to you?
Ten illustration students from Nottingham Trent University consider their personal connections to the past and what it means to practice history from below.
Ten illustration students from Nottingham Trent University consider their personal connections to the past and what it means to practice history from below.
Illustrating History From Below
What does it mean for history to be public? Which histories are meaningful to you? Ten illustration students consider their personal connections to the past and what it means to practice history from ...
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
January 20, 2026 at 7:26 AM
Which histories are meaningful to you?
Ten illustration students from Nottingham Trent University consider their personal connections to the past and what it means to practice history from below.
Ten illustration students from Nottingham Trent University consider their personal connections to the past and what it means to practice history from below.
Reposted by Alex White
My essay on the first Haitian revolutionaries was published during the holidays. If you're interested in knowing more about the political differences between the protagonists who in 1791 launched the world's only truly succesfull slave rebellion, it’s here:
ageofrevolutions.com/2025/12/29/j...
ageofrevolutions.com/2025/12/29/j...
Jeannot and the Haitian Revolution
By Nicolai von Eggers The Haitian Revolution, which began when a revolt broke out 1791 on the Northern Plain in the French the colony of Saint-Domingue, ultimately led to the abolition of slavery a…
ageofrevolutions.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:29 PM
My essay on the first Haitian revolutionaries was published during the holidays. If you're interested in knowing more about the political differences between the protagonists who in 1791 launched the world's only truly succesfull slave rebellion, it’s here:
ageofrevolutions.com/2025/12/29/j...
ageofrevolutions.com/2025/12/29/j...
Reposted by Alex White
Just finished this right after having read @hofrench.bsky.social's Second Emancipation, and it convinced me that the African & African diaspora anti-colonial thinkers of the 1940-1975 period constituted one of the great intellectual movements in the history of humankind.
Second Enlightenment level.
Second Enlightenment level.
We think of the postwar world order as having been built by the US. But as Getachew makes clear, that world order was completed by the intellectual giants of the African, pan-African and African diaspora liberation movements.
It is no coincidence Trump & Miller are targeting its fundamental tenet.
It is no coincidence Trump & Miller are targeting its fundamental tenet.
January 18, 2026 at 10:43 AM
Just finished this right after having read @hofrench.bsky.social's Second Emancipation, and it convinced me that the African & African diaspora anti-colonial thinkers of the 1940-1975 period constituted one of the great intellectual movements in the history of humankind.
Second Enlightenment level.
Second Enlightenment level.
Reposted by Alex White
Just published a paper on the complaint tablet to Ea-nāṣir meme, the decade-old tumblr in-joke that continues to impact the public understanding of the ancient world. Paywalled but email me if you want a copy. 🏺
January 15, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Just published a paper on the complaint tablet to Ea-nāṣir meme, the decade-old tumblr in-joke that continues to impact the public understanding of the ancient world. Paywalled but email me if you want a copy. 🏺
Reposted by Alex White
How has the legacy of History Workshop Journal inspired our own editorial collective?
@beckierutherford.bsky.social, @inoutofpractice.bsky.social, and @marralsham.bsky.social consider their historical practice and relationship to radical history.
@beckierutherford.bsky.social, @inoutofpractice.bsky.social, and @marralsham.bsky.social consider their historical practice and relationship to radical history.
Radical Synergies
Three of our past and present editors reflect on the ways in which History Workshop Journal has influenced and inspired their practice during their time on the History Workshop collective.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 7:41 AM
How has the legacy of History Workshop Journal inspired our own editorial collective?
@beckierutherford.bsky.social, @inoutofpractice.bsky.social, and @marralsham.bsky.social consider their historical practice and relationship to radical history.
@beckierutherford.bsky.social, @inoutofpractice.bsky.social, and @marralsham.bsky.social consider their historical practice and relationship to radical history.
Reposted by Alex White
Finding myself in some excellent company here as I recommend once again @momoulton.bsky.social's brilliant "Both Your Sexes" article for the classroom....
This year, History Workshop Journal will celebrate two milestones: its 50th anniversary and its 100th issue.
To mark the occasion, eleven historians share how they've used the journal in their own teaching.
To mark the occasion, eleven historians share how they've used the journal in their own teaching.
HWJ in the Classroom
From histories of the French Revolution, to policing in Early Modern England, to LGBTQ+ histories, these reflections highlight HWJ as a valuable resource across many different classrooms.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Finding myself in some excellent company here as I recommend once again @momoulton.bsky.social's brilliant "Both Your Sexes" article for the classroom....
Reposted by Alex White
It’s generally assumed that “Moby-Dick” has a canonical start date in December 1841, so there’s a good chance that Ishmael has entered the AME Zion church (then on South Second St, three blocks from the water) and the preacher he sees is Frederick Douglass. 🐋
January 2, 2026 at 1:39 AM
It’s generally assumed that “Moby-Dick” has a canonical start date in December 1841, so there’s a good chance that Ishmael has entered the AME Zion church (then on South Second St, three blocks from the water) and the preacher he sees is Frederick Douglass. 🐋
Reposted by Alex White
Now an annual tradition at History Workshop, members of the team share their "Radical Reads" for 2025.
Radical Reads 2025
History Workshop editors share their reflections on the radical books and films which have compelled them, fascinated them, and moved them throughout 2025.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Now an annual tradition at History Workshop, members of the team share their "Radical Reads" for 2025.
Reposted by Alex White
Today we are launching a new series of articles and podcasts to mark the 100th issue of History Workshop Journal 🎉✊🗃️
In this introductory article, Barbara Taylor reflects on a picnic she shared with other editors in 1984, and what it meant to be part of the HWJ collective.
In this introductory article, Barbara Taylor reflects on a picnic she shared with other editors in 1984, and what it meant to be part of the HWJ collective.
An Editors' Picnic
Barbara Taylor introduces our new series with her memories of a picnic she enjoyed with other History Workshop Journal editors in 1984.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Today we are launching a new series of articles and podcasts to mark the 100th issue of History Workshop Journal 🎉✊🗃️
In this introductory article, Barbara Taylor reflects on a picnic she shared with other editors in 1984, and what it meant to be part of the HWJ collective.
In this introductory article, Barbara Taylor reflects on a picnic she shared with other editors in 1984, and what it meant to be part of the HWJ collective.
Reposted by Alex White
What insights can feminists gain from revisiting the 1975 World Congress for International Women's Year?
Natali Moreira explores this overlooked event using the Women of the Whole World journal archived at @fotwl.bsky.social 🗃️✊
Natali Moreira explores this overlooked event using the Women of the Whole World journal archived at @fotwl.bsky.social 🗃️✊
A People's Congress
What insights can feminists gain from revisiting the 1975 World Congress for International Women’s Year in East Berlin?
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 8:11 AM
What insights can feminists gain from revisiting the 1975 World Congress for International Women's Year?
Natali Moreira explores this overlooked event using the Women of the Whole World journal archived at @fotwl.bsky.social 🗃️✊
Natali Moreira explores this overlooked event using the Women of the Whole World journal archived at @fotwl.bsky.social 🗃️✊
Reposted by Alex White
If anyone remembers that list which said historians were second in line to be replaced by AI, I've had some thoughts about it... and how it relates to some aspects of public history and the current climate facing historians.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
The Historian in the Age of AI | Transactions of the Royal Historical Society | Cambridge Core
The Historian in the Age of AI
www.cambridge.org
December 10, 2025 at 10:54 AM
If anyone remembers that list which said historians were second in line to be replaced by AI, I've had some thoughts about it... and how it relates to some aspects of public history and the current climate facing historians.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Reposted by Alex White
HWJ is 50 years old next year and we're about to launch a fab new series of articles and podcasts all in celebration of the 100th issue!
Come along in January and wish us a Happy Birthday 🥳
Come along in January and wish us a Happy Birthday 🥳
Next year we are co-hosting a celebration event with @rshc.bsky.social to mark the 100th issue of History Workshop Journal.
📍Birkbeck, University of London
🗓️Saturday 31 January 2026
⏱️14:00-18:00
Everyone welcome! Please make sure to book via the link below.
📍Birkbeck, University of London
🗓️Saturday 31 January 2026
⏱️14:00-18:00
Everyone welcome! Please make sure to book via the link below.
History Workshop Journal’s 100th Issue: a celebration
Speakers include former and newer editors, and friends of the journal. Tea, coffee and a drink will be provided.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 9:43 AM
HWJ is 50 years old next year and we're about to launch a fab new series of articles and podcasts all in celebration of the 100th issue!
Come along in January and wish us a Happy Birthday 🥳
Come along in January and wish us a Happy Birthday 🥳
Reposted by Alex White
Next year we are co-hosting a celebration event with @rshc.bsky.social to mark the 100th issue of History Workshop Journal.
📍Birkbeck, University of London
🗓️Saturday 31 January 2026
⏱️14:00-18:00
Everyone welcome! Please make sure to book via the link below.
📍Birkbeck, University of London
🗓️Saturday 31 January 2026
⏱️14:00-18:00
Everyone welcome! Please make sure to book via the link below.
History Workshop Journal’s 100th Issue: a celebration
Speakers include former and newer editors, and friends of the journal. Tea, coffee and a drink will be provided.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Next year we are co-hosting a celebration event with @rshc.bsky.social to mark the 100th issue of History Workshop Journal.
📍Birkbeck, University of London
🗓️Saturday 31 January 2026
⏱️14:00-18:00
Everyone welcome! Please make sure to book via the link below.
📍Birkbeck, University of London
🗓️Saturday 31 January 2026
⏱️14:00-18:00
Everyone welcome! Please make sure to book via the link below.