How has decolonisation reshaped public spaces and educational environments?

22 October 2026 | Templeman Seminar Room 7 | 12–2pm

In person and online | Lunch provided

Hosted by the Centre for the Global Study of Empire (University of Kent) and the Centre for British Political Life (Birkbeck College, London)

Book your place here.

Back in 2020, the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol was toppled and later thrown into the dock, triggering a national conversation about what to do with statues and monuments commemorating slave owners.

This event looks at what happened next, drawing on a project created and led by Dr Maria Ridda, which traced continuing links to colonisation in Canterbury and other cities across the UK. The research examined how decolonisation has reshaped public spaces and educational environments.

Other speakers and practitioners will offer insights into debates around decolonisation in relation to education, migration and everyday life.

The event will feature a panel discussion with academics and activists working in this area:

Dr Maria Ridda, University of Kent

Dr Sweta Rajan-Rankin, University of Kent

Dr Ben Worthy, Birkbeck, University of London

Plus other campaigners and activists

Description supplied by the event organiser.