The life of Olive Morris, the Brixton civil rights and housing campaigner, is celebrated in a new podcast series that uncovers the stories of extraordinary Black women who shaped world history, British culture and society.
Episode 2 of Hidden Histories with Nova Reid, published by Audible Original, traces the life and work of Olive Morris from her involvement in the British Black Panther Movement to co-founding the Brixton Black Women’s Group and the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent
It recalls her life through people who knew her personally.
The publishers said the podcast is particularly timely with International Women’s Day tomorrow (8 March), calling for us “to celebrate the lives of pioneers, journalists, and rule-breakers from the 18th to 20th centuries who made vital contributions to civil rights, yet have been mythologised, unknown, or erased from history”.
The six-part series is hosted and executive produced by Nova Reid. best-selling author of The Good Ally.
The podcast is available exclusively on Audible.
“When I started writing The Good Ally, I was captivated by recurring themes of resistance from Black women, particularly from Jamaica, that I never learned about throughout my entire schooling,” said Nova Reid.
“So I was intrigued to find out more about them and why their stories were untold. Born in Britain, of Jamaican heritage with lineage lost to slavery in West Africa – my relationship with Britain is complicated – the interruption of slavery means that so much of mine and our shared history has been, often deliberately, erased.
“Through Hidden Histories with Nova Reid it has been an honour to unearth not just these women’s legacies, but their humanity and share more, not only about how they survived, but thrived, so that I can be here today, telling you their stories.”
Episode guide
Episode 1: Queen Nanny – A Spiritual Warrior
Nova Reid visits the Blue Mountains to retell the life of Queen Nanny, the legendary leader of the Maroons’ resistance in Jamaica against British colonial forces. Her story is one of courage, hope and spiritual resilience. Nova uncovers her unwavering commitment to freedom, and the legacy of Jamaica’s only female national hero.
Episode 2: Olive Morris – A Revolutionary Campaigner
Olive Morris was a fearless campaigner for civil rights, women’s liberation and social justice in Britain. This episode delves into the importance of safe spaces and her journey, from her involvement in the British Black Panther Movement to co-founding the Brixton Black Women’s Group and the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent. Nova Reid recalls her life through the people who knew her personally.
Episode 3: Cubah Cornwallis – A Powerful Healer
Cubah, an exceptional herbalist and healer, played a pivotal role in Jamaica during the 18th century. This episode explores her life and the remarkable story of how she healed a future king of England. Nova Reid brings to light her contributions to plant medicine and its influence in Rastafari culture, and the often-overlooked well-being of Black women.
Episode 4: Barbara Blake-Hannah – A Trailblazing Journalist
Barbara Blake-Hannah broke barriers as the first Black female reporter on British television. Nova Reid explores Blake-Hannah’s ground-breaking career, her challenges in the industry, the politics of representation and how she paved the way for future generations, including broadcaster Charlene White.
Episode 5: Gertrude Paul – A Pioneering Educator
Gertrude Paul was a pioneering headteacher from St Kitts who made significant strides in tackling racism in the British education system. Nova Reid visits Leeds to learn more about Paul’s life and her efforts to improve educational opportunities for Black children in Leeds. Through her work, Nova explores the toll of activism and her tireless commitment to combat racial discrimination in the UK.
Episode 6: The Quasheba – An Ode to The Unknown Women
Nova Reid looks into the hidden histories of disobedient women. The unsung resistance of the nameless enslaved women who stood up for themselves through small but mighty acts of protest on plantations, is exemplified by two Black women in different countries, centuries later – Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley, a well-loved Jamaican poet, and Dame Jocelyn Barrow, a Trinidad and Tobago born force in British politics. Nova explores their diverse achievements and reflects on the Black women from across the series and the ongoing need for disobedient women, to effect change.
