1 month ago
22
Award-winning author, Nova Reid’s latest project, Hidden Histories, a six-part podcast, illuminates the overlooked contributions of Caribbean women who profoundly influenced British and global society.
In Hidden Histories, Reid explores the worlds of extraordinary women, such as Queen Nanny of the Maroons, a spiritual warrior who led Jamaica’s resistance against British colonial forces; Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett-Coverley, a poet who championed Jamaican language identity; ground-breaking television journalist and author Barbara Blake-Hannah; revolutionary activist Olive Morris; Dame Jocelyn Barrow, whose work shaped modern British politics; and Gertrude Paul, a Yorkshire based headteacher from St Kitts who fought for racial equality in education.
Reid shared that the idea to create the show came when she first started writing her book The Good Ally more than years ago and finding multiple lessons in history where black people were acknowledged beyond subjugation.
“I was intrigued by what I was discovering. I was frustrated that I hadn’t learned at school about empowering stories of female pioneers like Cubah Cornwallis, a powerful healer who used plant medicine to heal, or Queen Nanny of the Maroons, a spiritual warrior who annihilated British colonial forces. Instead, I had to endure King Henry VIII, on repeat. I wanted to learn more about these women ... who they were beyond their roles – I wanted to centre their humanity, as so often black women are reduced to what they do and not who they are.”
Blake-Hannah told The Gleaner of her joy at being included.
“I am delighted and honoured that Nova Reid selected me to be included among the women in this podcast. They have all done so much to show the contributions black women have made and set examples for younger ones to step forward and do more, and better,” Blake-Hannah said.
HARSH REALITIES
Some episodes hark back to when the Caribbean was under British colonial rule and the harsh realities of that era.
“It took an emotional toll of not just researching, writing and presenting tough stories, but holding space for contributors who were sharing their own personal experiences with death and trauma was grossly underestimated,” Reid said.
She noted that, “Barbara Blake-Hannah [the UK’s first Black female TV reporter] impacted me the most, not just because of what happened to her while she was in Britain, or her gorgeous vitality, but because she is our only living pioneer. So, to hear her tell her own story and to express such gratitude for choosing to feature her was very special.”
The podcast series has been heavily advertised online, but most especially in the London Underground trains and on station walls.
“It’s a constant surprise to encounter the Hidden Histories ads on my way to meetings and entertainment. A pleasant surprise for which I thank Audible, the broadcaster,” Reid stated.
A sought-after public speaker and a curator of courageous conversations on and off-stage, Reid’s achievements have led her to work internationally with FTSE100 companies, advise on prominent human rights inquiries to address systemic racism and to speak on world class stages including The National Theatre.
She shared that the best part of doing the Hidden Histories series was coming to Jamaica to do interviews. “My soul was completely refreshed by Jamaica. I rediscovered my Jamaican roots and am now in the process of acquiring my Jamaican passport to confirm my Jamaican citizenship. I can’t wait to return.”
English (US) ·