An open top bus tour is set to be launched in Oxford to celebrate the city's black history.
City Sightseeing Oxford, in partnership with award-winning producer and author of Black Oxford: Untold Stories, Pamela Roberts, is introducing the tour to tell the stories of Oxford’s black scholars.
Passengers will learn about the life of Christian Frederick Cole, the University of Oxford’s first black scholar and Britain’s first black barrister, among others.
The tour will take passengers to the city’s landmark spots such as the Radcliffe Camera and the Bridge of Sighs.
The exclusive tour will take place on fixed dates across the summer and will also operate across two weekends in October to mark Black History Month.
It will take place on the City Sightseeing Oxford hop-on hop-off bus.
Ms Roberts will narrate the tour, while there will be chances to stop and walk around the city, with guides on hand.
From the top deck, passengers will get to enjoy views of Oxford's spires.
Pamela Roberts, founder, and director of Black Oxford: Untold Stories, said: "The tour sets out to challenge the misconception that historically black students never studied at the University of Oxford.
“When it comes to the University of Oxford’s historic alumni, the names of Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Harold Wilson, and Bill Clinton are familiar to many. But what about its black scholars?
"Guests will learn about the lives of Oxford’s forgotten black community in a time of adversity.
"For example, James Aurther Harley, who became the first black scholar at the Pitt Rivers Museum and Kofoworola Moore, Oxford University’s first African woman scholar at St Hugh’s College."
Luke Marion, City Sightseeing Oxford managing director, said: "We’re proud to have formed such an innovative partnership that enables us to offer our customers a unique insight into Oxford’s history.
"The visitor economy is vital to the overall economic well-being of the city and the addition of this unique tour forms part of our on-going strategy to deliver a world-class welcome to Oxford, and to showcase the diverse history of our great city."
Tickets for the tour will cost £20 for adults and £11 for children with student and senior tickets priced at £15.
The tour will last 90 minutes and will take place on July 27, August 10 and September 14, as well as across two weekends in October.
Ms Roberts added: “City Sightseeing Oxford has been a pleasure to partner with.
"We share the same values, including diversity and true inclusion, plus community and sustainability.”
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