30. S.I. Martin on Uncovering Britain's Hidden Histories & the Power of Storytelling

Humanism Now

"Isn't it true that we are the stories we tell ourselves?" — S.I. Martin

This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by S.I. Martin—historian, author, and patron of Humanists UK—whose work has reshaped how we understand Black British history and the power of storytelling.

From his upbringing in a religious family in Bedford to decades spent uncovering erased narratives, Steve shares how early exposure to music, books, and doubt led him to scepticism and ultimately humanism.

We discuss:

• The importance of embedding Black British history into everyday landscapes and classrooms
• Robert Wedderburn, revolutionary preacher and free thinker
• Unique challenges faced by Black atheists in religious communities
• How historical fiction can reshape cultural imagination and offer new identities
• Why humanist groups must evolve to become more inclusive, especially for younger generations
• The hidden social history of Black-owned pubs in 18th- and 19th-century London

Explore S.I. Martin’s work:

🌐simartin.org.uk

📖 Books by S.I. Martin

❌ @simartin on X

📺 A History of Black Freethought (Humanists UK Convention 2023)

📺 The Beliefs of Black Georgians (Humanist Heritage)

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Chapters

1. Meeting S.I. Martin: Historian and Humanist (00:00:00)

2. Teaching Black British History (00:05:20)

3. Using Historical Fiction to Address Real World Issues (00:09:33)

4. Recognising Robert Wedderburn: British Revolutionary Freethinker (00:14:35)

5. Teaching Scepticism & Freethought in Schools (00:19:05)

6. Belief, Race and Humanism Today - Allowing Space for Doubt (00:20:09)

7. Mapping London's Historical Black Owned Pubs (00:26:14)

8. Changing minds on Serendipity (00:27:29)