The John Blanke Project is a unique art and archive initiative that celebrates John Blanke, the Black trumpeter who served at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII. He is the first known person of African descent in British history for whom we have both a written record and a portrait. Bringing together the work of more than 100 artists and historians, the project uses creativity and scholarship to explore, reimagine, and reflect on the life of this remarkable Tudor musician. Join historian Michael I. Ohajuru DUniv, FRSA as he introduces this inspiring project, explores the significance of John Blanke, and considers how people of African heritage were represented in Medieval and Renaissance art and other sources. He will also invite the audience to reflect how they might imagine John’s story within the context of Kingston’s own history.