INQUEST: Unlocking the Truth, Oral Histories Project

image credit: INQUEST

source: INQUEST |  originally published: May 2025


The INQUEST Oral Histories Archive documents state violence, death and resistance in the UK since 1981 and explores over 40 years of fighting for justice through sound, image and print.


In the Archives you will find:


Timeline

Trace the history of state violence and how INQUEST has campaigned alongside bereaved families and others to push for change from 1981-2021. This interactive timeline maps a fragment of the people who have died, campaigning milestones and legal changes in our on-going pursuit of justice.


Case Profiles

Learn about some of the people who have died at the hands of the British state through policing, prisons and mental health services. Find out who they were, how they died and how their families have fought back. This is just the tip of the iceberg.


This selection of 40 people is a tiny sample of the 10,000+ cases that INQUEST has worked on between 1981-2021.


Oral Histories

This collection of interviews preserves the voices and memories of key figures in the movement for justice and transformative change. They provide important context and personal memory to INQUEST’s archive.


With the support of On the Record and a team of mainly bereaved volunteers recorded oral history interviews with INQUEST staff members (current and former), family members, lawyers, journalists, activists and politicians.


See the oral history interview with Family Fund founder, Tippa Naphtali, here >

More about INQUEST here >

Unlawful Killings podcast

Unlawful Killing is a unique new podcast series shining a light on state violence, death, grief and resistance.


Listen on Spotify here >

Listen on Apple here >

Drawing on four decades of campaigning and in conversation with those at the forefront of these struggles, hosts Lee Lawrence, advocate and son of Cherry Groce, and Lucy Brisbane from INQUEST, shine a light on injustice, amplify stories of resistance and explore the best way forward.



See previous 4WardEverUK article >

NMPMFF 2026 Campaign Awards Nominations
by Family Fund Team 29 April 2026
The National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) Gala Dinner & Campaigners Awards was first conceived in 2021, with its inaugural event held in November 2023.
Family support
by Family Fund Team 26 April 2026
In 2023 The NMPMFF revamped our MemberBASE service which combines contributions to the Fund with a number of extra benefits. Your support is needed - please help!
Black Voices on Policing Reports cover
by Family Fund Team 24 April 2026
Black Thrive Global (BTG) has announced the official publication of 'Black Voices on Policing', a series of reports produced by Black Thrive Global in collaboration with Psi.
UK Cash
by Family Fund Team 8 April 2026
First Stop Web Design (a sister enterprise of Naphtali & Associates) has announced its intention to donate up to 10% of all new design projects to the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund.
Our Shop is Closing
by Family Fund Team 8 April 2026
Due to low sales on our ‘Give-Back Shop’ platform, it is no longer cost-effective to maintain it. The shop will close from 1 August 2026. Remaining items will be offered as raffle prizes at future events.
Gala Dinner & Campaigners Awards 2023 award event
by Family Fund Team 22 March 2026
In May 2026 we will be announcing the nominations process for the second National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) Annual Gala Dinner & Campaigners Awards.
Show More