Our contribution highlights the different ways in which university libraries can engage with local Black histories using the example of the Slavery Family Trees community research project. We focus on the various activities and initiatives between Lancaster University library and Lancaster Black History Group from 2021 onwards, and how these have led to new collaborations and events. In doing so we highlight the role that library leadership can play in relation to demonstrating commitment and allocating resources to support collaborations that seek to address systemic and institutional inequalities.