New Chair Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, and interim Managing Director Lisa Anderson announced
Black Cultural Archives (BCA) is pleased to announce an exciting new chapter in our 40th year, with a change in leadership. Two key appointments have been made with a new Chair of the Board, Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE (started 4 January 2022) and a new Managing Director (interim), Lisa Anderson (started 6 December 2021).
The new appointments mark a brand new era of stability and impact for the Black Cultural Archives (BCA), building on the huge momentum of support and recognition gained in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter resurgence, which brought about an official proposed commitment from key sectors within the UK to actively tackle racial inequality, dismantle institutional racism and eradicate anti-blackness within British society.
Both Dr Thompson and Lisa bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles.
Award-winning businesswoman, activist and founder of WinTrade Global Network, Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE said of her appointment and what she foresees for the BCA’s future:
“I am honoured to be trusted with this most prestigious position of leadership as the custodian of the UK’s black cultural archives, nurturing, and growing the concept by founders Len Garrison and Dawn Hill CBE, whose trusted hands have brought the organisation this far, and now that baton has been passed onto me. I am also looking forward to working with the board of Trustees, old and new, to deliver the new strategic vision for the oldest black owned and run institutions of its kind in the UK.
“Working with the new MD Lisa Anderson, my priorities are to grow and make the organisation fiscally competitive, and to ensure the BCA is top of mind when thinking about black historical information and education. Our mission is to welcome all interested audiences, and convert new ones, while moving the BCA onto a national and global stage.”
New MD Lisa Anderson, a highly-regarded independent curator, consultant and long time champion for Black British art, also spoke on the enduring significance of the archives and her excitement about its future. She added:
“The BCA was born from a hope for a more just British society, able to acknowledge the breadth of historic contributions made by Black people. As a girl I remember the swell of confidence I gained by learning about historical figures like Olaudah Equiano or Nanny of the Maroons, figures absent from my school history lessons, but central to the story of colonial and post-colonial Britain.
“Joining the BCA in its 40th year, as a child of the movement that brought it into being, is a full circle moment for me. And I’m clear that the BCA is needed now more than ever. Our hope is to celebrate the BCA’s achievements and consolidate its position as a national heritage treasure, dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating Black History. With my leadership and support of new Chair Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, we are entering a new chapter of impactful and collaborative leadership that we know will stand the test of time.”
For further information, please contact adenike@theexcellenceagency.com