This Black Futures Month Join Us in
Reclaiming Narratives
Reclaiming Narratives
"Reclaiming Narratives" in the context of Black British history involves the process of rediscovering, reinterpreting, and reasserting the stories, experiences, and contributions of Black people in Britain that have often been marginalised or overlooked in mainstream history. This approach is critical for providing a more inclusive and accurate understanding of British history. This is the work of Black Cultural Archives every day of the year.
What’s On?
This exhibition explores the profound legacy of the Race Today journals, with a focus on the influential period from 1973 to 1988 when the Race Today Collective spearheaded its publication. 'Race Today: Black History is British History' showcases how the journal tackled transnational issues, serving as a critical platform for conversations about both British and global conflicts, while continually pushing boundaries by uncovering the dynamics behind these movements.
The 1970s and 1980s were a turbulent yet defiantly hopeful time for Black communities in Britain. Race Today often captured the challenges and triumphs of this era, addressing a wide range of pressing issues from austerity, workers' strikes, the housing crisis, and police brutality to grassroots activism and uprisings. The journal also amplified the cultural contributions of Black and Asian communities worldwide. This exhibition reflects on the parallels and differences between the narratives and activism covered in Race Today and those shaping society today.
Featuring film, including Wayne G. Saunders’ documentary 'Race Today: The Untold Story of Black Britain's Political Journal', alongside collage and archival materials, this exhibition examines how Race Today positioned Black history as British history. It invites visitors to consider how today’s society has built upon this foundation, striving for a more representative and inclusive understanding of the lived experiences of Black British people and the African and Caribbean diasporas worldwide.
This exhibition is curated by Black Cultural Archives.
How We Do It?
Collect & Activate
We are a place of research of Black British History are actively collecting Black British experiences.
Educate & Inspire
Inspiration, education and empowerment are at the heart of our schools and public programmes.
BECOME A PARTNER OR DONOR
“When you make a gift to the BCA, you demonstrate your commitment to champion an inclusive British and world history and to promote a racially just society.
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Celebrate &Champion
BCA’s exhibitions, events and talks celebrate and champion talents, stories and advocate for social equity.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
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SUPPORT OUR WORK 〰️
OWN YOUR PART OF HISTORY
Celebrating Black History!
In partnership with Transport for London, the Black History Map reimagines the world-famous London Tube Map featuring 272 Black icons in Britain from Pre-Tudor times to present day.
A1 poster on paper with a special finish
** The poster will be shipped as stock arrives.**
Black Cultural Archives hosted a historic group photoshoot of notable Black British artists in Britain to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the British black arts movement, which began on 28th October 1982 with the first national Black art convention, started by the Wolverhampton Young Black Artists (also known as Blk Art Group).
Over 60 artists, both established and emerging, in the making of the image.
“I thought it was important to make sure that each individual’s face, their individual personhood, was documented. And I couldn’t think of a better way to do that other than by taking a picture that captures a moment in time that people can reference for the future.”
Lisa Anderson
Managing Director
Created in partnership with Very Puzzled
The Black Cultural Archives jigsaw puzzle showcases some of the many ways in which Black communities typically enjoy their Leisure Time. The image shows people playing board games, sports and musical instruments. You can also see sound systems, carnival, dance, and the appreciation of art in its many forms.
Learn more about some of the key names and activities Black communities took part in during their leisure time referenced from our archives: Find out more
Paul Field, Robin Bunce, et al.
From 1973 to 1988, Race Today, the journal of the revolutionary Race Today Collective was at the epicentre of the struggle for racial justice in Britain. Placing race, sex and social class at the core of its analysis, it featured in its articles and pamphlets contributions from some of the leading writers and activists of the time: C. L. R. James, Darcus Howe, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Walter Rodney, Bobby Sands, Farrukh Dhondy and Mala Sen and many more. Here to Stay, Here to Fight, draws together many of these key articles and extracts into an impressive collection - the first book-length anthology of its kind - rescuing many contributions from the obscurity of inaccessible archives. Framing the original contributions, there is a general introduction, which provides an overview of Race Today's 15-year history, section introductions providing context for each extract, written by writers and activists associated with the Collective, and a concluding section exploring the legacy of Race Today in contemporary social movements and debates around race, gender and class.
