Black Brexit Conference 2018: What Does Brexit Mean For Britain's Black Community?

Earlier this year, anticipating the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London, Black Cultural Archives invited speakers and a public audience to discuss what Brexit means to Britain’s Black community?

Our conference chair Professor Trevor Williams published his outlook on the Black Brexit Conference 2018 outcomes.

Black Brexit Conference outcomes – is there a Commonwealth opportunity?

“I recently had the great pleasure of hosting what I think is the first conference devoted to the view of the Black community in the UK on Brexit and its implications for them, held on the 15th March at CMS McKenna, Cannon Street, London. It was also one of the best I have been at regarding interaction between panels, speakers, and the audience. The Black Brexit Conference uncovered a variety of complex social, economic and political concerns crystallised by the Brexit vote. Over four hours of high energy debate from panellists and the audience aired a range of issues. Not surprisingly, there were more questions than answers – of the latter few were easy ones, and none were quick fixes.”

Read Professor Trevor Williams full blog online.

The conference was present together with co-convenor SOAS University of London and sponsor CMS.

The Great Expectations Q&A

Image credit: Neil Kenlock

Curator Emelia Kenlock gives an overview of the Expectations exhibition on display until 28 September 2018

WHAT IS THE EXPECTATIONS PROJECT?

The Expectations exhibition is part of a Heritage Lottery Funded project that aims to increase public awareness and access to the archive collection of black British community leaders taken by my father photographer Neil Kenlock. His collection covers two decades, from the 1960s to the 1970s, giving a unique insight to the lives and experiences of the first generation, African and Caribbean leaders who settled in UK and influenced the community.  

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES AS THE EXHIBITION SPACE?

Firstly, the Black Cultural Archives is on the historical Windrush Square and is the home of black British heritage, hence why it was the perfect place for the Expectations Exhibition and other project activities. The BCA provides not only a great exhibition space but also supports key parts of the project like archive training and community engagement.

HOW DOES THIS EXHIBITION HELP TELL THE STORY OF THE WINDRUSH GENERATION?

The exhibition tells the story of black people who lived, worked or influenced our community, most of which would have been part of that Windrush generation. Therefore, the exhibition helps to put their experiences in historical context, giving visitors the imagery to match the stories their grandparents may have told them. And for those who are new to these stories, there are photos of fascinating people like ‘Columbus’, a man who was on the Windrush Empire ship in 1948 and was the first person from that group of settlers to gain employment in Britain.

WHAT IMPACT WILL THIS EXHIBITION HAVE ON PEOPLE WHO COME TO VISIT?

The exhibition is a ‘building takeover’ which means the prints are hung in places where visitors would not normally see photographs. The three spaces include the café, which is the challenge space, the learning centre, which is the change space and the meeting room, which is the collaboration space. The idea of bringing the art into these areas was so that people can connect with the heritage in a new and engaging way. The project also aims to educate society on black British history and to allow people to experience archive material that so few people knew about.

For more information on the Expectations exhibition and project, please visit www.expectationsproject.com.

 

PHOTO GALLERY FROM EXPECTATIONS EXHIBTION LAUNCH

BCA Friends Summer BBQ and Family Fun Day

BCA Friends celebrated our fourth year on Windrush Square on Saturday 11 August 2018 with the annual BBQ and family fun day. Massive thanks to the BCA Friends Committee and volunteers who hosted a full day of activities including puppet show, the ever-popular slime making workshops, storytelling from the brilliant Adisa the Poet and Eli as well performances from talented singers and rappers in partnership with Inspirational U and energy and good vibes from Ace and Jacks Entertainment.

All funds raised go towards supporting the sustainability of Black Cultural Archives. If you are interested in donating and becoming a BCA Friend, its is easy to sign up online. Membership starts from just £30 a year (£2.50 a month, the price of a coffee!).

Become a BCA Friend

Make a donation

Find out more about our volunteer roles

Garage: The sound of a generation that changed the UK music scene

WRITTEN BY NATALIA MORGAN

‘Flowers’, ‘Sweet Like Chocolate’, ‘Heartbroken’….the list goes on. Most people, if not everyone, knows a garage tune. Those of us that are younger may not remember raving in sweaty clubs with champagne and glow sticks – but that doesn’t stop us from feeling a part of the garage culture.

From its early influences of R’n’B, reggae and ragga, the emergence of UK garage has shaped mainstream British culture and defined ‘urban’ music as we know it today. Artists from the likes of Artful Dodger, Craig David, The Streets and Grant Nelson have helped changed the UK music scene, paving the way for new genres, including Grime.

Emerging in the 1990s, UK garage began on pirate radio stations and in the second room of nightclubs, but quickly gained attention from major promotors like Fantasia and Obsession who hosted some of the first 32,000 Garage raves in the UK. As it seeped into mainstream British culture, UK Garage moved from only being played on Sundays to breaking into and dominating the UK music charts. By the late 1990s/early 2000s “it was everywhere”. 

The genre was for the youth. With a strong bass, soulful melody and samples of old reggae/ragga artists most people’s parents listened to, it encouraged a new kind of relationship with music that the UK was missing.

Garage not only defined a generation but put London on the map for musical talent –

“It cemented my identity as a Londoner”

The rich musical diversity in the genre reflected the diversity in London; creating a unique sound for a new generation. It’s popularity also gave DJ’s the opportunity to rhyme over tracks and develop as artists, while making millionaires out of the original artists whose songs were being remixed into chart hits. To many it was a culture, a lifestyle that swept across London and the rest of the UK.  Going to the club, dressing in designer brands (Moschino, Versace, Iceberg) and being seen with the infamous champagne ‘Alize’ was a way of life and in some ways is the roots of the flashy lifestyle largely associated with Grime music today.  

Though the mid-2000s saw a decline in garage it also witnessed the birth of its sub-genres: UK funky, grime, dubstep and baseline. Yes, garage has been pushed from the “peace and love” vibes of the early 1900s to a darker aggressive tone (which set the path for grime), however the feel and bass of original garage anthems are still influencing music and culture today - ‘New Skool’ Garage from artists like Preditah, Disclosure and AlunaGeorge has somewhat revived UK Garage for a new generation. Garage Nation and others continue to host regular festivals/raves for UK Garage fans as the scene continues to invite new members and spell nostalgia for old lovers of the genre.

Whatever the future of Garage – whether it once again dominates the ‘Official UK Top 40’ or is forced underground completely - it will always be remembered as the genre that bridged the gap between music and culture, changing the British music scene indefinitely.  

*All quotes and taken from the BCA's talk on UK Garage

Taken from the Black Cultural Archive's talk on the impact of garage music on British culture

BCA Youth Forum visit English Touring Opera's Gianni Schicchi

Mahmoud from BCA Youth Forum reviews ENO's recent production Gianni Schicchi:

At Buoso Donati’s deathbed - the Donati family convene, first in hope and then consternation. Hope for the anticipated wealth Donati’s will may have bequeathed to each of them, and consternation as they eventually discover that Donati has in fact left all his wealth to the monks of Signa.

Unfavourably written out of the will, they fetch the eponymous Gianni Schicchi, played by Andrew Slater, a lawyer whose daughter, Lauretta, is to get married into the Donati family. Seeing an opportunity to bend the law, the family plead with Schicchi to concoct a new, more favourable will that divides Donati’s estate and the prized mule to the various family members. Schicchi agrees but ensues to devise his own cunning plans.

The ETO’s costume, make up and set design team do a fantastic job. Schicchi’s costume, a three-piece working man’s suit, is a distinct contrast the family who adorn caricatured white-painted faces  that function as comedic masks (in the commedia dell’arte style); perhaps in reflection of their extreme avarice and greed compared to Schicchi’s seemingly unassuming motives (yet he turns out to be the most ingenious schemer of them all).

As a novice opera watcher - the set design worked really well in enhancing the narrative. The room was cluttered, full of paraphernalia, adding to the chaos and panic of the Donatti family. The stylised rhythmic group movements by the director collapses all character-distinctions but adds so much dynamism to the production. The comedic timing is exceptional - all credit to the performers (in particular Andrew Slater who plays Schicchi) and of course the music.

Lastly, there is an inversion, dare I say even subversion which I love, of Dante’s original story. In Dante’s Divine Comedy, Schicchi is a conniving reprobate, condemned to hell for his actions; whereas in Puccini, he becomes an antihero, a scorned outsider of Florence, looked down upon by old money and then plays the players at their own game.

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Find out more about the production and other work by ENO,

Interested in joining the BCA Youth Forum and getting involved? Find out more and contact us at learning@bcaheritage.org.uk

In solidarity with the Windrush Generation

Black Cultural Archives (BCA), as the nation’s only repository dedicated to preserving the heritage of African and Caribbean people, views the fiasco unfolding regarding the “Windrush generation” as a shameful lack of appreciation of the courageous citizens who have helped to create what we know as Britain today.

These actions have added to the hostile environment for migrants from our community who have been living and working in Britain for over 40 years. It reflects the general lack of appreciation of the contributions the Black community has made to this country throughout history.

The tens of thousands of people who travelled as British citizens between 1948 and 1973 were invited to this country to help rebuild post-war Britain. The elders of Britain’s Caribbean heritage community were a pioneering generation who laid solid foundations that rebuilt post-war Britain. 

This is not an immigration story, not a moment of migrant history, but is central to British history. The history of Black people in Britain dates back centuries, yet this history has been long hidden.  It is our duty to unearth and share these histories with everyone for a better and deeper appreciation of Britain. This will ensure injustices borne of ignorance and lack of empathy do not continue to occur and debate the value we give to this society. The “Windrush generation” came on their own and then brought their families here. The resilience and courage of the generations that followed them have shaped today’s Black British community. The fact that citizenship questions are being raised decades later is highly problematic.

BCA was founded in 1981 over 30 years ago as our co-founder Len Garrison grappled with the fundamental question of “Where are our monuments? Where are our martyrs? …” His words continue to echo throughout the country today, as we are still asking these same questions in the face of institutions that are still unable to value our contributions and heritage.  

BCA’s archive collection holds a copy of the 1948 Nationality Act which gave all colonial subject British citizenship, as well as copies of subsequent Immigration Acts which attempted to remove that right. Our collection holds historical evidence of the oppositional campaigns to the racist 1962 Immigration Act, known as the Colour Bar Immigration Act, which expressly limited the movement of British citizens from its colonies. The destruction of landing cards that form part of a narrative of an entire generation and their children’s history is disheartening. BCA exists to ensure the preservation of this history, our archive differs from national or government archives, as our remit is to preserve the narratives of the people. Materials that can no longer be held in central archives should be offered to alternative repositories such as ourselves. We have been entrusted by generations of individuals, families and organisations to safeguard these materials, our history, British history.

We call on the government to ensure the travesty of the destruction of the archival materials must never happen again. And BCA must be the recognised home for such important archival material.

We are inviting all those who are worried about being affected, have concerns about their documentation either for rights to remain and safeguarding to our public meeting on Saturday 28 April 2018 between 2pm-5pm. The public meeting will be followed by a series of legal clinics from legal professionals who are volunteering their time and expertise.  

We are open to working with and alongside government and community initiatives to support the wider community to navigate the current situation and help to overcome the distrust and distress that has arisen. Clinics will be held at BCA as a central point of contact for the community and safe space to ask critical questions and make enquires.  

Legal clinics have been extended due to growing demand. Clinics will now take place on Saturdays, 10am-1pm throughout June. Contact us on 020 37578500 to make an appointment. 

Stephen Wiltshire Raffle

SUPPORTING #BCAWEAREONE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

The talented artistic prodigy Stephen Wiltshire MBE visited Black Cultural Archives and captured our iconic building in a beautifully detailed drawing. Stephen has generously donated 25 limited edition prints to BCA.

We are thrilled to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to win a limited-edition print of our grade II listed building. BCA’s iconic building is situated on the historically named Windrush Square in Brixton, London. It is a beautifully restored Georgian building that now houses the UK’s leading archive collection preserving Black British history.

Stephen is recognised worldwide particularly for his massive panoramic cityscapes. His works are sought and can be found in important art collections across the globe.  He has received many awards in recognition of his art including an MBE in 2006 for services to the art world.  

The print has been hand numbered and signed by Stephen and comes with its own Certificate of Authenticity. Stephen has donated the original artwork to Black Cultural Archives.

If you are successful you will be the owner of a unique and outstanding piece of art and contributed towards our future at Black Cultural Archives. 

Thank you for taking part and good luck!

THIS RAFFLE IS NOW CLOSED

HOW TO ENTER RAFFLE

• The closing date for raffle ticket purchases is Friday 30th March 2018

• Tickets are £5 each and can be bought online or direct from BCA.

• The Raffle will be drawn on Saturday 31st March 2018, 3:00pm at the BCA.

Sir Lenny Henry, Stephen Wiltshire MBE and Conrad Peters, BCA Trustee

STEPHEN WILTSHIRE RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCED 

Congratulations to our winner of a limited-edition Stephen Wiltshire print! 

“I’m so proud to have won!! When I first heard about the competition, my immediate thoughts were of Stephen in a helicopter hovering overheard with a birds-eye-view of Brixton. To say, I’m a fan of his work is an understatement – so to be in with an opportunity to own an original print was too good to pass up. But the raffle was always a win-win situation whereby even if I didn’t win the prize, I’d still be contributing to the important work of the BCA. It’s a double win for me.” Marcus 'Paradise' Dawes

To find out more about supporting Black Cultural Archives, visit https://www.bcadonate.org/

 Terms and conditions apply.  Read full details. 

For enquiries info@bcaheritage.org.uk or call 020 37578500

To find out more about the BCAWeAreOne fundraising campaign visit bcadonate.org 

Rudi Patterson: Visions of Colour Special Event at the Garden Museum

Rudi Patterson

Rudi Patterson was a bold and talented artist, holding 40 exhibitions all over the world while he was alive. Almost all of his paintings featured landscapes or plants, and his small Notting Hill council flat and balcony were filled with greenery. Rudi’s paintings were heavily influenced by his Jamaican background, and pick out the bold tropical colours plants and landscapes of his formative years.

SPECIAL EVENT
TUESDAY 20 MARCH, 7.00PM-8.30PM
AT THE GARDEN MUSEUM 

Join BCA Chair Dawn Hill, Wesley Kerr and Novelette Aldoni-Stewart as they celebrate Rudi’s life and works. The evening talk will explore links between Jamaican garden history and British garden history are centuries old; Captain Bligh, whose tomb is in the Sackler Garden of the Garden Museum, took breadfruit from Tahiti to the botanical garden next to Rudi’s home village.

This evening is a celebration of Rudi’s life and works. Rudi was an early supporter of the Black Cultural Archives, which holds an archive of his works. The money raised from ticket sales will go towards the acquisition of one of Rudi’s paintings for the Garden Museum’s collection.

PROGRAMME

During the evening there will be an illustrated chat with a panel of those who knew Rudi, discussing his life and the impact of his Jamaican roots on his works.

You will be invited to ask questions after the conversation and to enjoy the paintings for which Rudi became famous, several of which will be at the Museum on the evening.

Drinks will be available in the Garden Café from 6.00pm and the Museum will be open from 6.30pm allowing you to explore the collections.

After the talks the Garden Café will be open, serving a light supper which can be enjoyed in the lush surroundings of the Sackler Garden while listening to some of Rudi’s favourite songs.

PANEL

Wesley Kerr OBE, Writer, broadcaster and historian
Dawn Hill CBE, Chair of the Black Cultural Archives, Novelette Aldoni-Stewart, Conservator and cultural activist, Trustee of the Black Cultural Archives

BCA has a special ticket offer for £5.00 (usual price £10.00). Tickets are via the Garden Museum.

The money from your ticket purchase goes towards an acquisition of a painting by Rudi Patterson for the Garden Museum’s collection. If you would like to leave a further voluntary donation on the evening this would be gratefully received.

WESLEY KERR ON RUDI PATTERSON


IN LONDON OF THE  SWINGING ’60S RUDI PATTERSON WAS A SELF-PROPELLED STAR. A FEW YEARS AFTER ARRIVING PENNILESS FROM LATE COLONIAL JAMAICA HE HAD ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS A MODEL, STAGE AND FILM ACTOR, APPEARING IN EARLY EDITIONS OF Z CARS, THE PROFESSIONALS, THE ROLLING STONES’ FILM SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL, A CLIFF RICHARD MOVIE, A BRITISH AIRWAYS COMMERCIAL, AND REPERTORY THEATRES UP AND DOWN THE COUNTRY. I FIRST ENCOUNTERED HIM ON STAGE AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE IN MICHAEL TIPPETT’S THE ICE BREAK.

But at the back of his mind he had always wanted to paint – and, convalescing from a serious neck injury following a water skiing accident – that’s what he began to do. He continued every day for forty years, so successfully that by the time of his death in North Kensington in 2013 he had created thousands of pictures and pots, and clocked up dozens of exhibitions as far afield as Australia, New York and Malta, at multiple galleries in England and of course in Jamaica.

The paintings were almost always landscapes and gardens in the Caribbean even though they were created largely from memory in a series of tiny West London council flats adorned – like the paintings- with vivid flowers and tropical plants.

A Jamaican, even the city dweller or diaspora member, finds his or her story in sonorous landscapes – montane, agricultural, domestic, sometimes peopled. Arcadia meant something different in 18th century Jamaica to what it meant in 18th century Britain but it still meant something. Patterson intuitively combines something European with something African-derived and uniquely Caribbean – all made in the crucible of London.

RudI was someone once met, never forgotten, and if you were lucky a friend for life. He grew up in Duckenfield, a mile or so from the Bath Botanical Garden (established 1779) in the easterly County of Surrey, Jamaica, in the lea of the towering Blue Mountains where it rains suddenly and often. Bath is where Captain  Bligh, buried at the Garden Museum, took breadfruit from the South Pacific in 1793. Descendants of these plants became a staple free food throughout the island and still grow at the gardens, where they are celebrated with an annual festival.

Head to the Garden Museum to experience his lively work for yourself and for an evening of prodigious cultural connections which will lead to the purchase by the Museum of Rudi Patterson’s painting Arcadia, and for the chance to see (and perhaps acquire for yourself) one of Rudi’s creations

#LooksLikeMeUK ‘Hero In Us All’ launches to inspire the future generation inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther film.

On Thursday 8th February 2018 #LooksLikeMeUK launched passion project ‘Hero in us all’ portraits of the future generation paying homage to the characters in the Black Panther film. The pop-up display will be at Black Cultural Archives until Saturday 17 February 2018 for the half-term holidays. Young people attending our 'Comic Fun: Draw Your Own Black Superhero' workshops will also have a chance to WIN tickets to the Black Panther movie and exclusive 'Hero In Us All' postcards.

‘Hero in us all' was inspired by Marvel's Black Panther film, alongside  culture, heritage and ancestral royal and regal legacy of African people.  The project is both inspirational and aspirational, celebrating the characters within the film and pay tribute to two of our British actors amongst the exceptional cast. ‘Looks Like Me’ raises the profile of underrepresented groups, we launched illuminating Black and Minority Ethnic children featured in advertising and fashion content, due to Selma’s daughter questioning her own identity at age three.

Selma Nicholls Founder and creative pioneer of Looks Like Me talent & casting agency is also Co-founder of successful #SoWhiteProject that first launched with #ChristmasSoWhite in 2016.

Looks Like Me has many talented children on their books and felt it was imperative to showcase their talent, immersing themsleves in the experience of being a hero that looks like them. Hero in us all was a meaningful experience for everyone involved - from the Production team, cast, families and beyond on a global level.

The passion project would not have been possible without the vision and self-financing from Selma Nicholls and her outstanding Production team brought together by Vine Creative, acting as creative consultant for this project, assembling the creative team. 

Selma Nicholls comments " Someone had to do this this project, present the connection between our children and these phenomenal characters that looks like me and I am proud to use my creativity, passion, determination, platform and personal funds to represent the future generation of culture, pride & the hero in us all - let’s continue to be the change we want to see”

We are honoured to have exhibited our passion project at the BFI -British Film Institute on 9th February and BCA - Black Cultural Archive on 15th - 17th February 2018.

‘BCA are proud to support the Looks Like Me’s ‘Hero In Us All’ passion project. We are excited to present the pop-up poster display to young people at the heritage centre in Brixton. Our workshops inspire young people to find their voice, raise their aspirations and gain a better understanding of self and their own heritage. ‘Hero In Us All’ speaks to our ethos at BCA and is powerful representation of Black British excellence.’

Going forward we aim to continue to create positive representation within content.

Find out more about Looks Like Me.

Join our Thunderclap moment

YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN OUR #BCAWEAREONE THUNDERCLAP SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2018. IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORYTELLING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING LEGACIES, THEN JOIN US. WE BELIEVE OUR HISTORY IS WORTH IT. 

THUNDERCLAP IS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM THAT DOES ALL THE HARD WORK FOR YOU SIMPLY SIGN UP AND ON THE SAME DAY, AT THE SAME TIME OUR COLLECTIVE THUNDERCLAPS WILL GO VIRAL.

Cultural institutions are important spaces for community empowerment. For over three decades, Black Cultural Archives (BCA) has championed the preservation and appreciation of Britain’s diverse history. In 2018, BCA can proudly say we are the leading national heritage institution in the UK dedicated to collecting and promoting Black British history and cultural heritage.

At the heart of BCA is our archive collection, which inspires our exhibitions, events and educational programmes. Our archives beautifully piece together stories throughout history that have shaped Britain today. The power to tell your own story, in your own words, voice and image, is essential for strong identities. The power of storytelling is rooted within our archives within which are many historical narratives yet to be revealed. 

In order for us to build on our successes to uncover these histories, to grow BCA for present and future generations to find their voice; and to celebrate a truly diverse Britain – we need your help.

Today YOU can make a difference. Join our Thunderclap campaign on Thursday 18 January. We want to galvanise everyone we can to donate and to sign up to Thunderclap which will share to your networks on the day. Together we can secure the future of BCA. 

Find out more about our WE ARE ONE campaign. #BCAWeAreOne

Join our Thunderclap moment

YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN OUR #BCAWEAREONE THUNDERCLAP SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2018. IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORYTELLING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING LEGACIES, THEN JOIN US. WE BELIEVE OUR HISTORY IS WORTH IT. 

THUNDERCLAP IS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM THAT DOES ALL THE HARD WORK FOR YOU SIMPLY SIGN UP AND ON THE SAME DAY, AT THE SAME TIME OUR COLLECTIVE THUNDERCLAPS WILL GO VIRAL.

Cultural institutions are important spaces for community empowerment. For over three decades, Black Cultural Archives (BCA) has championed the preservation and appreciation of Britain’s diverse history. In 2018, BCA can proudly say we are the leading national heritage institution in the UK dedicated to collecting and promoting Black British history and cultural heritage.

At the heart of BCA is our archive collection, which inspires our exhibitions, events and educational programmes. Our archives beautifully piece together stories throughout history that have shaped Britain today. The power to tell your own story, in your own words, voice and image, is essential for strong identities. The power of storytelling is rooted within our archives within which are many historical narratives yet to be revealed. 

In order for us to build on our successes to uncover these histories, to grow BCA for present and future generations to find their voice; and to celebrate a truly diverse Britain – we need your help.

Today YOU can make a difference. Join our Thunderclap campaign on Thursday 18 January. We want to galvanise everyone we can to donate and to sign up to Thunderclap which will share to your networks on the day. Together we can secure the future of BCA. 

Find out more about our WE ARE ONE campaign. #BCAWeAreOne

BCA Chair Dawn Hill has been awarded a CBE in 2018 New Year Honours

Black Cultural Archives is pleased to announce that Dawn Hill, Chairman of Black Cultural Archives has been awarded a CBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list for services to Culture.

The award was made in recognition of Dawn’s resolute commitment and dedication to Culture, along with other complimentary achievements.

Since 1988, Dawn has been a Trustee for Black Cultural Archives (BCA), becoming the Vice Chair in 2001 and Chairman from 2012 to the present.

BCA highlights and celebrates the lives of people of African and Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom. On the 24th July 2014 the organisation launched the first national Black Heritage Centre in Windrush Square in Brixton. Under Dawn’s diligent chairmanship and after securing £6.9m of project funding, BCA launched the Black heritage centre, immediately adjacent to Windrush Square in the heart of Brixton.

The purpose-built facility provides access to a captivating and growing collection of archive material and artefacts and engages audiences and learners through exhibitions, culturally-centred public programmes and work with education and heritage providers.

The Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP awarded Dawn a Points of Light Award on the 18th October 2017, at a special Black History Month reception at 10 Downing Street. The Prime Minister commented, “At the ‘Black Cultural Archives’ you have been fundamental in creating a vitally important national resource that is a shining light on the achievements of individuals of African and African Caribbean descent in British society…”.

Paul Reid, BCA Director added, “For approximately three decades, Dawn has been a leading light in the development and delivery of this award-winning facility and inserting largely unknown Black history into British and global history”.

Dawn tirelessly chaired the construction project to ensure that the facility achieved the quality standards required to hold such valuable archive material in perpetuity; such standards in many cases are essential to receive objects on loan from other national and international institutions.

Now engaging 50,000 learners and visitors per annum, BCA champions Black history within the British cultural and heritage landscape. Since its’ opening, the organisation has seen a demonstrable increase of interest, participation and dialogue within the community and also a greater acknowledgement, recognition and involvement of Britain’s Black history within the heritage sector as a whole.

Dawn believes in an inclusive approach to the study of Black history that is accessible to all - from school children to senior citizens and from local residents to tourists visiting the country. 

Receiving the award, Dawn commented, "I am delighted to have been awarded a CBE and feel thrilled to have received it. I hope that the award helps to advance our cause to appropriately recognise the tremendous contributions that African and African-Caribbean people have made to these shores, and as importantly, how we can all perform a role to ensure that we learn from each other and fully appreciate what we continuously contribute to British cultural life."

Dawn’s other complimentary achievements span education and health. Examples of her contributions include:

·      Trustee, Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal (MSMSA), 2011 and now President Mary Seacole (legacy) Trust to present

·      Governor (elected patient representative) at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) (from 2009-2015 ) and was a Non-Executive Director (1999 –2007) 

·      Governor at Evelina Children’s Hospital School, St Thomas’ Hospital (2001 to present) (Chair of Governors to 2011)

·      Panel member, Lambeth Education Appeals - Admissions, Exclusions and Employee Dismissals, 2007 to present

·      Member of the Lambeth Library Commission, 2011

·      Chair of Management Board, Blackliners HIV & AIDS and Sexual Health Services 1991- 2002

·      Chair of Governors, Norwood Girls School, Lambeth, 1992 -2000

·      Board Member, African and Caribbean Family Mediation Service, 1996 – 2002

·      Founder (1972) and Management Advisor, Rainbow Community Nursery, Hackney

      REPORTS/PUBLICATIONS

·      Written 18 Academy schools consultation reports for DofE and United Learning Trust, for academies located in various multi-faith and ethnically diverse areas of the UK, 2002 - 2009

·      Survey to Identify the Community Care Needs of the Black and Minority Ethnic Communities, Southwark Social Services, Focus Consultancy, 1996: report published April 1996

·      Improving Access to Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services by Members of the Black and Ethnic Minority Communities, for The National Council for Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services (1993-4, Project Co-ordinator): report published as Occasional Paper 7, January 1995

Black Cultural Archives (BCA) was established in 1981. Our mission is to collect, preserve and celebrate the contributions that Black people have made to the culture, society and heritage of the UK. We house an archive, library and object collection; and present exhibitions and educational projects with schools and community groups. 

Our launch in 2014 marked the opening of the leading cultural institution in the country for collecting, preserving and celebrating the history of African and Caribbean people in Britain. For the first time in the history of Britain, a Black-led organisation has emerged as a national institution that is dedicated to building a repository to house two millennium of history for local, national and international visitors alike. We have a 35-year track record of collecting, preserving and celebrating Black history and culture in the UK.

We have recently launched our We Are One fundraising campaign to ensure that BCA is a lasting institution and legacy. People wishing to support the organisation are asked to visit www.bcadonate.org to ‘donate’ and ‘share’

PM awards Black Cultural Archives

Dawn Hill, Black Cultural Archives Chair

2017 marks 30 years of Black History Month and the third year of Black Cultural Archives in our new home on Windrush Square, Brixton. To close Black History Month 2017, our Chair Dawn Hill who has been highly influential in driving our institution forward received the prestigious Points of Light Award.

The Prime Minister recognised Dawn Hill for her leadership and the importance of a BCA as a national resource that emphasises the contribution  that Black people have made in British history.

Under Dawn’s leadership, we launched the first national Black heritage institution in the UK, which made our collection accessible to the public in 2014 so that the uplifting and inspiring stories of Black history, stretching from Roman times to the present day, could be shared and celebrated more widely. The Points of Light award was awarded at the No.10 during a Black History Month reception.

Dawn Hill is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Prime Minister Theresa May awards BCA Chair, Dawn Hill the Points of Light award at No. 10

In a personal letter to Dawn, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“At the ‘Black Cultural Archives’ you have been fundamental in creating a vitally important national resource that is shining a light on the achievements of individuals of African or African Caribbean descent in British society. You should be tremendously proud of the inclusive and inspiring nature of the archives, and the innovation you have demonstrated through initiatives such as your recent partnership with the BBC and Google.”

Dawn said:  

“I am so honoured to be recognised in receiving the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award.  Over 30 years I have supported a number of community projects simply to make a difference where it was needed. I am immensely proud of 30 years working with ‘Black Cultural Archives’ together with other committed volunteers who have seen the iconic ‘Black Heritage Centre’ open in Windrush Square in Brixton. The ‘Black Cultural Archives’ is the only national repository of Black Culture and Heritage in Britain who will preserve and promote the history of African and Caribbean people, championing their Diversity and Inclusion in the UK and beyond. This award is so encouraging.”

Dawn is the 807th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. Over 5,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK. There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.

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The Ooni of Ife visits Black Cultural Archives

The occasion of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Oba Adéyeyè Enitan Ògúnwùsì's visit to Black Cultural Archives (BCA) on Monday 20th March 2017 will be remembered as one of the most magnificent days in the life of the organisation. On entering the BCA site, HIM requested some water to perform a libation to acknowledge the ancestors and to bless the space. Such was the start of this glorious day. There was no need for introductions. It was undoubtedly clear... the Ooni of Ife and his entourage had arrived. Paul Reid, (BCA Director) and Dawn Hill (BCA Chair) officially welcomed our guests.

EXPLORING THE EXHIBITION

Now that the energy throughout the entire building had been totally transformed, two parallel programmes started. The Royal party toured the Black Cultural Archives to learn more about the organisation. Whilst this was taking place a larger group of invited guests shared in the occasion by being entertained by Poetic Unity, a group of young spoken word artists. The Royal party stopped at the bust of Len Kwesi Garrison (Founding Chairman). Here George Fawokan Kelly (sculptor of the bust), Marie Garrison (Patron) and Tunde Garrison (Len and Marie's Son) spoke about the bust and Len's vision. 

We went into the exhibition space where Doreen Foster (Deputy Director) spoke on Rights of Passage, the current display of archive material. Munira Mohamed (Learning Manager) and Sarah Buntin (Learning Officer) spoke on the public programme, work with schools and collaborations with further and higher education.

DISCOVERING THE ARCHIVES 

From here the party went into the archive store where the Ooni of Ife and Yoruba Kings were drawn to a pair of wooded Ibeji objects that represent Yoruba twins and a Mende head. 

Victoria Northridge (Collections Manager) shared what we know about the objects. Then we had the good fortune to receive a much fuller explanation from our experts. HIM very generously offered to send diviners to work with BCA to help interpret the objects, speaking directly as an authority on Yoruba history and culture.

The discussion in the archive revolved around museum practice and how African artefacts should be treated. We were reminded that these objects have spiritual power and should be respected accordingly. This theme of what constitutes appropriate museum practice ran throughout the visit. At each point the Ooni of Ife, with contributions from the other Kings reconfirmed their clear desire to work with BCA to take this teaching and understanding to another level. Our party traversed through the building, and with every twist and turn through the corridors a customary announcement would be heard. The Royal party was on the move and a clear path in the crowd would appear.

Novelette Stewart (BCA Trustee) presented the first object on display in the Reading Room. This was a bead-embroidered traditional Yoruba crown that would have been worn by an Oba. On the crown are a number of tiny birds. Novelette introduced the item and the Royal party enriched us with the mysteries of the crown. These tiny peacocks we were told have a magnetic pull on other birds that would follow them. They are on the crown of the Oba to represent strong leadership.

It was encouraging to hear that the Ooni thought that BCA was doing an excellent job to safeguard and protect the artefacts within its collection. BCA accepted the very kind offer to work together on exciting projects going forward.

Maureen Roberts (BCA Trustee, also representing the London Metropolitan Archives) spoke to a collection of photographs relating to Standard Chartered Bank; the bank's influence throughout Africa; the inauguration of Charles Dunbar Burgess King who was President of Liberia (1920 - 1930); the visit of a Nigerian Oba to Tooting College of Art in the 1970s; and a copy of the South African Bill of Rights that was signed by President Nelson Mandela.

Natalie Fiawoo spoke on BCA's Family Ties project. This is the story of the Togobo-Adamah family, a Ghanaian (Ewe) family and their fascinating history. The story revolves around Togbui Adamah II and the migration of a people from present day Togo to present day Ghana, now residing throughout the world. Natalie showed British Government correspondence to Chief Adamah II - between the District Commission of the Colonial Office and the Ewe people. This included a number of photographs including one of Togbe Adamah II and elders from the late 1800's.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND MAKING BONDS

HIM then addressed a full gathering in the Learning Centre. Here he spoke about the origins of mankind coming from the tropics of Africa and his mission being the promotion of Yoruba tradition and the unification of Africa. The community was moved by each and every word and Ooni of Ife took questions from the floor. A CNN Africa interview that was live streamed followed the address from BCA. Views of the interview currently exceed 300,000. Watch the interview.

To close this historic day, HIM the Oni of Ife generously donated a framed piece of artwork to BCA and spoke passionately about the important work ahead of us. This was followed by a Shango ritual in BCA's courtyard that marked the beginning of a new relationship between Black Cultural Archives and the Kingdom of Ife.

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A Royal Visit to Black Cultural Archives

LR: The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall with Doreen Foster, Deputy Director Black Cultural Archives. © Sharon Wallace.

On Thursday 16th February 2017, The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visited Black Cultural Archives. The Royal Highnesses were met by Ken Olisa, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, who presented a Guard of Honour comprised of army and air cadets. They were then greeted by a line-up of dignitaries.

1. Army and Air Cadets; The Prince of Wales; Duchess of Cornwall; Lord Lieutenant of Greater London. 2. LR: Paul Reid, Director, Black Cultural Archives; Dawn Hill, Chair, Black Cultural Archives, Sean Harris, Chief Executive of Lambeth Council; The Prince of Wales; Ken Olisa. Photos © Sharon Wallace.

The first stop on their tour of the heritage centre was at the bust of Len Garrison, where they were greeted by Marie and Tunde Garrison and sculptor of the bust George (Fowokan) Kelly. They proceeded into the gallery to see Rights of Passage, BCA's current display of archive material.

LR Marie Garrison; George (Fowokan) Kelly; Tune Garrison; Dawn Hill; The Duchess of Cornwall; The Prince of Wales; Paul Reid. 2. LR Steven Martin; The Prince of Wales; The Duchess of Cornwall; Doreen Foster; Paul Reid. © Sharon Wallace.

From there we moved upstairs into the state-of-the-art archive store, and then on to meet the Youth Forum and students from Holyhead School who shared how they work with and are inspired by BCA's collection.

1. LR: Doreen Foster; The Prince of Wales; The Duchess of Cornwall; Dawn Hill; Paul Reid. 2. LR: Victoria Northbridge, Collections Manager, Black Cultural Archives; Paul Reid; The Prince of Wales; Dawn Hill © Sharon Wallace

The Learning Centre was the next stop, where the Royal Highnesses met a group of veterans that included elders who have seen active service for Britain. The Royal party had an opportunity to view BCA's Black History Timeline that scratches the surface of the two millennia of the African presence on these shores. Jak Beula presented his plans for a stone monument to mark African and Caribbean contributions to WWI and WWII to be located on Windrush Square. In addition to the veterans there were a range of people from the arts, heritage and activism spheres who have been on the journey to establish the BCA, including funders and corporate representatives.

1. BCA Youth Forum; The Prince of Wales. 2. LR Paul Reid, The Prince of Wales; The Duchess of Cornwall; Dawn Hill. © Sharon Wallace

From the Learning Centre we went up into the Reference Library where archive material was displayed and a video of Prince Charles' 12th July 1996 visit to Brixton, when Nelson Mandela came to the recreation centre, was shown.

LR Victoria Northbridge; Dawn Hill; The Prince of Wales; The Duchess of Cornwall, Paul Reid. 2. LR Jak Beulah; The Prince of Wales; Paul Reid.Photos by Sharon Wallace

The event culminated with a reception in BCA's Cafe which included an address from Dawn Hill, BCA's Chair, and the Royals signing our visitor book. After signing the book Prince Charles was moved to share a few words with those gathered and this moment was captured on video.

Watch the full speech below.

The Prince of Wales makes a speech during a visit to the Black Cultural Archives, the first national Black heritage centre in the UK, in Brixton, south London on 16th February 2017. More on The Royal Family: www.royal.uk

HRH Prince Charles praised the "remarkable contribution" of Black people and their families to society in the UK. Visiting a new Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, he said, "We are very lucky that you have made that contribution, particularly if I may say so, during the first and Second World War."

He went on, "At last, you have a centre such as this, which allows you to develop so many opportunities but also to bring the message to so many people in this country and elsewhere about the remarkable contribution made over so long, by people of African and Caribbean descent who have contributed so much to this country.

Read article in the Evening Standard
Read article  in Brixton Blog
Read feature on Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall – News and Diary
Read article in Daily Express

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