Windrush Candlelight Vigil in Brixton
On 6th April in Windrush Square, campaigners and supporters came together for a solemn vigil commemorating the sixth anniversary since the exposure of the Windrush scandal. The gathering aimed to honour the memory of those who passed away without receiving justice.
Over 50 individuals assembled outside Black Cultural Archives in Brixton to participate in the event, which was orchestrated by various organisations dedicated to supporting the victims of the scandal. Among them were the Windrush National Organisation (WNO), Churches Together in England, and Black Cultural Archives.
BCA Managing Director Lisa Anderson stated before the event "Black Cultural Archives stands in solidarity with those affected by the Windrush Scandal, hosting a vigil to honour their resilience and demand for justice. We urge the government to implement Wendy William's Report recommendations and to safeguard against future injustices. Together, we remember, reflect, and demand rightful action."
The government has declared its decision to forego the implementation of three
recommendations outlined in last year's report by the head of the inquiry. This includes shelving plans for the introduction of a migrants' commissioner and reconciliation events, despite initial agreement to these measures.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the organisations, families, campaigners, and survivors who united with us, both in person at Windrush Square, Brixton, and online, to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the Windrush Scandal. Your presence and solidarity are deeply appreciated.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Carnegie
Celebrating Excellence: Black Cultural Archives Receives 2023 Experts' Choice Award
We are thrilled to announce a momentous achievement for Black Cultural Archives: the 2023 Experts' Choice Award! This recognition stands as a testament to our steadfast commitment to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK and inspiring and giving strength to individuals, communities, and society. We are honoured to have been acknowledged as one of the highest-rated attractions in London by this industry accolade.
A Distinctive Accolade Based on Professional Reviews
The Experts' Choice Award is unique among industry accolades, drawing its significance from an array of professional reviews from over 100 respected publications. This includes leading travel guides, renowned magazines, and esteemed newspapers. Now in its seventh year, this award has garnered attention from prominent media outlets such as The New York Times, The Daily Telegraph, and GQ.
Uplifting Voices, Shaping Perspectives
As an institution committed to preserving and celebrating Black history and culture, this recognition holds a special place in our journey. The acknowledgment as one of the highest-rated attractions in London highlights the dedication of our team and the impact of our work. We understand that our mission is not just about reflecting on the past but also about shaping a more inclusive and informed future.
A Milestone of Excellence
It's important to underscore the significance of this achievement: fewer than 2% of businesses receive an Experts' Choice Award. This statistic further amplifies the excellence we consistently strive for in every aspect of our work, from our engaging exhibitions to our educational programs and community outreach efforts.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated team, partners, and community members. Your passion and commitment fuel our mission and inspire us to continue with optimism. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has played a role in Black Cultural Archives. Together, we've proven that the power of culture, history, and community can create lasting change.
Stay connected with us for more updates, events, and initiatives as we move forward in our mission to make Black history and culture an integral part of the global narrative.
#HistoryMatters BCA pens letter to stop University of Chichesters axing of the MRes History of Africa & the African Diaspora
For over 40 years Black Cultural Archives has been dedicated to ensuring that Black British history and culture is adequately represented at all levels of society. Our charitable purpose is to educate the United Kingdom public and therefore we recognise the importance of embedding Black history at all levels within the education system, including the Higher Education sector.
Recently, University of Chichester announced that all recruitment to the Master of Research (MRes), History of Africa and the African Diaspora has been suspended. A comparable course is not offered by this or any other university in the UK and this imposition, is threatening Professor Adi (the first African-British historian to become a professor of history in Britain) with redundancy, whom was excluded from the decision.
Professor Adi has worked relentlessly at the University of Chichester for over a decade and pioneered the way for successive historians from similar backgrounds and underrepresented communities.
In 2021, Goldsmiths University of London announced job cuts targeting its English and History departments, which would affect courses in Black British and Caribbean Literature, Queer and Black British History (the UK’s only course of its kind), and Critical Theory.
Read our full open letter to the Council & Senior Management team at Chichester University, below.
Read and sign the live petition, written by History Matters.
A Great Day in Brixton
A photoshoot of Black British artists
on 26th October, Black Cultural Archives hosted a historic group photoshoot of notable Black British artists in Britain.
Inspired by ‘A Great Day in Harlem’, the iconic photograph that pictured 57 Jazz luminaries of the day, taken by freelance photographer Art Kane for Esquire magazine on August 12, 1958.
The photoshoot was 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).
Artists, both established and emerging, were invited to the event to capture a snapshoot of Briton’s Black art movement. Notable artists included Charlie Phillips, Keith Piper, Marlene Smith and Claudette Johnson.
Over 60 artists arrived for the photoshoot. Of the event, BCA Interim Managing Director, Lisa Anderson, said:
“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.”
The final photograph will be available as a limited edition print at Black Cultural Archives later this year.
For Press enquiries, please contact marketing@bcaheritage.org.uk
Find out more about BCA’s Black Futures Season
Visit Transforming Legacies exhibition
#BlackFutures #BCAFutures
BCA Chair hosts awards ceremony for Black Future leaders
Last night, BCA’s Chair, Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE | DL hosted the 40x40 Awards ceremony at Brixton House, followed by an after party at Black Cultural Archives.
The 40x40 awards are to honour Black British individuals who are poised as the next generation of leaders that exemplify the mission and values of BCA.
Of the awards, BCA Chair, Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE | DL, said:
“Last night's 40x40 celebration embodied the exciting trajectory for the Black Cultural Archives. As an archival organisation responsible for safeguarding and preserving black history, heritage and the black experience across the United Kingdom, we are keen to honour our personnel throughout our short history.
Our founder, Len Garrison, laid the foundations of our mission. His legacy continues to be the foundation on which we strive. The 40x40 provides us with an opportunity to herald in future African and Caribbean heritage leaders throughout the UK.
In doing so, we pay homage to our own Ms Dawn Hill CBE, whose tenacity and resilience maintained our founder's vision throughout our first forty years. Last night's hugely successful event allows Ms Dawn
to pass the baton forward to our Future Leaders and Ambassadors to hold in trust for the next forty years.
I would like to thank our stakeholders, sponsors, all of the BCA Board of Trustees, staff team and the wider community across the UK for their support.”
The 40x40 awards are in partnership with Black Britain and Beyond.
As part of BCA’s Black Futures Season – focused on the future of Black, contemporary life in Britain, Black Cultural Archives hosted a portrait exhibition in to honour the awardees and the impact they are making on society.
The exhibition closes on 22 October 2022.
Find out more about BCA Chair’s 40x40 awards
#BlackFutures #BCAFutures
Justice for Chris Kaba
[From RC/RF/17/02/A Protest for Anthony Leonard, Notting Hill, 1986]
On the 5th of September, Chris Kaba, a 23 year old unarmed Black man, was killed after being pursued and shot by a firearms police officer.
Chris Kaba’s unjust death, and the delayed response from the Metropolitan Police in suspending the firearms officer is another devastating example in the shameful history of the disproportionate use of force by the police in Britain against Black people.
Black people die disproportionately as a result of use of force or restraint by the police. These names include:
Sarah Reed. Mark Duggan. Sheku Bayoh. Christopher Alder. Smiley Culture. Jimmy Mubenga. Michael Power. Cherry Groce. Kingsley Burrell. Joy Gardner. Sean Rigg.
We name only a few.
Their killings are unacceptable.
BCA stands in firm agreement with the unmet demands made of the Metropolitan Police, including the release of body camera footage and clear communication on the timeline for the IOPC investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to Chris Kaba’s family and friends, who mourn the loss of their loved one. We stand in solidarity with our communities in the call for transparency, accountability and justice.
The Justice for Chris Kaba campaign has declared Saturday 17th September, a National Day of Action for justice, with protests and actions being organized across the country. For details please see: https://www.instagram.com/justiceforchriskaba/
Black Philanthropy in Britain
BCA advises on a ground-breaking new report examining patterns and motivations for Black giving
Britain’s first ever report into Black philanthropy and charitable giving, published last week, reflects the voices of people of colour in the UK talking about their patterns of giving, why they give, to whom and how much.
BCA's Relationship Manager Preeya Anand joined the Advisory Group for GiveBlack's latest report, ‘Valuing the Black Philanthropic Pound’; a study produced in partnership with UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, drawing on an evidence base of focus groups and interviews held with Black donors, including high-net-worth individuals, and Black-led charitable organisations.
Black Britons have a strong history of giving and volunteering through churches, mosques and other community organisations, as well as a tradition of supporting extended family members in the UK and beyond.
This study is critical in telling the full story of philanthropic impact of Black donors/black-led charities in the UK - information which has historically been missing from wider philanthropy conversations.
With continuing disproportional social and economic impacts on Black communities, this is a timely study.
Congratulations to all involved; Patricia Hamzahee FRSA, Keith Magee, Yvette Griffith, and many more.
Want to be our next Cultural Leader?
Applications open for third cohort of Cultural Leaders.
The Cultural Leaders Youth Employment Scheme provides paid work for 6 young people (aged 18-30 years old) every 6 months with London charities Poetic Unity @PoeticUnity, Theatre Peckham @TheatrePeckham and Black Cultural Archives @BCAHeritage. The scheme which is part of the Poetic Relief Project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund gives young people real on the job experience in the charity and art sectors.
The Cultural Leaders will run poetry workshops, events, provide support for the community and learn about the daily operations of the charity they are designated too.
The first cohort of Cultural Leaders started in September 2021, and they have been a great success! The Cultural Leaders have helped each charity extend their impact and they have learnt transferable skills they can use for future employment.
The future Cultural Leaders will have a passion for supporting the community and making a positive change in society. You will need strong interpersonal skills as you will be responsible for supporting and communicating with a large number of young people from a variety of backgrounds. Experience in youth work and leading workshops preferred but not essential as training will be provided.
Applications are now open for the third cohort of Cultural Leaders who will start on September 6th 2022.
#CulturalLeaders
Application deadline: 9 August 2022
Snap x BCA wins PRCA Dare award for Hidden Black Stories campaign
HIDDEN BLACK STORIES CAMPAIGN WINS AT PRCA DARE 2022
Black Cultural Archives in partnership with Snap have won a 2022 PRCA Dare award for Diversity and Inclusion.
PRCA, the world’s largest PR association, run the annual PRCA DARE Awards, to reward PR and communications professionals across the UK. The Diversity and Inclusion award celebrates PR campaigns that further efforts towards a more diverse and inclusive society.
The winning PR campaign, Hidden Black Stories, was supported by PrettyGreen and Broadcast Revolution and launched in February 2022. The aim of the project was to bring otherwise unknown histories of Black British and Black people in the U.K. to light. The project was launched alongside Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Tukwini Mandela and used Augmented Reality (AR) to help unveil these hidden histories.
Research conducted by Snap, Black Cultural Archives and Research Without Borders found that on average, only 32% of Britons recognise famous historical black figures, compared with 63% recognising similarly important famous white figures. Our aim for this campaign was not only to highlight untold stories, but to open up a wider conversation about monuments and the representation of race within British history.
The campaign was launched in London’s Trafalgar Square, where Snapchatters received an immersive history lesson.
The location and stories shared were selected by a panel of experts from Slavery Rememberance, Black History Walks, Nubian Jak Trust, Mary Seacole Trust and 100 Great Black Britons.
We are hiring: Honorary Treasurer and Board Trustee
We have a new vacancy open for an Honorary Treasurer and Board Trustee.
To apply, please send your CV to info@bcaheritage.org.uk with the subject line:
‘BCA Honorary Treasurer’
Application deadline: 22nd June 2022
Snap x BCA bring untold stories of Black Britons to life with AR experience
HIDDEN STORIES OF BLACK BRITONS GO LIVE AS DIGITAL MONUMENTS IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Snap today announced the launch of its ‘Hidden Black Stories’ project, in partnership with the Black Cultural Archives, that will unveil hidden stories of Black British and Black people in the U.K. through Augmented Reality (AR) alongside Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Tukwini Mandela.
Research conducted by Snap, the Black Cultural Archives and Research Without Borders found that on average, less than a third of Brits recognise famous historical black figures (32%), about half the level of those that recognise similarly important famous white figures (63%).
And in terms of how people learn about Black history, only a fifth (21%) said school was where they found out the most, with TV and streaming (43%), the news (38%) and books and libraries (33%) being higher. In fact, Brits are as likely to find out about important black figures from social media (21%).
In an example of Snap’s large scale ‘Local Lens’ technology first demoed on Carnaby Street, the whole of Trafalgar Square will become an immersive history lesson - telling Snapchatters the stories of Black British History that live behind the more famous monuments of the iconic London location.
The location and stories shared have been selected by a panel of experts from Slavery Rememberance, Black History Walks, Nubian Jak Trust, Mary Seacole Trust and 100 Great Black Britons.
Tukwini Mandela said: “I’m here today to see my grandfather’s statue being brought to life through incredible AR technology in London’s Trafalgar Square. Today is the anniversary of my grandfather’s release from prison. So it is even more poignant for me and I couldn’t be more excited that Snap and the Black Cultural Archives have invited me to attend as part of their mission to make Black history more visible, so it’s never forgotten.”
Ed Couchman, UK General Manager at Snap Inc. said: “Events over the last few years have ignited a global conversation about racial equity. In the UK, there was a particular focus on how race is represented in British History: how it is taught in schools and how it is celebrated in statues or landmarks up and down the country. There has been a lot of debate - sometimes quite heated - that the less positive historical context is missing from celebratory plaques or statues. And that many key Black British historic figures and stories are completely non-existent.”
Lisa Anderson, Managing Director (Interim), Black Cultural Archives said: “We are thrilled to be working with Snapchat on such an important initiative. Black Cultural Archives exists to preserve and champion the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain, so the idea of recognising the history of British people of African descent in this way was really exciting to us. Black British History is full of incredible people and stories that deserve to be told. This Lens is a virtual award of recognition, the second of a series in which Snapchatters will be able to learn about people they may not have heard of or know very little about.”
FIND OUT MORE
Press release
Please direct all press enquiries to:
Sheeraz Gulsher - sgulsher@snapchat.com
Oteri Otobor - marketing@bcaheritage.org.uk
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
Applications for the second cohort of the Cultural Leaders Youth Employment Scheme are open
The Cultural Leaders Youth Employment Scheme provides paid work for 6 young people (aged 18-30 years old) every 6 months with London charities Poetic Unity, Theatre Peckham, and Black Cultural Archives. The scheme which is part of the Poetic Relief Project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund gives young people real on-the-job experience in the charity and art sectors. The Cultural Leaders will run poetry workshops, events, provide support for the community and learn about the daily operations of the charity they are designated to.
The first cohort of Cultural Leaders started in September 2021, and they have been a great success! The Cultural Leaders have helped each charity extend their impact and they have learned transferable skills they can use for future employment.
Applications are now open for the second cohort of Cultural Leaders who will start on March 1st, 2022. If you’re 18-30 years old and would like to apply for this role please send your name, age, and current employment status to info@poeticunity.org.uk with the title ‘Cultural Leaders.’ Please note applications close on Friday 4th February at 5pm.
CULTURAL LEADER JOB DESCRIPTION
CULTURAL LEADER APPLICATION FORM
About the Organisations
Poetic Unity is a Brixton-based charity that provides support and services for young people across the UK. Our vision is to give young people a voice and to empower them to reach their highest potential. We use poetry as a tool to support young people’s mental health, education, physical health, community cohesion, and personal development. Poetic Unity is a Black/Black Mixed-led charity that works with some of the most marginalised young people in the UK. Founded in 2015, Poetic Unity has provided hundreds of events and programmes for thousands of young people to date.
Instagram: @PoeticUnity
Twitter: @Poetic_Unity
Facebook: PoeticUnityProject
Black Cultural Archives is the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. Founded in 1981, BCA's mission is to record, preserve and celebrate the history of people of African descent in Britain.
Instagram: @BCAHeritage
Twitter: @BCAHeritage
Facebook: @BCAHeritage
Theatre Peckham founded in 1990 is an award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change. Through the power of theatre, we illuminate young voices, provide skills and opportunities, and platform excellent creatives who are locally focused with a national and international vision.
Instagram: @TheatrePeckham
Twitter: @TheatrePeckham
Facebook: @TheatrePeckham1
The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in the UK – we’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. National Lottery players raise £36 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since The National Lottery began in 1994, £43 billion has been raised for good causes which has supported over 635,000 projects, benefiting millions of people - that’s 255 projects per postcode area.
We are passionate about funding great ideas that matter to communities and make a difference in people’s lives. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that when people are in the lead, communities thrive. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, our funding is open to everyone. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.
Instagram: @tnlcommunityfund
Twitter: @TNLComFund
Facebook: @TNLCommunityFund
#SaveGoldsmiths BCA pens letter to the Council & Senior Management Team at Goldsmiths, University of London
This year marks Black Cultural Archives’ 40th anniversary, and since our inception, we have been dedicated to ensuring that Black British history and culture is adequately represented at all levels of society. Our charitable purpose is to educate the United Kingdom public and therefore we recognise the importance of embedding Black history at all levels within the education system and have been focussing on engaging with partners in the Higher Education sector, to bring new research and new stories about our shared histories to everyone.
Recently, Goldsmiths, University of London announced job cuts targeting its English and History departments, which would affect courses in Black British and Caribbean Literature, Queer and Black British History (the UK’s only course of its kind), and Critical Theory.
Read our full letter below, to the Council & Senior Management team in support to "halt the decimation” of the departments.
Read the original petition, written by academics, researchers, and artists who have been acquainted with Goldsmiths in various ways.
Arike Oke, Managing Director departs Black Cultural Archives on 30 October
The board of trustees of Black Cultural Archives (BCA) has today announced that Arike Oke is to step down as Managing Director at the end of BCA's Black Futures Month in October. Arike will remain in an advisory capacity as a member of BCA’s Archives Advisory Group.
Arike’s successor Lisa Anderson will join BCA as Interim Managing Director on 6 December. Lisa is the multi-talented curator, consultant, and arts facilitator and is currently the Lead in Corporate Partnerships at the Lord Mayors Appeal. In addition, Lisa established the educational platform Black British Art and runs the Lisa Anderson Arts Consultancy.
Lisa Anderson
Arike Oke led the BCA, the home of Black British history, to new heights and established the 2030 strategy with the board, which has contributed to a year-on-year growing surplus for the charity.
During her tenure as Managing Director, Arike's highlights include:
- Building back BCA's financial reserves, even during the pandemic period
- Premiering Black Futures Month
- Positioning BCA as a major voice in UK heritage and culture
- Forging new creative and strategic partnerships
- Creating the Masterplan to reimagine BCA's 1 Windrush Square venue
Arike says,
“I am proud of the achievements of the team, our partners, and friends during my time at BCA and I look forward to joining the wider network of BCA supporters to help BCA reach even higher in the future. The BCA is now in a stronger position to fulfil its mission to preserve, document, and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent. From working on a new Black history tube map to unveiling a new statue of Claudia Jones, BCA is likkle but tallawah! The new business plan that the staff team and board have created to underpin the 2030 strategy will see BCA thrive, with a focus on developing audiences, diversifying income, and putting the heritage collections front and centre.”
— Arike Oke
On behalf of the board of trustees Rukayah Sarumi says,
“Arike Oke came to BCA to reinvigorate the charity. She had a strategic vision and put in place a plan that has given BCA a strong foundation on which to build. We thank Arike for her significant leadership as we look forward to the fulfilment of BCA’s mission and vision.”
— Rukayah Sarumi
Lisa says,
“A large part of my adult life has been dedicated to celebrating, empowering and advocating for Black arts, Black histories and work of the Black Cultural Archives in a myriad of ways. I am excited and honoured to join the BCA team at this pivotal time, as the organisation continues to grow and further establish its position as the home of Black British History. I am looking forward to bringing all of my expertise and passion for this work to this leadership position as its Interim Managing Director”
— Lisa Anderson
For further information, please contact Desirée Banugo at: marketing@bcaheritage.org.uk
TfL launches Black History Tube Map with BCA
Today the Mayor of London, Saddiq Khan launched an evolved tube map dedicated to Black History, which was developed by BCA and Transport for London (TfL). The map features over 270 people, venues, and organisations to acknowledge and celebrate the rich and varied contribution Black people have made to London and the UK, from Pre-Tudor times to the present day.
The reimagined map replaces station names across the iconic Tube map with notable black people from history, with the associated Tube lines renamed to link them together by common themes – Firsts and Trailblazers; Georgians; Sports; Arts; LGBT+; Physicians; Performers; Literary World, and Community Organisers. By doing so, the map aims to highlight how Black people have played an intrinsic role in all parts of British life for thousands of years.
BCA x Tfl Black History Tube Map
Fascinating figures from Black British history can be found on the map, such as:
Cecile Nobrega - an accomplished classical composer, poet, sculptor and educator who led a 15-year campaign to establish a monument in Stockwell Memorial Gardens, Bronze Woman, the first public monument to black women to be on permanent display in England, who replaces St Paul’s station
HMS Queen Charlotte’s sailor and ‘captain of the fore-top’ William Brown, the first Black woman to serve in the Royal Navy by disguising herself as a man, who replaces Barons Court station.
Norwich born Pablo Fanque, equestrian extraordinaire and hugely successful Victorian circus owner, immortalised in The Beatles song “Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite!” who replaces Embankment station.
Jamaican born Edinburgh resident John Edmonstone who taught Charles Darwin taxidermy, who replaces Upminster Bridge station
Claudia Jones, a feminist, communist, political activist and pioneering journalist who was the co-founder of Notting Hill Carnival, who replaces Camden Town station
Joe Clough, made his first home in London and in 1910 Joe became London Transport's first black motorbus driver, who replaces Elm Park station.
“Arike Oke, Managing Director, Black Cultural Archives said: “London’s Black history is deeply embedded in its streets and neighbourhoods. We’re delighted as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations to use this opportunity to share new and old stories about Black history with Londoners and visitors to London. We hope that the map will be an invitation to find out more and to explore.”
— Arike Oke, Managing Director, Black Cultural Archives
“Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I am really proud that we’re able to launch Britain’s first-ever Black history Tube map, which celebrates the huge contribution Black Londoners have made, and continue to make, to our great city. This clever adaptation of TfL’s recognisable Tube map presents a wealth of information and history about the accomplishments of Black people in Britain in a fun and creative way.”
— Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Find out more information about the 270+ Black people, venues and organisations represented on the map
BCA announces new partnership with The Brixton Distillery
This week, we announced our partnership with The Brixton Distillery, makers of Market Row Botanical Rum. It marks Black History Month, which is celebrated nationally and our Black Futures Month, where we anticipate what’s next in Black art, culture, and society – bringing together the past and present into tomorrow’s dialogue.
The Brixton Distillery has produced a limited-edition bottle of their fast-growing Botanical rum, which will be on sale exclusively in the BCA shop and on the BCA website. Known as the home of Black British History, we celebrate 40th years of BCA this year and have commemorated the occasion with a new line of merchandise and a new logo design. The bespoke packaging, which can be seen below incorporates the striking 40th anniversary logo and is part of a new retail range.
The unique bottle will also be seen in various partner bars around the Brixton bar scene, including POP Brixton. Every bottle and cocktail sold will result in a significant contribution being made to the BCA.
The team at the Brixton Distillery, which is based at Impact Brixton on Electric Lane, will develop exclusive cocktails for BCA and will be available at upcoming events at our Windrush Square location in Brixton.
The unique bottle will also be seen in various partner bars around the Brixton bar scene, including POP Brixton. Every bottle and cocktail sold will result in a significant contribution being made to the BCA.
The team at the Brixton Distillery, which is based at Impact Brixton on Electric Lane, will develop exclusive cocktails for BCA and will be available at upcoming events at our Windrush Square location in Brixton.
The unique bottle will also be seen in various partner bars around the Brixton bar scene, including POP Brixton. Every bottle and cocktail sold will result in a significant contribution being made to the BCA.
The team at the Brixton Distillery, which is based at Impact Brixton on Electric Lane, will develop exclusive cocktails for BCA and will be available at upcoming events at our Windrush Square location in Brixton.
“We are delighted to be working with the Brixton Distillery. BC is a national institution and has strong historic links in Brixton. This local partnership allows us to celebrate our legacy with a presence in the local area. We look forward to seeing our logo on their packaging out there in the bars of Brixton in October, not to mention developing some great tasting cocktails together – watch this space.”
— Hannah John, Resilience Manager at BCA
BCA partners with Poetic Unity and Theatre Peckham to Deliver Youth Employment and Mental Health Scheme
The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, has awarded £360k to Poetic Unity, Theatre Peckham, and Black Cultural Archives, to deliver programmes and workshops for young people across the UK in person and online. The Poetic Relief Project will help young people hit hardest by the pandemic find employment opportunities and receive transformative mental health support. Launching in London, the youth employment scheme will bring new opportunities for young people to find employment in the creative industries.
The cash boost is from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £36 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Led by Poetic Unity, with support from Black Cultural Archives and Theatre Peckham, the partnership aims to benefit thousands of young people across the UK who have seen their chances of employment and mental health suffer because of the pandemic.
Starting at the beginning of August 2021, The Poetic Relief Project will provide programmes and services to support young people's mental health, personal development, and community cohesion. The Poetic Relief Project will give rise to the ‘Cultural Leaders’ youth employment scheme which will allow the three charities to train and give 12 young people jobs in the creative industry every year for the next three years, where they will learn the daily operations of each charity.
The ‘Cultural Leaders’ youth employment scheme begins in September 2021 and young people aged 18-30 years old can find out more about this exciting scheme by contacting info@poeticunity.org.uk with the title ‘Cultural Leaders.’
Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson, Founder and Chief Executive of Poetic Unity, said:
“Poetic Unity has been at the heart of the community for the last six years, supporting and uplifting thousands of young people in that time. Since the beginning of the pandemic young people have become unemployed at an alarming rate and have struggled with their mental well-being. Fortunately, we have been able to support many young people across the UK during the pandemic, but we have still been restricted in the services we can provide due to lack of resources.”
On the impact of the Poetic Relief Project:
“The Poetic Relief Project will allow us to employ young people on our Cultural Leaders youth employment scheme and provide more services for more young people than ever before. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are excited to get started and work with our partners Black Cultural Archives and Theatre Peckham to continue to provide significant support for communities across the UK.”
Suzann McLean, CEO and Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham, said:
‘’The Poetic Relief Project will create opportunities for young people to learn with us as facilitators and participants of regular spoken word workshops. Following the success of the workshops in 2020, in partnership with Poetic Unity, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment for young people to develop their skills and express themselves, with a platform to showcase their work.
“The Cultural Leaders youth employment scheme will develop skills in facilitation and producing, equipping them with the paid experience at the beginning of their career. Our doors are open, and we are ready to begin this new journey with Poetic Unity and Black Cultural Archives as we support young people across the UK in the arts sector with paid opportunities for development and growth.’’
Arike Oke, Managing Director of Black Cultural Archives, said:
“Black Cultural Archives is the home of Black British history, and part of our 2030 strategy is to change the cultural workforce of Britain, to make sure that there are opportunities for Black people at every stage of their career. This collaboration with Poetic Unity and Theatre Peckham is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain experience in our unique cultural settings.”
Abdou Sidibe, Deputy Director of Partnerships at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“We are incredibly proud to support this exciting partnership, which will empower young people across the country to improve their mental wellbeing and employment prospects.
“National Lottery funding is there to help people and communities prosper and thrive – it is thanks to players that we can fund this important work. We look forward to seeing the positive impact The Poetic Relief Project will make to young people’s lives.”
For young people aged 12-30, they can sign up for the many services and programmes brought to life by The Poetic Relief Project, which has only been made possible by National Lottery players, by following the social media handles for updates.
Poetic Relief project Workshops & Events
About the Organisations
Poetic Unity is a Brixton-based charity that provides support and services for young people across the UK. Our vision is to give young people a voice and to empower them to reach their highest potential. We use poetry as a tool to support young people’s mental health, education, physical health, community cohesion, and personal development. Poetic Unity is a Black/Black Mixed-led charity that works with some of the most marginalised young people in the UK. Founded in 2015, Poetic Unity has provided hundreds of events and programmes for thousands of young people to date.
Instagram: @PoeticUnity
Twitter: @Poetic_Unity
Facebook: PoeticUnityProject
Black Cultural Archives is the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. Founded in 1981, BCA's mission is to record, preserve and celebrate the history of people of African descent in Britain.
Instagram: @BCAHeritage
Twitter: @BCAHeritage
Facebook: @BCAHeritage
Theatre Peckham founded in 1990 is an award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change. Through the power of theatre, we illuminate young voices, provide skills and opportunities, and platform excellent creatives who are locally focused with a national and international vision.
Instagram: @TheatrePeckham
Twitter: @TheatrePeckham
Facebook: @TheatrePeckham1
The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in the UK – we’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. National Lottery players raise £36 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since The National Lottery began in 1994, £43 billion has been raised for good causes which has supported over 635,000 projects, benefiting millions of people - that’s 255 projects per postcode area.
We are passionate about funding great ideas that matter to communities and make a difference in people’s lives. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that when people are in the lead, communities thrive. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, our funding is open to everyone. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.
Instagram: @tnlcommunityfund
Twitter: @TNLComFund
Facebook: @TNLCommunityFund
Windrush surgeries have resumed at BCA on Saturday afternoons
Black Cultural Archives is pleased to announce that we are currently hosting another round of Windrush Legal Surgeries.
These are the third set of surgeries hosted by BCA. Their purpose is to give first-step advice to those from the community who were wrongly detained, denied legal rights, threatened with deportation, and, in at least 83 cases, wrongly deported from the UK by the Home Office.⠀
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The appointments will be led by immigration specialist legal firm, McKenzie Beute and Pope who have dealt with a number of these cases since the scandal erupted in 2018.⠀
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The free sessions are strictly by appointment only and can be booked by calling the BCA reception on 0203 757 8500 to request a callback. The surgeries take place on Saturday afternoons from 12pm - 3pm at Black Cultural Archives.
Please share with others, especially those who may not be online or vulnerable so that we can help them get access to the help they need.⠀
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*This work is funded by Lambeth Council.
Hear from your London Mayoral candidates before Thursday's election
We spoke to the four major party candidates about how they’ll be supporting London’s Black community if elected London Mayor in Thursday’s Mayoral elections. We asked you to send in your questions sharing your expectations of the winning candidate and covered topics around housing, travel, arts and cultural and, importantly, race.
You can watch all the videos on our YouTube channel.
Links to each interview are below.
Shaun Bailey
Sian Berry
Sadiq Khan
Luisa Porritt
Voting takes place on Thursday 6 May 2021
For all media enquiries, please contact Nadia Simon, Marketing Manager at nadia.simon@bcaheritage.org.uk