Black Cultural Archives appoints new Managing Director

Wednesday 6 February 2019, London, United Kingdom --- Black Cultural Archives (BCA) has appointed Arike Oke as its new Managing Director. From Monday 4 March, Arike will lead the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain.

Arike has extensive experience in the heritage and cultural sector and a long track record in leading large and complex, multiple-stakeholder initiatives. She is a standing board member of the National Archives’ programme to transform the UK archives sector, Unlocking Archives, is a BAFTA Heritage Board member, and previously had an integral role in redeveloping Wellcome Collection’s approach to archives.

Her role will be to drive BCA’s mission to use its unique collection to promote the teaching, learning and understanding of African and Caribbean people’s history and heritage in Britain, as well as leading the strategic development of BCA, delivering against a Business Plan and fundraising strategy for the long-term sustainability for the organisation.

Arike Oke said: “I am delighted to become the new Managing Director of BCA, building on the achievements of Paul Reid and his team. I am a passionate advocate of communities and heritage, and I take pride in working with people and on projects who share the ethos of creating a positive future for all. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues, the Board, patrons, the local community, and our wider society to take BCA into its next phase. Black Cultural Archives is the home of Black British history, and is the conduit for telling our new, and old, stories. I'm excited to lead BCA to fulfil its potential as innovative, dynamic, and at the heart of our national conversation.”

Arike’s achievements include chairing Hull’s first Black History Month committee, securing significant funding for, as well as programming and managing, a national cross-sector multi-platform programme to commemorate Rambert’s 90th and helping to create the current UK Strategic Vision for Archives.

Dawn Hill, Chair, BCA said: “Arike is the perfect person to join BCA as Managing Director and we are thrilled to have her become part of the team. She shares our vision for the future of BCA and is bringing a wealth of experience, energy and creativity to the role.”

Of his tenure at BCA and Arike’s appointment current Director, Paul Reid, said "Through the lens of African and African-Caribbean history and heritage, BCA’s Founders set out to establish a lasting legacy to our Ancestors. Len Garrison’s poem 'Where are all our monuments' posed a key question. I’m pleased with what we achieved during my time as Director and that we now have a greater commitment to changing the teaching and understanding of British history.

I am also excited by Arike Oke’s appointment as Managing Director, who I am sure will, with her team, continue to realise the vision."

Paul will be leaving his role on 28 February 2019.