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