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.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Find out how to support our work, visit bcadonate.org

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Find out how to support our work, visit bcadonate.org

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

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Find out how to support our work, visit bcadonate.org