PEOPLE OF BCA: Meet BCA Learning Manager Ayshah Johnston

As part of our International Women's Day celebrations we've been speaking to some of the women who work behind the scenes at BCA. In this article we speak to Ayshah Johnston, BCA's Learning and Programming Manager.

What’s your role at the BCA?

I manage the learning programme. This includes structured workshops and talks, as well as more general public engagement, to all age groups, from infants to elders.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I prepare for the school workshops, university seminars and other learning sessions that have been booked in. I also run them myself. Sometimes I brief volunteers who want to assist on the programme. I meet with individuals and organisations who want to partner with BCA on various projects. I conduct archival research to discover new material that will enable us to offer a broad range of learning opportunities catering to all interests.

How did you become a learning manager? I heard you’re completing a PhD, what is it about?

My career background is in publishing and adult education, and from there I went into museum education where I freelanced until this opportunity came up. My PhD is about the development of social assistance in the Caribbean, from emancipation to the labour unrest of 1938.

What are people most excited or surprised to learn about in workshops?

People are excited to uncover evidence of the long history of African peoples in Britain, and children most enjoy interacting with objects relating to life in the past.

Why did you join the BCA?

I believe in the ethos of the organisation. The work reflects my own personal interests, identity and experience. To be able to combine one’s career and personal interests is a rare opportunity.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Talking! I like sharing information about the history of BCA and the collections which I find inspiring. I like it when visitors are enthusiastic and find some personal connection to an item or topic that we have discussed, or that they have learnt about or seen at BCA.

What should people know about BCA that they don't already?

That we’re here to stay! That we aim to document and celebrate the histories of ALL African and African descended people in the UK. Not all people know about our archive and library, which they can make an appointment to visit. The archive and the valuable historical information it contains is at the heart of our organisation, but we also host exhibitions and get involved in numerous community events.

What’s your favourite piece in BCA’s collection?

Everything! You’ll have to come back to me on that one.

QUICK FIRE ROUND 

What’s your favourite book, film and song?

Songs: I’m going through a bit of an 80s revival, so the song of the moment is ‘More than This’ by Roxy Music.

Films: Spaghetti Westerns like ‘For a Few Dollars More’, and the modern send up of the genre ‘The Quick and the Dead’.

Books: Absolutely any historical novel, regardless of time, location or quality. I enjoyed the series of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s books. 

What’s an annoying habit that you have?

I don’t know because it probably doesn’t annoy me. Best to ask one of my colleagues.

Which three people, dead or alive, would you invite over for dinner? What would you cook for them?

I would pick from among the ancients and prophets because to learn directly from them would be more worthwhile than anything else I could imagine. I’d cook vegetarian food and present it in a way that promotes sharing and informality.

You can find out more about our Learning offer in the Learning section of our website

JOY GREGORY SHARES INSPIRATION BEHIND LATEST BCA EXHIBITION, BREAKING BARRIERS

As we prepare for the launch of our new exhibition, Stories of Black Leadership II: Breaking Barriers, Curatorial Advisor Shasti Lowton sits down with Joy Gregory, the artist behind this latest collection to discuss her inspiration and visions for this beautiful series.

Shasti Lowton: Hi Joy, thanks for sitting down with me to talk about the Stories of Black Leadership project that you're working on for the Black Cultural Archives and JP Morgan. So firstly, what were the inspirations for this series of work?

Joy Gregory: I started off by thinking about how black people have been presented in the past. I've been looking at historical representation for a long time. I was interested in the idea of portraiture being something to show power, possession and status.

I spent quite a long time looking at portraits in the National Portrait Gallery from the 17th, 18th and 19th century, mainly of men, some of women. I found myself drawn to the figure of Elizabeth I and how she has been presented pictorially in paintings. I decided that I wanted to look at this way of representing these women because most of the people in these paintings were men.

Some of them were landowners, from the colonial periods -the 17th century through to the 19th century. I just thought I want to reclaim those poses and that confidence in a photograph. I spent a long time looking at the viewpoint of the audience and trying to replicate that in my photographs.

SL: That's very interesting. The work is a series of portraits but do you see each portrait as an individual piece or all together as one complete piece?

JG: I would think they could be either but would consider a series as being a complete piece anyway. I see it as it is a commission that's about bringing some very disparate things together. I think to try and do that pictorially, for example the locations in which we photographed people were all incredibly different.

All the women are immensely diverse. But it was what that thinking of how can I present it so it holds together as a single work. I thought to do the portraits, so one shot is close up and then other either full length or sitting as a way of carrying the theme through.

Now I've got most of the photographs back I’m actually looking at how we can work with that, with the colour. Again, going back along to the portrait of Elizabeth II and that very particular way of the colour actually being the thing that really zings out.

SL: Was there a specific portrait that you saw that spoke to you within the National Gallery’s collection?

JG: There were a number of them, but there were two specifically in terms of representation of women which became my touchstones. The sitters were both presented from a position of power, and they were contemporary women of the 21stC.

The first was a photographic portrait of the Malala Yousafzai taken by Shirin Neshat. I've known Shirin's work previously but never thought about her as a portrait photographer. I know of her earlier work where she wrote in text over portraits of herself. The way she presented Malala in this piece was striking -it is a close up portrait, so it's all about her face which is framed in her veil. She looks very powerful, very strong and she's looking directly at the camera. She’s also slightly elevated which gives her a position of power, she has full possession of herself and her position. I wanted to try and replicate that within my photographs.

The other image kept going back to was a painting of Elizabeth II by Pietro Annigoni. I think it's one of the most beautiful paintings of her I've ever seen. The main colours within it are blue and red but she looks very other worldly. Her body is actually positioned towards the viewer however she's looking slightly to one side. Again, she's in total possession of her power without abusing it, she is not pretending to be something other than herself, she's very comfortable in that space. I think it elevates her, it's very otherworldly and it made me make the decision to actually photograph in colour rather in black and white.

Stories of Black Leadership II: Breaking Barriers opens at BCA on Friday 28 February 2020

Learn more about Joy’s process producing Stories of Black Leadership II: Breaking Barriers in the official guide available at BCA and see more of her work at www.joygregory.co.uk and on Instagram @joygregory1

BCA STATEMENT ON GOVERNMENT DEPORTATION FLIGHTBCA STATEMENT ON GOVERNMENT DEPORTATION FLIGHT

Black Cultural Archives supports those who are due to be deported to Jamaica next week on a charter flight.

The flight should be cancelled.

The Lessons Learned Review from the Windrush Scandal of 2018 has not yet been published and evidence is emerging that the people on the flight are not in fact the criminals that they have been portrayed as.

The government's own Home Office has released data that its compensation scheme is not working for victims. The Home Affairs Select Committee has reported errors in judgement and practice.

This is not the time to deport vulnerable people.

The flight should be cancelled and a full review of the hostile environment should be undertaken.

Photo credit: The Guardian

BARONESS LAWRENCE, MAGGIE ADERIN POCOCK AND DR SHIRLEY THOMPSON AMONGST WOMEN FEATURED IN LATEST BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES EXHIBITION, BREAKING BARRIERS

Black Cultural Archives is proud to reveal the latest instalment of its Stories of Black Leadership series celebrating the achievements of Black British women in the UK.

Created by the artist, Joy Gregory, and sponsored by JP Morgan, Breaking Barriers follows on from last year's successful exhibition, Radiating Greatness. The second chapter of a three-year project, it aims to make visible the journeys of four pioneering Black British women who have overcome adversity to take their rightful seat at the table.

Dame Linda Dobbs DBE, Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE, Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE and Shirley Thompson OBE have shared their personal experiences not only to demonstrate the excellence present in Britain’s Black community but to show others what can be achieved.

These inspirational and impactful women are at once daring, resilient, determined, brilliant and extremely talented women. They are role models for our times, for all ages, all races, all gender identities, and for future generations to come.

Drawing inspiration from the 16th and 17th century portraits of aristocrats that hang in our national collections, the body language of the subjects allude to the inner strength that each woman has summoned throughout various points along their life’s path. Gregory’s decision to photograph the women in colour was inspired by the rich hues of the oil paints that were historically used to paint people in positions of power.

Breaking Barriers opens at the Black Cultural Archives on Saturday 29 February 2020 until mid June.

BCA search for new Chair as Dawn Hill CBE retires

BCA’s current chair, Dawn Hill CBE is retiring. Dawn Hill has executed the role with distinction for 7 years, delivering a successful £7 million capital campaign, securing interim support from DCMS, recruiting an executive team and leading the BCA’s support for those affected by the Windrush scandal.

BCA is now looking for an exceptional Chair with a strong network who is dynamic, creative and compelling to work with our Managing Director and Board of Trustees to guide our unique organisation through the next stage of its development, including the implementation of its 2030 vision.

About BCA

Inspired by Pan-African civil rights leader Queen Mother Moore, the founders established Black Cultural Archives in 1981 with a mission to create Britain’s first museum dedicated to representing the culture and history of Black people in Britain.

Today BCA is a national institution dedicated to collecting, preserving and showcasing the histories of black people in Britain and their place in British history.

BCA opened its landmark HQ at 1 Windrush Square, Brixton in 2014.

Its strategic objectives up to this year have been:

• to grow its collection

• to provide inspiring learning experiences

• to change the teaching of British history by leading the debate and inspiring others to play an active role in reshaping the national narrative

• to develop a sustainable organisation

The Board of Trustees has undergone renewal bringing in new governance capability in readiness for the next critical phase of BCA’s evolution for the next 10 years. A new Managing Director, was appointed in March 2019.

BCA will launch its new 10 year strategy, currently in draft form pending stakeholder consultation, in Spring 2020. This is an exciting time to join a unique, valued and internationally significant organisation on the brink of transformation.

About you

You will be joining a talented and committed Board of Trustees and should be able to attract funding or hold events that generate substantial revenues for BCA as well as bring your time and skills to complement the current Board of Trustees.

If you are passionate about leading a unique African and Caribbean heritage organisation which has a significant role in Black British History then this role could be a perfect fit for you. Current board members may apply for the role.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Saturday 29th February 2020.

If you would like to apply, please send your CV and covering letter to

bcachair@savannah-group.com

The covering letter should highlight your interest in BCA and motivation for joining our Board. Please also detail your availability and relevant experience.

Download the full recruitment pack at https://blackculturalarchives.org/vacancies

Black Cultural Archives host two-hour radio special on Colourful Radio this New Year's Day

Celebrating BCA's 2019 achievements whilst looking forward to 2020’s Breaking Barriers exhibition, Call and Response programme and Windrush Compensation Scheme surgeries

Each New Year's Day, Colourful Radio throw open their platform to a person or organisation they believe has something important to share with the community and listeners at large.

This New Year's Day 2020 is no exception. Excitingly, 2020 is a special year for the Colourful brand and Colourful Radio, in particular. It is Colourful Radio's 18th year of broadcast.

And to get the year underway, they are celebrating Black Cultural Archives's 2019 achievements whilst looking forward to 2020’s Breaking Barriers exhibition, their Call and Response programme and their programme of Windrush Compensation Scheme surgeries.

Hosted by the BCA's own Chief Exec, Arike Oke, this unique show airs exclusively on the Colourful platform from 11am till 1pm on New Year's Day 2020.  

Visit www.colourfulradio.com to listen online

Government taking too long to fairly compensate Windrush Generation

Press release - 18 December 2019

Photo Credit: PA

The government is being urged by Black Cultural Archives (BCA) to improve the Windrush Compensation Scheme - which - at the time of writing - has still made no payouts to victims 20 months after Theresa May apologised over the scandal.  

BCA has criticised the process as difficult to access and onerous, and says it’s only causing additional trauma to those who have been affected.  

The institution, which is the largest UK repository of Black British history and culture, is now hosting a public meeting and free legal surgeries in a bid to help those awaiting compensation.

Arike Oke, Managing Director of BCA, said: "Although we support the launch of the Windrush Compensation Scheme, it is yet to provide payments for people who have suffered, and are suffering, as a result of government errors and policy.  

“The Scheme itself is difficult to access and causes additional trauma to those already made to suffer by asking them to navigate further unduly onerous and unnecessary amounts of evidence to be granted the compensation they are due.”

The public meeting will be held on Saturday, 18 January 2020 at Lambeth Town Hall. It will be an opportunity to find out the latest updates on the scheme and to pose questions to representatives from the Home Office.  

The free legal surgeries will be held every Wednesday and Saturday from 22 January until the end of February. These will be led by immigration specialist legal firm, McKenzie, Beute and Pope.  

Ms Oke added: "Those landing cards that would have led to citizenship being confirmed should have been in our archives. For our history and our presence in the UK to be held in such scant regard is shocking. We are here to correct those errors in judgment, to correct the emissions and erasures from mainstream history and to reassert that we were here before, we are now and we’ll be here in the future.  

“We stand with the people affected by the Windrush scandal in making sure this never happens again, and will be helping them to claim the compensation they are absolutely entitled to as British citizens.”

The public meeting will be held at 2pm on Saturday, 18 January at Lambeth Town Hall. Free tickets can be booked through the BCA’s website blackculturalarchives.org.

Free legal surgery slots can also be booked online, or by calling the BCA on 0203 757 8500. Surgeries will start on Wednesday 22 January and run every Wednesday from 5pm-8pm and Saturday 10am-12pm until Saturday, 29 February.  

BCA received funding from the Windrush Justice Fund and The Funding Network (TFN) in order to make these events available to those who need it.

ENDS

For more information, contact Juanita Rosenior juanita@tgrg.co.uk /020 3375 6024 

Notes to editors:

• BCA Managing Director, Arike Oke, and Chair, Dawn Hill, are both available for interview.

• Black Cultural Archives is the home of Black British history and is situated in the heart of Brixton on Windrush Square. Its mission is to collect, preserve and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain

• Founded in 1981, BCA is the first of its kind and its unique collection includes rare historical documents, photographs, ephemera, oral history testimonies and an eclectic range of objects dating from the second century to the present day.

• BCA’s work recognises the importance of broader historical narratives and promotes dialogue that encourages everyone to learn, explore and become inspired by an inclusive British history.

• Visit the BCA website bcaheritage.org.uk

• The Funding Network is an open network which links potential donors to charitable causes and social entrepreneurs through live crowdfunding. They aim to raise money for small non-profits driving social change and help both individuals and businesses to combine their giving with others, to make a bigger impact. ​

• The Windrush Justice Fund, in partnership with the Mayor of London, provides small grants and support to community groups and projects working with those affected by the Windrush Scandal.

DTA LIVE RADIO COMING SOON...

Decolonising The Archive (DTA) are collaborating with Black Cultural Archives to explore a whole new way to connect with their collections

Be the first to hear our teaser show

Listen Here

This season marks a renewal in our exploration of our history and its living expression.Tune into DTA Live Radio, our newest platform where we share knowledge and insights on History, identity, culture and the future. We’re going Live in 2020!

Decolonising the Archive (DTA) is a collective that mobilises History, surfacing narratives that speak to Black African and Caribbean experiences on the continent and in the diaspora. Our fundamental aim is to develop an African-centred approach to how we, as people of African heritage do history. Expect some heavy content activating historical archives to talk, music, art, politics, spirituality, media and more.

For a V.I.P. invite to our live studio audience shows @BCA follow us here to see when tickets go live @de_ archive, de_archive

Get involved!

This platform values community and we need your voices to make it accessible and inclusive for all !!!

Would you like to get involved in DTA LIVE?

Do you have any topics or themes you’d like to see us discuss on our shows?

Visit our website at www.decolonisingthearchive.com

Or contact us by email at info@decolonisingthearchive.com

We’ll be holding space at the Black Cultural Archives (BCA) located in Brixton. It’s a place that honours Black history and culture 365 days a year. Stop by to connect see the work we do?

From the archives to the airwaves!

BCA TO HOST PUBLIC MEETING AND FREE LEGAL SURGERIES FOR WINDRUSH DESCENDANTS

Black Cultural Archives (BCA) has announced plans to hold a public meeting for all those affected by the Windrush Scandal on Saturday 18 January 2020. This will be followed by free legal surgeries every Wednesday and Saturday from January 22 until the end of February (our first phase) to help people access the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

The public meet will be an opportunity to find out the latest and pose questions to the Home Office. It will take place at Lambeth Town Hall, across from BCA’s home at 1 Windrush Square.

These are the second 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.

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.

Managing Director, Arike Oke, said “Whilst we are primarily known as the Home of Black British history, we also play a role in advocating on behalf the Black communities in the spaces we occupy.

“The current government’s hostile environment policy disproportionately affects the lives of individuals from the African and Caribbean communities whose contributions are part of the fabric of this country.

BCA sits at the point of change between the past and the future, preserving the history of those people and challenging our omissions from history. This means we fully stand behind the Windrush Generation, collecting their stories for historical record to make sure that it never happens again.”

You can book your free ticket for the public meeting on BCA’s Eventbrite page and book free surgery slots online, by calling the BCA Reception 2023 757 8500 or simply dropping in.

BCA’s Windrush Public Meeting takes place on Saturday 18 January 2020 at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton, from 14:00 – 15:00

Round 1 of Legal surgeries for those affected by the Windrush scandal will start on Wednesday 22 January and will run every Wednesday between 17:00 – 20:00 and Saturday morning, 10:00 – 12:00 until Saturday 29 February 2020.

This work is funded by the Windrush Justice Fund and The Funding Network

BCA gets a permanent home on Google

Black Cultural Archives (BCA) brings its unique collection of images, artefacts and artworks together online for the first time (g.co/blackculturalarchives).

A two-year project in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture, we have digitised over 4,000 items from the BCA, forming a series of curated online exhibitions and stories which can be accessed globally to help inspire and educate.

Available on the Google Arts & Culture website and app, the new digital collection utilises innovative technologies including ultra-high resolution Gigapixel photography using the Art Camera to help preserve these important histories for future generations, and to encourage enquiry and dialogue all over the world.

The online exhibit will feature 30+ online stories, with highlights including:

● Rudi Patterson: Visions of Colour

In 1960s London, Rudi Patterson was a self-propelled star. His final art exhibition, entitled 'Visions of Colour', was held in 2011 in the West Indian-owned Effra Hall Tavern in Brixton. The BCA holds a collection of his paintings and ceramics, now digitised in breathtaking Gigapixel resolution, using Art Camera technology.

● The Art of Carnival and Masquerading

This exhibit focuses on the various aspects of the Notting Hill Carnival. From the music of Calypso using steel drums, through to sculpters Carl and Lyn Gabriel, who created elaborate costumes for Carnival performers. The exhibit features photos from their personal collection dating back to 1986.

● Black Women’s Movement

Focusing on the work done by the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD),co-founded by BCA patron and writer Stella Dadzie. The exhibit features many materials from Stella’s personal collection, showcasing the spread of activity that OWAAD undertook in the 1970s and 1980s. From education and health care, to employment and activism.

● Black British Dance

This exhibit explores how Dance in Britain has evolved through the successive interactions of people from around the world, building on ancient and new social dance forms. Looking into the history of dance through the lens of Black British history gives new visions of the past and the future.

While Google’s mission is to make the world’s information more accessible, Google Arts & Culture aims to celebrate and share a diverse range of art, culture and heritage with everyone, everywhere. This is just the beginning of Google’s partnership with BCA, and both organisations look forward to making more inspiring moments of Black British culture and history accessible to all.

Arike Oke, Managing Director, Black Cultural Archives said: “As BCA is the home of Black British history, it's extremely fitting that we've been able to collaborate with Google on this important project. The fact that people from across the world will now be able to access our archive digitally is a perfect compliment to our mission to put our history on the map”.

Amit Sood, Director of Google Arts & Culture said: “We’re passionate about making culture accessible to anyone, anywhere. This partnership with the Black Cultural Archives is a superb example of how innovative technology can be used to help bring exciting content to a global audience, as well as to secure invaluable historical artefacts, artworks and images for future generations”.

Explore the Black Cultural Archives collection on Google Arts & Culture or using the app on iOS or Android.

BCA appoints new Trustees

Top (from l to r) Sharmaine Lovegrove, Caroline Hussey-Bain, Katie Dash, Olakunle Babarinde

Bottom (from l to r) Harun Morrison, Jennie Baptise, Adam Crymble, Rukayah Sarumi

Black Cultural Archives is pleased to announce that eight new Trustees have been appointed to our Board of Directors. The group who come from a range of backgrounds, including publishing, the arts, academia and finance, will be an integral part of shaping the future of BCA.

The new additions, who started this month, will work alongside BCA’s Managing Director, Arike Oke, who herself recently started her post at BCA in March earlier this year. The new Board Members are as follows:

Olakunle ‘Kunle’ Babarinde | VP, Trading Solutions EMEA at Interactive Data

An international property investor, an accredited UK landlord and property developer as well as a mentor to young entrepreneurs, Olakunle has been nominated as Board Secretary and also serves as Trustee of two other charities: Making The Leap, sitting on the Property Strategy committee and St John’s Notting-Hill, representing it on the Kensington Deanery Synod. He is also founder of Talent Rising, a resource for Employee Network leaders.

Olakunle has a degree in Physics and a post Graduate diploma in Management in Industry, a foundation to his almost 30 years in financial services. Olakunle is a strategic thinker and experienced negotiator, having worked with hundreds of organisations to deliver strategic income generation and business development through periods of challenging organisational change.

Jennie Baptiste | Photographer

Jennie Baptiste is a London born photographer of St Lucian heritage. Her work is primarily based around Youth Culture, Music, and Heritage within Portraiture. Jennie’s work has been shown at notable institutions including The National Portrait Gallery, The V & A Museum, The Museum of London, The Institute of Jamaica, Rush Arts Gallery in New York, Anti-Slavery International and The Home Office.

Adam Crymble | Senior Lecturer of History at the University of Hertfordshire

Dr Adam Crymble is a Senior Lecturer of History at the University of Hertfordshire. He teaches and researches migration history in Britain. He is passionate about widening participation in education, and on promoting digital skills development in the heritage sector. He is a founding editor of the Programming Historian, a free digital learning resource used by more than 1-million people per year.

Katie Dash | Senior Associate Director at the Confederation of British Industry

Katie is a Senior Associate Director at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and is responsible for representing businesses across London and the South East and helping them navigate the political and economic landscape. Her previous experience includes Assistant Regional Director for CBI Scotland, Assistant Economist for the Scottish Government, and research roles in think-tanks based in London. Katie is also Co-Chair of CBI’s Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network.

Caroline Hussey-Bain |Tate Patrons Manager

Caroline Hussey-Bain (b. 1984, Northampton, UK) has been an Art, and Heritage sector working with British, European and International based Major Donors for over Fifteen years. She has worked with small independent and private galleries to large national institutions including Royal Museums Greenwich and Tate. As a 2014 Winston Churchill Fellow, she worked extensively in North America including at the Brooklyn Museum, MoCADA and Mystic Seaport researching best practice in fundraising and relationship management. In 2016, she became a Museum Association Transformer for her leadership in devising new strategies to diversify the individuals who support art institutions and in 2019 became a Clore Fellow.

Sharmaine Lovegrove | Publisher of Dialogue Books

Sharmaine Lovegrove is the Publisher of Dialogue Books, the UK’s only inclusive imprint, part of Little Brown Book Group and Hachette UK. She is inspired by innovative storytelling, and has worked in public relations, bookselling, events management and TV scouting. She was the literary editor of ELLE and set up her own bookshop and creative agency when living in Berlin.

Harun Morrison | Artist

Morrison is an artist and writer currently based in London, raised in Streatham. Alongside Helen Walker, he co-founded the collective art practice ‘They Are Here’ in 2006. Through this collaboration they continuously explore group dynamics, divisions of authorship and politics of time and space.

Rukayah Sarumi | Sustainable Development Professional

Rukayah is a public policy expert with over a decade of experience in the field of sustainable development with a focus on child rights and environmental sustainability. Rukayah has committed considerable time to community cohesion and has worked as a community organiser in Lambeth on issues related to security and safety. Rukayah possesses strong governance experience through her role as a non-executive director and advisory board member on national and international boards.

Dawn Hill, BCA’s Chair of the Board stated: “I'm pleased to welcome such a group of dynamic, visionary and accomplished new additions to the Board of Trustees. I would also like to thank our previous Trustees for their incredible hard work, commitment and continued support of BCA.

As we look towards a future of sustainability, I'm confident that these new additions to the Board alongside Arike Oke and the entire BCA team will continue to make great strides in accomplishing Len Garrison's dream: a place that is the home and a beacon for Black British history - past, present and future.”

Arike Oke added “I am excited to work with our new trustees, who bring such a diversity of skills, in taking Black Cultural Archives forward together into a thriving future.”

They join existing Board Members Dawn Hill (Chair), Okao Angole, Professor Hakim Adi, Maureen Roberts, Stafford Geohagen, Cllr. Jacqui Dyer and Cllr. Sonia Winifred.

You can find a full list of BCA Board Members on the People section of the About Us page.

Volunteers’ Week: Meet Shelley

Occupation: Creative Website and Graphic Designer | Volunteer Role: Marketing and Café

Why did you choose to volunteer with BCA?

Being originally from the Caribbean, black heritage has always had a massive impact on my upbringing. I have an avid interest in historical figures, particularly ones of black heritages and it seemed like BCA was perfectly suited.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

Small changes can have a big impact. Although it may not seem like it, each small act of giving can feed into helping create a better community.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in volunteering?

I would advise to take some time to think about what or where you really want to get involved. Take the time to find something that aligns with your core values.

Has volunteering made a difference to your life? If so, how?

Gratitude. I find it provides me with moments to take notice of small things or opportunities that bring joy.

We would like to say a massive thank you to Shelley and all our volunteers for all their hard work at BCA.

Would you be interested in becoming a BCA volunteer? You can register your interest via our Volunteer page.

Volunteers’ Week: Meet Klaine

Occupation: Student | Volunteer Role: Greeter

Why did you choose to Volunteer with BCA?

I wish to become a guide for tourists.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

I wish to become a guide for tourists. Volunteering is a good way to get experience, I can add it to my CV.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in volunteering?

I would give them the advice to be careful with the language they use so that they don’t upset someone.

Has volunteering made a difference to your life? If so, how?

Yes, because I meet people and I like to travel outside of my house.

We would like to say a massive thank you to Klaine and all our volunteers for all their hard work at BCA.

Would you be interested in becoming a BCA volunteer? You can register your interest via our Volunteer page.

Volunteers’ Week: Meet Nzingha

Occupation: Author, activist and Retired nurse | Volunteer Role: Member of BCA Friends Committee

Why did you choose to Volunteer with BCA?

To make a contribution to supporting the work of BCA & contributing to the historical legacy created by people of African descent in the UK

Opportunity to share my skills from my work life, I am from a nursing/health visiting background

I have experience of staff management, fund raising and a long history of volunteering across diverse organisations

I can also help to recruit other people to become friends who can support the work of the BCA

What have you learnt from volunteering?

The importance of being committed, reliable and flexible when volunteering

The complexities experienced by organisations such as BCA trying to provide services to the the public who have diverse expectations which can sometimes be unrealistic

That organisations operating on tight budgets are in need of committed reliable volunteers with diverse skills to help facilitate their continued operations

I've met and been exposed to a wide range of very positive people from the community who have made great contributions to the history of people of African descent and have been able to share some of this knowledge with people in my family, in the area where I live and with other organisations operating in the country

What advice would you give to anyone interested in volunteering?

Your contribution as a volunteer is valuable and is valued even when people forget to say “Thank you” it can just be that people are so busy trying to keep the organisation going that they forget, don't get upset, let someone know how you are feeling

The BCA belongs to the whole community and is there through the past efforts of volunteers such as yourself who saw the need for an establishment such as this to preserve our history and legacy; so as a volunteer you are also making a contribution to this

Volunteering enables people to support organisations in their community, it aids development on both sides, the organisation benefits from the skills & experience that the volunteer brings & the volunteer acquires knowledge & skills which they may otherwise never have been exposed to

Volunteering counts as work experience an can be added to your CV

Has volunteering made a difference to your life? If so, how?

Yes, volunteering has impacted my life. I have been volunteering for many years across many organisations and have gained confidence, diverse knowledge and some new skills. I

have met many great people whom I would not otherwise have met and been exposed to events and places which I would not necessarily have been exposed to. In volunteering at the BCA, I also feel that I am making a contribution to preserving the legacy started by others, thus ensuring its longevity for future generations

We would like to say a massive thank you to Nzingha and all our volunteers for all their hard work at BCA.

Would you be interested in becoming a BCA volunteer? You can register your interest via our Volunteer page.

Volunteers’ Week: Meet Ras Levi

Occupation: Rastafari Chaplin and Community Activist | Volunteer role: Library Assistant and Exhibition Guide

What did you choose to volunteer with BCA?

Simply to offer my skills and experience, to acknowledge and support the establishment, BCA and the community. Also, to facilitate when possible communication and good relations amongst staff, friends and community.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

From being a volunteer, I have met people involved in community activities and development, lots of researchers, students, officials from various groups and organisation from near and far.

I have learnt to appreciate differences, the value of sharing knowledge and the significance of BCA as a unique tool for the community.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in volunteering?

My advice to anyone interested in volunteering is do not be afraid to offer your skills and ideas. Take time to learn about our history; be aware of opportunities available. Be friendly and care for others.

We would like to say a massive thank you to Ras Levi and all our volunteers for all their hard work at BCA.

Would you be interested in becoming a BCA volunteer? You can register your interest via our Volunteer page.

Volunteers’ Week: Meet Jessica

Occupation: Retired Educationalist | Volunteer Role: BCA Friends Secretary, Library Assistant and Events

Why did you choose to volunteer with BCA?

I choose to volunteer with BCA as the organisation and what it represents is important to me. I am well aware of the sacrifice and hard work of others, for over 30 years, to get BCA to where it is now and am happy to give back some time.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

This is my fourth year of volunteering and my learning has been interesting and varied as I am happy volunteering almost everywhere.

In addition to specific skills such taking cash/card payments at the till or making coffee using the coffee machine I have increased my knowledge of UK related Black history, either through assisting with exhibitions or volunteering in the reading room.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in volunteering?

Come and join us at BCA, we always need good volunteers! Most people have a wealth of skills but usually stick to an area they feel safe in. It’s important to be flexible and be prepared to go beyond your original remit e.g. the courtyard might need sweeping!

Has volunteering made a difference to your life? If so, how?

I have always volunteered throughout my life and at BCA volunteering gives me an opportunity to use my skills and expertise in various roles. I like turning up for ‘work’, I enjoy all aspects of my roles and I am constantly learning. As a retiree, regular volunteering keeps me current!

We would like to say a massive thank you to Jessica and all our volunteers for all their hard work at BCA.

Would you be interested in becoming a BCA volunteer? You can register your interest via our Volunteer page.

Volunteers’ Week: Meet Joel

Occupation: Banking | Volunteering Role: Workshop Assistant and Events

Why did you choose to Volunteer with BCA?

The Black Cultural Archives is a brilliant and important institution, which has done extremely well to stay true to its founding mission, which is to document the history of Black British people. It has truly been an honour and a pleasure to volunteer for the BCA, as I have been able to make my own small contribution to this great organisation while meeting an array of passionate and energetic people from all walks of life.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

I’ve learned that volunteering isn’t just about helping others, which is a noble endeavour in and of itself – but that volunteering can be a great opportunity for self-development and building one’s own confidence.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in volunteering?

Volunteering can be a brilliant endeavour as it offers the chance to give something back to the community. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to develop new skills, meet great people, as well as the chance to build on existing experience and knowledge.

Has volunteering made a difference to your life? If so, how?

Volunteering has added a new and exciting dimension to my life. It has given me new purpose, new direction, new friends and a new method of self-development. Moreover, knowing that I am contributing to something greater than myself and positively impacting upon the lives of others, is incredibly satisfying.

We would like to say a massive thank you to Joel and all our volunteers for all their hard work at BCA.

Would you be interested in becoming a BCA volunteer? You can register your interest via our Volunteer page.

Volunteers’ Week: Meet Jasmine

Occupation: Student | Volunteer role: Office Administration Internship

Why did you choose to Volunteer with BCA?

I chose to volunteer at the BCA because I was interested in what they do as an organisation. I had visited an exhibition here a year ago and really liked it so I thought I would volunteer. I also wanted to learn a bit more about how the organisation operates from behind the scenes and about Black history in general.

What have you learnt from volunteering?

I have learned a wide range of skills from volunteering. I now know basic level admin skills, such as managing a diary, as well as customer service skills, such as using a till. I have also learned to function on a day-to-day basis in a workplace environment.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in volunteering?

I would tell anyone interested in volunteering to bring dedication to the work you do. Also, to just enjoy it, as you are helping the BCA to thrive.

Has volunteering made a difference to your life? If so, how?

Volunteering has made a massive difference to my life. Before volunteering my illness had hindered me from doing the things I wanted and from learning new things. Since I have more of a grip on my health and I am able to volunteer, it has really helped me in many ways. As well as learning new skills, volunteering has helped me to really develop my inter personal skills and confidence. Ultimately its just made me happy and I’ve met some really interesting and amazing people.

We would like to say a massive thank you to Jasmine and all our volunteers for all their hard work at BCA. Would you be interested in becoming a BCA volunteer? You can register your interest via our Volunteer page.

BCA celebrates Volunteering Week

As part of Volunteers' Week (June 1-7), Black Cultural Archives (BCA) will be celebrating the amazing team of volunteers that help us make BCA what it is. 

Throughout the week, we'll be highlighting a few of the dedicated people who support us in delivering our mission. It's one of the ways we do our best to say thank you.

"The Black Cultural Archives was born out of the efforts of a group of volunteers and is still powered by those who voluntarily support our mission," says Volunteering Manager, Karis Morris-Brown 

"With volunteers giving over 100 hours each week, it is important to us that we acknowledge all that they give to us. Our volunteers support us across the organisation: from our Trustees to Front of House and exhibition support" continues Karis

"BCA is a vibrant space with a small staff team. This means our volunteers get to be a part of all areas of the organisation from meeting royalty to supporting those affected by the Windrush scandal."

Charities across the UK will also be holding events to thank their volunteers and celebrate the power of volunteering. Last year there were over 600 events across the country, from award ceremonies to tea parties and barbecues.

You too can join our team of volunteers by filling in our volunteering application form. Make sure you keep an eye on our website and our social networks throughout the week to meet the people behind BCA.

BCA places the legacy of Windrush at the heart of its forthcoming programme

It's been over 70 years since the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on British shores. Though British citizens, the Windrush Generation and their descendants have had their belonging wrongly challenged.

Invited to mainland Britain to be a part of the post-war rebuilding of the nation, assured that they too were Brits, men and women of the Caribbean arrived ready to meet their fellow citizens as neighbours. Instead, they experienced racism and were ostracised, told in no uncertain terms that they were not welcome.

 The Windrush Scandal of 2018 speaks to a longer narrative of racism and successive governments attempting to use legislation to define who is, or is not, British – often along the lines of race.

BCA has spent the last year advocating for the Windrush Generation. We continue to do so with the announcement of a programme dedicated to the resilience, impact and legacy of the Windrush Generation.

This programme will amplify the voices of those who lived through this case of modern-day history and will acknowledge the ongoing contribution of all those that came after.

Stories past and present, and not featured in the mainstream media, will come to life, presenting visitors with the real voices of Windrush. Learn how Windrush came to be and the true stories of a people displaced, even though Britain should have been a home from home.

This programme is not only for our communities who will uncover hidden dimensions to this familiar story. It is for all people to learn about the struggles and contributions of Black British Caribbeans - and beyond - during this time.

The programme will launch on Windrush Day (June 22) at our home, 1 Windrush Square.  Along with an exhibition, we will be hosting a series of events in the weeks that follow including film screenings, book launches and panel events.

Windrush is a living history. A story that deserves to be told and understood. We hope you will visit us and join our campaign to bring the exclusion of a people to an end.

Bookmark our website or sign up to our newsletter for future announcements.