Black Cultural Archives launches bid for support in commemoration of its 40th anniversary

TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A museum of black history is launching a bid for support as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The Black Cultural Archives (BCA), the UK’s only national heritage centre dedicated to stories of African and Caribbean people in Britain, is appealing for community support.

The centre wants to open six days a week and has also announced a change in leadership with a new chairwoman of its board, Dr Yvonne Thompson, and a new interim managing director, Lisa Anderson, following the resignation last year of former managing director, Arike Oke.

The BCA hopes the anniversary celebrations will build on the momentum of support it was given in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter resurgence.

This brought about official commitments from the Government to tackle racial inequality, dismantle institutional racism and eradicate anti-blackness within British society.

Award-winning businesswoman, activist and founder of a global women’s business network, Dr Yvonne Thompson – made a CBE in 2003 for her work in entrepreneurship, diversity and equality – was a founder of the first legal black-owned radio station, Choice FM.

She said: “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, whose trusted hands have brought the organisation this far.

“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.”

Ms Anderson, a curator, consultant and champion for black British art, said: “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 Britain.

“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.”

The archive was founded in 1981 by educationalist and historian Len Garrison.

It grew from a response to the New Cross Massacre inn1981, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984); underachievement of black children in British schools, the failings of the 1976 Race Relations Act, and the lack of recognition of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK.

It aims to support the Windrush Generation, working as part of the Wind-rush Action Group and the Windrush National Organising Committee.

The BCA has one of the most comprehensive documenting the history and cultural heritage of Black Britain.

It hosts gallery exhibitions, educational programmes and events, with free access to archives, reference library and artifacts.

The charity’s patrons include Hollywood actor Idris Elba; award-winning playwright and artistic director of the Young Vic Kwame Kwei-Armah, and Olympic medallist and former world champion athlete Colin Jackson.

Ms Anderson said: “The BCA benefitted from a swell of financial support in the wake of the Black Lives Matter resurgence following the death of George Floyd. But the lockdown restrictions of the past year have significantly reduced its income.

“We have a fabulous building in the heart of Brixton, that is only open three days a week, with only five full-time members of staff. Our ambition is to be open Monday – Saturday.

“We also need financial help to digitise our archives and make them accessible to people in the UK and abroad.”

Supporters can donate £5 by texting BACKBCA to 70970.

They can become a Friend of the BCA – which means discounted books and gifts or a corporate member of the BCA, which includes access to learning programmes, archives, events and more.