Oral history in dialogue - Black Cultural Archives

In a spirit of openness to inclusivity and critical reflection on its own record, the Oral History Society is launching a series of joint meetings with Black and minority ethnic (BME) organisations and individuals who share an interest in researching and understanding the past through the memories of people who lived it. The Society’s aim is to learn from the research activities of BME organisations and individuals and the dissemination of what they find, acknowledging that this may raise difficult issues. Through such dialogues the Society aims to acquire greater awareness and appreciation of UK BME history and its historians and to be inclusive of this through its activities.

The OHS is delighted to be able to announce that the second of these dialogues will be with the Black Cultural Archives on Thursday 30th June, by Zoom (access via Eventbrite) between 18.00 and 20.00 BST.

Rhoda Boateng is an Archivist and writer, currently working as the Collections Assistant at Black Cultural Archives (BCA). Founded in 1981, BCA is the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and African Caribbean people in the UK. From their home in Brixton, BCA provides free access to their unique set of archives, museum objects and reference library alongside running exhibitions and educational programmes.

In this talk Rhoda will give an overview of the history of Black Cultural Archives whilst also discussing the different ways the organisation captures and archives Black history in Britain, with a particular focus on oral history collecting and current projects.

All are welcome to the dialogue and to join in with their own contributions and experiences.

About the Speaker and the Black Cultural Archives

Rhoda Boateng is an Archivist and writer, currently working as the Collections Assistant at Black Cultural Archives (BCA). Founded in 1981, BCA is the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and African Caribbean people in the UK. From their home in Brixton, BCA provides free access to their unique set of archives, museum objects and reference library alongside running exhibitions and educational programmes.

About the Discussant

Dr Verusca Calabria is an Early Career Research Fellow, Nottingham Trent University (NTU). Her research focuses on co-producing mental health histories. She is a trustee of the Oral History Society and co-convenes the NTU oral history network seminar series. Twitter: @Verusca @HealthMemories.