Top 5 Institution for Black History in London
To celebrate Black History Month, London Calling selects five London-based organisations related to Black history.
By Ryan Ormonde | Updated Sep 5 2024
It’s important to keep learning about Black History all year round, so here’s our guide to the best exhibitions, museums, events (and walks!) that celebrate Black History in London.
Black Cultural Archives
1 Windrush Square, Brixton, London SW2 1EF
After a rather long hiatus the Black Cultural Archives returned in 2014 as the only dedicated Black History Museum in London and the UK. Set up in 1981, their collection includes all kinds of documents and papers related to Black history, rare books, ephemera and photographs. They curate exhibitions which document the many untold stories of black experience while celebrating Black culture and history.
SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London
10 Thornhaugh Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0XG
SOAS has long been an important centre of learning for those interested in the African Diaspora and the many different subjects that intersect around its history and future, as well as those studying individual African nations and cultures. Ironically it was started as somewhere that British officers could learn about the cultures and customs of the peoples of the peoples under the rule of the British Empire.
They host a year-round programme of Black History events alongside a student union with a political and freethinking reputation, and are also dedicated to the study of Asian and Middle Eastern history and culture.
The Africa Centre
66 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BL
A Covent Garden treasure for fifty years, The Africa Centre has a history of hosting hip hop DJ nights in the 2000s, while still representing a lost community centre in central London that is “educating, connecting and advocating for Africa and its diaspora” (AfricaCentre.org.uk).
Forced out of their home in 2013, they now reside in Southwark, promoting creativity and innovation in African art, culture, business and entrepreneurship in London.
Hackney Museum
1 Reading Lane, Hackney, London E8 1GQ
Hackney is a very culturally diverse borough and its museum reflects this diversity with regular Black History exhibitions and events. It is important for London’s museums to represent Afro-Caribbean culture, and its continuing influence in our city, and Hackney Museum does a brilliant job.
Black History Walks
Black History Walks do exactly what it says on the tin - they present guided walking tours (as well as providing information in other formats) of London taking in areas and buildings that have played key roles in the city’s history in the context of Black residents. They also programme talks and films which further expand on this mission - educating people about Britains’s Black history.
Black History Walks programme events across the city.