Black Cultural Archives Launches Exciting Heritage Programme to Commemorate Ghana's Golden Jubilee

LONDON, 6 March 2007 – As communities in the UK and around the world commemorate  Ghana’s 50 th  anniversary of independence from British colonial rule today, the Black Cultural  Archives (BCA) has announced that it will be delivering a leading-edge heritage project to  commemorate the nation’s achievement.

Thanks to a £49,900 Your Heritage grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and support  from the London Borough of Lambeth, BCA’s Ghana Jubilee season will explore how Ghana  and Ghanaians in the UK have impacted on Britain’s heritage through an exciting  programme  of exhibitions, lectures, elders’ oral history projects, youth events and family workshops.  BCA  is collaborating with the Ghana High Commission and a range of institutions and community  groups in London, including the British Museum, Royal Geographical Society and the School  of Oriental and African Studies to deliver its Ghana Jubilee programme.

His Excellency Mr Annan Arkyin Cato Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said:  “I am pleased to lend the support of my Office to the work of the Black Cultural Archives as it  seeks to enrich the cultural landscape by disseminating Black heritage in the UK.  I am  hopeful  that  the  contacts  between  the  Ghana  High  Commission  and  the  Black  Cultural  Archives will deepen and become even more productive and enriching during Ghana’s Golden  Jubilee celebrations.”

Paul Reid – Director, Black Cultural Archives said:  “BCA’s Ghana Jubilee season is a prime  opportunity for our audiences to reflect on the legacy and structures of hope put in place by  Independence movements in the late 50s and early 60s.  We seek to enable communities to  unite to commemorate Ghana’s landmark anniversary through our diverse programme of  events.    From  March  through  to  August  2007,  BCA  will  create  a  variety  of  forums  for  independence memories, creative and intellectual expression and visual testimony.”

BCA’s Ghana Jubilee season will generate a wealth of material that will complement its  archival mission to document the presence of African and Caribbean communities in Britain.  BCA will make this information as widely accessible as possible.  Much of the material will be  available on the Ghana Jubilee season website, designed by leading creative production  company Steel Drum Studios. BCA’s Ghana Jubilee season website will launch mid-March  2007 at www.bcaheritage.org.uk/ghanajubilee.

Notes to Editors:    The Black Cultural Archives (BCA) is a registered educational charity founded in 1981 to promote the  teaching, learning and understanding of the contribution of people of African and Caribbean descent to  the history of Britain. Temporarily located in Kennington, the BCA is developing and fundraising towards  a new Black Heritage Centre with local, national and international reach through its move to Raleigh  Hall, opposite Lambeth Town Hall in central Brixton, in 2010. Website: www.bcaheritage.org.uk

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our  diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or  recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for  everyone to enjoy. Website: www.hlf.org.uk

BCA’s Ghana Jubilee heritage programme includes the following:

YOUTH WORKSHOP ‘The Fabric of a Nation Textiles Workshop’ with Kofi Ansah
In partnership the British Museum
Saturday 31 March 2007  Ages: 11-16 years    Time: 10am-5pm     Venue: Clore Education Zone, British Museum   Entry: FREE   Registration: To book, telephone 020 7323 8181 or boxoffice@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Overview: Young people, under the guidance of Kofi Ansah, a leading Ghanaian fashion designer, will  explore the techniques used to produce Ghanaian textiles before creating their own.

ELDERS’ REMINISCENCE SERIES ‘Crossing Continents & Time: Ghana Jubilee Reflections’
In partnership with the Royal Geographical Society and the Ghana High Commission
March & April 2007  Facilitators: Zagba Oyortey and Beyonder   Ages: 60+      Time: 11am-2pm  Venue: Ghana High Commission and Royal Geographical Society.
Overview: An opportunity for elders of the Ghanaian community in Britain to reflect on the days of  independence and the aftermath of their migration to the UK.  Images, music and thoughts will be used  to rekindle their collective memory, forming a foundation and insight for future generations.

HERITAGE EXHIBITION ‘Mr Barnor’s Independence Diaries’
24 April – 24 June 2007  Venue: Black Cultural Archives Gallery  Overview:  Curated by Nana Oforiatta-Ayim, this exhibition will showcase the work of Mr. James Barnor,  a prolific Ghanaian photo-journalist. The exhibition will display his views and experiences on various  themes pertinent to the commemoration of Ghana’s 50 th   year of Independence. Particular attention will  be given Mr Barnor’s post-war experience in Britain and how these experiences have affected his views  on independence, both now and then.

LECTURE ‘Ghana’s Half Century Journey: the Success and Challenges’
Wednesday 2 May 2007  Panellists: Professor David Owusu-Ansah (James Madison University USA), Professor A.B. Assensoh  (Indiana University), Professor Yvette Alex-Assensoh (Indiana University), Dr Michael Amoah (University  of London).  Time: 6.30-9pm    Venue: Brunei Lecture Theatre, School of Oriental and African Studies  Entry: FREE   Registration: Bookings via events@bcaheritage.org.uk (MAX 2 seats per applicant)
Overview: Leading academics will give presentations on Ghana’s achievements since Independence.  The audience will have the opportunity to feed their views to the panel in an open debate.

For further information about other events within BCA’s Ghana Jubilee season please contact  Suzanne Ngo-Eyok, Ghana Jubilee Programme Manager  t/  020 7582 8516   e/  suzanne@bcaheritage.org.uk  /END