This year Birkbeck contributes to Black History Month with the launch of a new course exploring Black British history and culture from 1945 to the present day. Based at the Hackney Archives, the course will open up research opportunities for the study of hidden, relatively unknown or forgotten and neglected areas of British history.
Course tutor Dr Eleni Liarou explains how the collaboration of archivists, students and Birkbeck staff will achieve this goal: ‘I recently visited the Hackney Archives and spoke to staff about accessing the collections for Birkbeck students as part of their research and learning experience, which they have generously agreed to do. The Hackney Archives may not appear to be the most obvious place to research Black British history, and yet that is exactly the point many historians would instantly recognise: not only is history hidden in the most unexpected places, it is also these places that often change our understanding of history.
‘Hackney is one of the London boroughs with the greatest concentration of ethnic minorities, and is rich with Black history. Access to the Hackney Archives offers us fascinating sources and insights into the role of local archives in thinking and writing about Black British history at both a local and national level. Drawing on the Archives’ wide range of written and visual sources, which cover political activism, local organisations, the media, culture and religion, Birkbeck students should enjoy a rich research experience. Like Black History Month, we hope the course triggers an interest in Black British history and local archives that will foster long-term engagement by students, individuals and communities.’
Survival: Black British History and Culture 1945 to the Present starts Saturday 3 October 2009.
To find out more about Birkbeck visit www.bbk.ac.uk and for further information on the course click here.
Content added 21st September 2009.
