The Black Cultural Archives (BCA) have announced that Managing Director Arike Oke is to step down from 30th October 2021. During her tenure she has overseen the running of the BCA and has seen the organisation set on a firm footing establishing the 2030 Strategy with the board. The most recent feat is the  Black History Month Tube Map, a collaboration with Transport for London proving to be one of the most innovative  Black History Month projects undertaken.   Arike will remain  with the organisation in an advisory capacity as a member of BCA’s Archives Advisory Group.

On joining the organisation in 2019 she brought a wealth of experience having spent 15 years working in heritage organisations. She is a board member for the National Archives’ (Strategic Unblocking Archives) and a fellow of the Arts Council’s Museums and Resilient Leadership Programme. She is also on the board of many advisory groups including the Windrush Working Group (now resigned)  and a published author of academic articles.

The BCA was founded in 1981 by Jamaican born Len Garrison. It is the home of Black British history with an archive of documents, data and a library containing rare books and  film footage.

Arike’s successor Lisa Anderson will join BCA as Interim Managing Director on 6th December. Lisa is a multi-talented curator, consultant, and arts facilitator. She  is currently the Lead in Corporate Partnerships at the Lord Mayors Appeal. Additionally, Lisa established the educational platform Black British Art and runs the Lisa Anderson Arts Consultancy.

On behalf of the board of trustees Rukayah Sarumi says, ”Arike Oke came to BCA to reinvigorate the charity. She had a strategic vision and put in place a plan that has given BCA a strong foundation on which to build. We thank Arike for her significant leadership as we look forward to the fulfilment of BCA’s mission and vision.”

 

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