Black History Studies was launched in 2008 by husband and wife team Mark and Charmaine Simpson and historian Robin Walker (no longer with Black History Studies) because we noticed that our community wanted to learn about their history from an African perspective but there were no real outlet offering a range of learning opportunities.
The aims of Black History Studies are to:
- Inform, inspire and empower people through Black History and Black Studies by educating the community throughout the UK to educate themselves.
- Empower the community throughout the UK to enable them to develop self knowledge and identity through Black History and Culture.
- Work with the community to develop its full potential.
- Develop, organise and promote educational programmes, events and activities for individuals, organisations and others interested in Black History and Black Studies.
- Work with individuals and organisations whose primary aim is in accordance with that of Black History Studies, by identifying common interests and encouraging partnerships.
- Bring together people who are willing to further those aims and to stimulate interest in Black History and Black Studies.
- To encourage networking, discussion and debate around issues affecting the community. Organise activities and events for individuals, organisations and others interested in Black History and Black Studies.
- Assist in, and organise the training of individuals and organisations to teach Black History and Black Studies courses.
Our Achievements so far
Below contains a summary of our achievements so far:
- Developed a mailing list of over 5000 people.
- Self published the childrens book ‘The Great and Mighty Wall’ in December 2010.
- Self published the book ‘Before The Slave Trade: African World History in Pictures,’ Before The Slave Trade Learning Resource and Journey of the Drum booklet.
- Launch of the ‘Before The Slave Trade‘ website.
- Over 150 people have attended our short courses on Black History.
- Over 50 people have attended our 30-week course on Introduction to Black Studies and Advanced Black Studies courses.
- Facilitated over 7 Black History and Black Studies courses annually.
- Over 3000 people have attended our monthly presentations and Black History Month events.
- Over 350 people have attended our museum tours.
- Launched Black History Study Tours and organised a 7 day tour of Moorish Spain.
- Ran a private Black History Course for the African and Caribbean Library in Battersea.
Future Developments
Our plans for the coming year include:
- Continue to raise the public profile of Black History Studies and work undertaken in the community.
- Review existing activities and introduce new activities to continue to positively attract and engage people from the community.
- Explore further opportunities to maximise the numbers of people on our courses.
- Start discussions with a number of organisations about the potential for collaborative work.
- Development of our services for young people and linking this to accredited outcomes for participants.
- Continue the development and promotion of our growing portfolio of courses and workshops.
In developing our work, we will continue to involve the community in the development and delivery of future activities.
