Black Cultural Archives
807. Dawn Hill
Dawn Hill is the Chair of the ‘Black Cultural Archives’, an important resource based in Brixton that emphasises the role that Black people have played in British history.
Under Dawn’s leadership, the collection became accessible to the public in 2014 so that the uplifting and inspiring stories of Black history, stretching from Roman times to the present day, could be shared and celebrated more widely. The archives have recently partnered with the BBC and Google to educate schoolchildren, through virtual reality headsets, about significant moments in Black history. This year the organisation is launching ‘Everyday Heroes’, a campaign that will highlight the positive community work being undertaken by individuals of African or African Caribbean descent who are based in the UK. This Points of Light award will be made at the No.10 ‘Black History Month’ reception.
In a personal letter to Dawn, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“At the ‘Black Cultural Archives’ you have been fundamental in creating a vitally important national resource that is shining a light on the achievements of individuals of African or African Caribbean descent in British society. You should be tremendously proud of the inclusive and inspiring nature of the archives, and the innovation you have demonstrated through initiatives such as your recent partnership with the BBC and Google.”
Dawn said:
“I am so honoured to be recognised in receiving the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Over 30 years I have supported a number of community projects simply to make a difference where it was needed. I am immensely proud of 30 years working with ‘Black Cultural Archives’ together with other committed volunteers who have seen the iconic ‘Black Heritage Centre’ open in Windrush Square in Brixton. The ‘Black Cultural Archives’ is the only national repository of Black Culture and Heritage in Britain who will preserve and promote the history of African and Caribbean people, championing their diversity and inclusion in the UK and beyond. This award is so encouraging.”