Hannah Ishmael, an archivist at the Black Cultural Archives, reflects on the colleagues, thinkers and activists who have guided her career.
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Without Queen Mother Moore there would be no Black Cultural Archives, and without the Black Cultural Archives I would not be the person I am today. The Black Cultural Archives’ origins are often cited as the convergence of two separate events: the aftermath of the disturbances of 1981 and a visit to Britain by African American activist Queen Mother Moore. Born Audley Moore in 1898 in Louisiana, USA, Moore spent most of her life involved in activism and politics, focusing on the liberation of Black people.
Queen Mother Moore visited the UK in 1982 to discuss her vision for the construction of a monument to Black history. During her trip she met the founding members of the Black Cultural Archives. The inspiraton the founders took from her was captured in the official charity title of the Black Cultural Archives, the African People’s Historical Monument Foundation. As part of our legacy, our building on Windrush Square continues to act as a key monument to Black history.
