Islington’s new Black Cultural Centre opens

As part of its mission to tackle racism, injustice, and inequality in the borough, the council has created the centre on 16-18 Hornsey Road to provide opportunities for learning about Black history and culture, and to empower and uplift Islington’s Black community. 

The opening of the centre comes after the council listened carefully to feedback from local people about the lack of provision for Black communities in the borough, and feedback from a public consultation has helped shape the centre’s offering.  

During its first year, four different organisations will be based at the centre for three months at a time, to offer services and activities to Global Majority African and Caribbean communities.  

The first of these will be Black History Studies, who will take over the centre from this Saturday (9 November). Run by husband and wife team Mark and Charmaine Simpson, the organisation was launched in March 2007, and aims to inform and inspire about Black history. The group will offer education, a community cinema, and Black history walks from the site, as well as other activities.  

Speaking at the opening of the centre on Wednesday, 6 November, Cllr Anjna Khurana, Mayor of Islington, said: “Islington’s diversity is a fundamental aspect of our identity, and the Black Cultural Centre’s opening underlines our commitment to celebrating the contribution made by all communities in our borough.” 

Charmaine Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at Black History Studies, said: "Being the first group to operate the Black Cultural Centre is both a profound honour and a significant responsibility for our organisation. Being able to use this space enables us to amplify Black voices in the borough.

"We hope that the Black Cultural Centre would serve as a vibrant and inclusive hub that celebrates, preserves, and promotes the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities. It would be a place of learning, creativity, dialogue, and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment."

Black History Studies will run the centre from this Saturday, 9 November, until January 2025, at which point a new group will take over. The council will soon release details on which organisations will run the centre in the future. 

Dr Clive Nwonka, author of Black Arsenal, spoke at the launch, expressing his pride at seeing the centre open. Copies of the book, which offers a comprehensive exploration of Arsenal’s connection with Black British identity and culture, will be available to read from at the centre.