Greetings,
The Black Cultural Archives (BCA) opened its doors to the public in 2014. Four years later, it is facing financial difficulties to remain open.
An institution such as The BCA is crucial to record, and preserve documentation of the history, culture, and development of a people, that has made valuable contributions to the historical, social, cultural, and economic life of British society.
At times, this argument is considered irrelevant. However, it is nonsense to sustain this point of view. No man, or country is an island, figuratively speaking. If this is not a true statement, then the powers that be in a former time would have thought twice before 'inviting strangers' into their midst who introduced a new and vibrant lifestyle, and brought with them their work ethic, culture, customs, and religious beliefs, to not challenge, but to enhance and support the 'Motherland'.
The BCA is of no less importance than any other national institution that seeks to extend knowledge and understanding of its people. This knowledge and understanding is not only to be shared with those of black ancestry, it invites universal interest to share in the uniqueness of black culture, its adaptability to the British way of life, and its willingness to participate in the advancement of Britain on the world stage.
Finance is always an issue to maintain a cultural institution. The issue becomes more problematic when the institution is not indigenous, and the solution to long term financial support becomes more acute.
As a British expatriate of Jamaican ancestry, I ask the present powers that be in the UK, to seriously consider the educational, sociological, historical relevance, contribution, and impact, The BCA will have on the cohesiveness of British society, in terms of increasing knowledge and understanding, and to encourage further full participation in the future economic prosperity of Britain for perpetuity.
Peace
Grace
