Moving times for Black History – Bernie Archive re-housed

A prestigious city location is to be the new home for the archives of Tottenham’s famous late MP, Bernie Grant.

Bishopsgate Institute in the City of London, with its brand new secure archival facilities, is to house the unique collection from this month - and it will be accessible to all who want to use the thousands of items for research and study.

Prof. Chris Mullard, Chair of the Bernie Grant Trust which has established the archive after the MP’s death in 2000, commented:

“We are delighted about this move, which ensures that such an important part of Black history – as well as London’s history – is to be properly preserved and understood by future generations. Bernie was the voice of the people over twenty five turbulent years and his story opens a window on a fascinating period in history.”

Bishopsgate Institute Library and Archives Manager Stefan Dickers commented:

“We are thrilled to be the new home for the Bernie’s archive. The collection is an invaluable resource for understanding Black history and race relations in the second half of the twentieth century, alongside many social, cultural and political issues still highly relevant today. With our new researcher’s area and archival storage area, we are delighted to be able to guarantee public access to this wonderfully rich and fascinating archive to researchers and students of all backgrounds for generations to come.”

For further information, contact: Sharon Grant, Secretary of the Bernie Grant Trust on 07956 395612 or Stefan Dickers at Bishopsgate Institute on 020 7392 9270 or [log in to unmask]

NOTE TO EDITORS: ABOUT THE BERNIE GRANT ARCHIVE

The BERNIE GRANT ARCHIVE is a unique collection of the papers, records, photographs, newspaper cuttings and memorabilia which belonged to the late Bernie Grant MP. The collection also contains many audio and video items of his speeches and broadcasts , now digitalised and readily accessible. For further information, see www.berniegrantarchive.org.uk

The collection provides an unparalleled insight into the struggle for equality over the years 1980 – 2000, as seen through the eyes of Britain’s most outspoken Black politician. It covers his work as a trades unionist, as a local community activist, as the pioneering first ever Black Council Leader, and his election to Parliament in 1987. It charts his emergence as a statesman, through the many campaigns that he fought against injustice of many kinds in the UK, and his role as a champion for the righting of deeper international and historical wrongs.

By agreement of the Trustees, The Bernie Grant Archive has recently been moved to the prestigious Bishopsgate Institute, close to Liverpool Street Station in the City of London – easily accessible from Tottenham Hale Station by rail. From 2003, it was kindly housed by Middlesex University at its Cat Hill campus, now scheduled for redevelopment.

Bishopsgate Library is open to everyone. There is no need to make an appointment to visit the Library, or to bring proof of address or ID with you. The Bernie Grant Archive can be viewed in the Researchers Area, where you will be asked to complete a short registration form on your first visit. Coats and bags are not allowed in the Researchers Area, lockers are provided. The Researchers Area is closed between 1.00pm - 2.00pm daily. Items are retrieved by request between 10.00am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 4.45pm. Any items required for Wednesday late opening must be ordered by 4.45pm. More information on how to find Bishopsgate Library can be found at www.bishopsgate.org.uk.

The Collection is owned by the Bernie Grant Trust, a separate charity from the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. Donations for the upkeep of the Archive are welcome.

The Bernie Grant Trust can be contacted on 020 8888 2778

Registered Charity No. 1021451