October marks the start of UK Black History Month 2024, with the theme Reclaiming Narratives. By emphasising this theme, we're shining a brighter light on the stories and histories that underscore our commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold successes of Black architects and the wider community.
This page will be updated throughout the month with the latest blogs, resources and event listings happening across our member networks.
Who was the first Black RIBA Member?
This is a question we think we should be able to answer more definitively. In this article, our RIBA Collections team share their approach to answering it and explore why some questions remain unanswered.
Architecture and Black History: a reading list
Our library and publishing teams have selected books and resources highlighting the experiences, contributions and achievements of Black professionals in the built environment.
All the books and journals are available to browse and read for free through the RIBA Library.
Featured titles from RIBA Books
Discover some of the latest titles from RIBA Books with a focus on reclaiming narratives and Black history in the United Kingdom and across the world.
Reclaiming Colonial Architecture
A guide to understanding and addressing colonial inheritances in the built environment, this book aims to build confidence in practitioners, students and communities grappling with a seemingly vast and complex terrain of debates and approaches around colonial landscapes, urban areas, buildings, monuments and material culture.
Pre-order Reclaiming Colonial Architecture from RIBA Publishing.
Black History London Map: Guide to Black Historical Landmarks in London
This map features 50 locations, original photography and an introduction to the history and impact of Black people in London. Locations range from the Roman era to contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter.
Black History London Map available from RIBA Books.
Additional RIBA Books with chapters or content highlighting Black history and Black architects in the UK and around the world:
- 100 Women: Architects in Practice
- Protest Architecture: Structures of civil resistance
- Queer Spaces: An Atlas of LGBTQIA+ Places and Stories
What's on in our regions?
Explore these architecture-themed events across your region.
Jenn Nkiru: THE GREAT NORTH – world premiere
4 October 2024, 8pm - Aviva Studios, Manchester
"Black history and modern-day architecture intertwine in a meditative new film about Manchester." Created by British artist and filmmaker Jenn Nkiru, THE GREAT NORTH pays homage to the people and cultures that make up a city.
Book your free ticket from Factory International.
Black History Month lecture: David Olusoga
22 October 2024, 7pm - Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool
This year's Liverpool Cathedral's Black History Month lecture is presented by David Olusoga, a British-Nigerian historian, author, presenter and BAFTA-winning film maker. He is Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester and presents the long-running BBC history series A House Through Time.
Book your ticket with Liverpool Cathedral.
Have an event you'd like us to feature for UK Black History Month? Please get in touch with inclusionanddiveristy@riba.org.
