Northamptonshire Black History Project: 2001

In broad terms the project is as follows:

A Project Management committee has been established, made up of individuals and representatives of groups who see themselves as stakeholders in the success of the project. Members of the committee commit themselves (both in terms of time and possibly "hard" resources at a later time) to the project. Those who join the committee are aware from the outset that they will have a job of work to do and that responsibility for this work will be shared. The committee is as inclusive of any group or individual that commit themselves on this basis to the project.

A mailing list/database also exists of those who wants to be regularly kept informed about the project's progress, but who do not want to be on the steering group. If you wish to be on this mailing list send an e-mail to Paul Crofts: racialeq@aol.com

The Project has the following objectives:

• To archive the history of Northamptonshire's Black* organisations
• To undertake original, primary, research into the history of Northamptonshire's Black Communities over the past 500 years (and earlier if possible) and ensure this is properly documented and/or archived
• To undertake and compile a comprehensive oral history from the first generation/"elders" within Northamptonshire's Black communities who settled in the UK since 1945
• To produce educational material for schools (related to the national curriculum) and other public information/exhibition materials on the history and contribution of Northamptonshire's Black communities. The aim of the project will be to work with schools on developing black history themes within the curriculum.
• To produce a quality publication on the history and contribution of Northamptonshire's Black communities over the past 500 years.
• To use information technology systems to produce a computerised database on the history Northamptonshire's Black communities and to development a web-site about the work of the project and the history of black communities in the County.
• To plan ahead, for the work of the project to be sustainable in the long term following the project's completion

Matched funding (grants) to the project have been secured from the Lloyds TSB Foundation and Northamptonshire County Council. Matched funding support (cash and in-kind) has also been secured from Northamptonshire Colleges and other bodies. The overall value of the project (over three years) is nearly £500,000.

"Black" is defined in the context of this project as "any individual or group who defines their identify by reference to visibility vis-à-vis the effects of racism. It includes people and groups from visible minority communities, especially those with African and/or Asian origins". However, the project is likely to be as inclusive as possible whilst prioritising the history of those communities who define themselves within the above definition.

For further information about the project contact Paul Crofts: racialeq@aol.com