Positive action and archives

Arike Oke took part in the project “Connecting Histories”, run by Birmingham City Archives in 2006-2007. She talked about her experience on November 18^th during the session “What is the relevance of archival education and training for indigenous and marginalized communities ?”

The project’s goal to collect, catalogue and highlight black and minority histories in Birmingham. Recruiting two archivists-in-training from minority backgrounds was part of the project. The project aimed to develop links between the City Archives and minority groups and facilitate access to archives, but also to enhance the archival profession  by seeking diversity of experience and background. The trainees went on with their education at the university and worked at the City Archives, with a mentor, to catalogue, organize events, network, work with volunteers. The project was a success, both for the public and the Archives and for the trainees.

Interview:

• How were you hired for the project?
  Well, it was a positive action project, which means that you had to have competencies to catalogue and take part to the work. There has been an interview with questions about my motivation, but also about my qualifications.
• What was your motivation to be part of it?
  I have a History degree and I had worked before in archives. I was considering becoming an archivist and this was a good opportunity for me. I was also very interested by the willingness to open heritage to all. There was little confidence toward the archives amongst some minorities, because it’s an institution. Thanks to the project, confidence has developed. All my job experiences since then have had to do with minorities and the social value of archives.
• What is your actual job context?
  I’m the audience development officer for the ground-breaking Hull History Centre. I wish to go on working with archives, I don’t know yet where or how: I want to develop and diversify my experiences.
• It’s the first time you attend CITRA, how do you like it?
  It’s amazing! All the meetings, the sharing of experiences and knowledge in such a conference are really thrilling. My head is spinning with ideas since this morning. I feel that I know UK local context pretty well and that my experience was adapted to it, but I don’t know if it could be reproduced in another country. The meeting of diverse cultures within ICA can give ideas to see what to do next.