British society today is increasingly divided, and divided along line of identity. History demonstrates that dangerous and revolutionary action can occur at these moments of deep identity based division.

How should archivists respond?

What responsibility do archivists have to documenting contemporary actions, or to activating their collections as tools for social justice?

Arike Oke is Director of the Black Cultural Archives, the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain.

Arike is a standing board member of the National Archives’ programme to transform the UK archives sector, Unlocking Archives, is a BAFTA Heritage Board member, and previously had an integral role in redeveloping Wellcome Collection’s approach to archives.