Catalogue description Parliamentary Black Caucus Records

Rare papers documenting the historic inaugural launch and daily administration of the Parliamentary Black Caucus (PBC), the first organisation of its kind in the United Kingdom. There are core executive papers such as minutes, reports, accounts, correspondence and associated material. Within the series of reports compiled by the PBC is the noteworthy 'Summary Report on the PBC Visit to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) 19th Annual Legislative Weekend'. In addition, among the correspondence issued by the PBC are some interesting written exchanges with the National United States Black Congress which demonstrate efforts to network internationally in order to promote greater economic advancement and political participation by black communities everywhere. There is also important correspondence, within the subject files held, relating to Bernie Grant's protest at the 'failure to select a Black candidate for the Vauxhall by-election'. Significant printed material created or maintained by the PBC includes a complete set of 'The Black Parliamentarian' journals [including an original autographed launch issue] which served as the main communication vehicle for the Caucus, particularly for discussion re black representation and input on key contemporary issues.

Parliamentary Black Caucus, 1988 - 1991

Some files have either been closed for 30 years or 100 years [in accordance with data protection legislation].

Exceptions to closure: Closed material may be accessed under certain conditions upon making application to the Bernie Grant Trust.

In 1988, Bernie Grant set up the first Parliamentary Black Caucus with the newly elected Black MP's and Lord David Pitt. He subsequently brought United States Congressional Black Caucus members to the United Kingdom for the launch of the first UK organization of this kind. The Caucus was established to become a natural focus for the political, economic and social advancement of Black people in Britain and to act as a point of contact between the communities in Britain and the Black nations and communities of the world. In 1989, the Caucus launched The Black Parliamentarian Magazine to help disseminate information and facilitate debate on key issues affecting black representation in the political arena. The demand for greater black representation was a constant theme throughout Bernie Grant's political career. The Caucus disbanded in 1991.