Love and Hate in the Bernie Grant Archive

Love and Hate in the Bernie Grant Archive

The National Council on Archives is co-ordinating the first national archive awareness month in September 2003 based upon the central theme of Love and Hate in the archives. The main purpose of the month is to raise the profile of archives amongst the public by holding celebratory events throughout archives across the UK and Republic of Ireland. It is hoped that the chosen theme will show that archives record our most fervent universal emotions and provide a deep insight into human character throughout history.

The Bernie Grant Trust has decided that its contribution to archive awareness month will be the following website display of selected items from amongst the archives of Bernie Grant, based upon the theme of love and hate.

The theme of Love and Hate is demonstrated by the contrast between the widespread affection displayed towards Bernie Grant, and the intensive campaign of hate waged against him by the tabloid press, the extreme right and racist tendencies in British society. As he went about his work, Bernie Grant was on the receiving end of a stream of venomous hatred, but did not allow this to deter him from continuing his involvement in fighting for justice for all.

Photograph by Sharron Wallace

	Many of the issues he engaged with were a manifestation of hate and a lack of respect and understanding. In life and death however, Bernie Grant achieved an enduring respect and admiration from many leaders and diverse communities throughout the world.

	Bernie Grant met with responses ranging from delighted to shock when he proudly wore an African dashiki on his first day in Parliament as MP. He continued to create controversy by wearing African dress every year thereafter at the state opening of Parliament. This act endeared him to many in Britains marginalised black communities but caused indignation elsewhere. This is one of a few robes held within the collection that in themselves provide a cultural memory by evoking sentiments relating to the life and times of Bernie Grant.

	In his London constituency of Tottenham, Bernie Grant's commitment for its diverse communities manifested itself in years of service and dedication to issues such as minority rights and racial justice. This badge belongs to a collection of memorabilia kept by Bernie Grant.

	A Heart for Tottenham - Bernie Grant was among the first Black MPs elected to British Parliament in 1987.

Examining the contents of the archives of the late Bernie Grant unleashes a multitude of emotive stories and tales of passionate struggles both within and outside of the political arena. Many archival records highlight Bernie Grant's commitment, compassion and deep humanity in the face of considerable opposition. He was engaged in a lifelong fight for racial justice and oppressed people everywhere. The heightened and powerful emotions of love and hate are very much part of the context within which Bernie Grant led campaign after campaign for social justice.