RIBA President, Chris Williamson, introduces Black History Month 2025
"I am deeply indebted to my predecessor, Muyiwa Oki – the youngest and first Black RIBA President – who succeeded in bringing the organisation towards being more inclusive and representative of society. So, as I introduce RIBA’s Black History Month 2025 programme, I really want to start the celebrations by ‘celebrating’ what an important role model Muyiwa is and undoubtedly will remain for many aspiring young Black architects for years to come."
"For my part, I have to say that it’s an honour to be involved in my first Black History Month as RIBA President. I am looking forward to learning more about the experiences of Black architects and their immense contributions to the profession since RIBA’s inception.
I am especially keen to dive into the fascinating variety of cultural online and in-person events on offer this year, which will be updated on this page throughout the month. Our roundup of RIBA book titles and collections guides will also be essential reading for me, as well as our latest blog features, which will also be launching throughout the month.
I can’t talk about RIBA in relation to Black History Month without acknowledging the institute’s colonial past. For better or worse, the British Empire and RIBA are forever entwined, and the institute has, in the not-too-distant past, played its part in legitimising Britain’s global dominance through, specifically, some of the symbolism on display in our headquarters at 66 Portland Place.
This has been thoroughly documented on our website, both in the Unpacking Imperialism pages and through Decolonising Architecture: Re-interpretation and intervention, Giles Tettey Nartey’s inspiring video, which explains his thoughts on challenging colonial legacies embedded in the built environment – essential reading and viewing for everyone this Black History Month.
As a final point from me, I want to say how excited I am that our House of Architecture Programme is now in full swing and that we’re on our way to making RIBA and 66 Portland Place more inclusive and accessible to all. Opening up the building and the profession to people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds is fundamental to the entire programme. It’s an aim that takes on even more significance for me during Black History Month and I am proud to be able to play my part to help RIBA bring House of Architecture to fruition."
Decolonising Architecture: Re-interpretation and intervention with Giles Tettey Nartey
In this film, architect, artist, and educator Giles Tettey Nartey shares insights into his artwork, Assembly. This critical and creative intervention challenges the colonial legacies embedded within our cities by providing new ways to read and interpret these histories.
As seen in the film, Giles explored ideas around home, rituals, and representation. Demonstrating just one of many ways to address decolonisation in the built environment, Giles draws from his own cultural heritage and introduces a new panel to RIBA’s Florence Hall (66 Portland Place, London) that integrates the ideas explored throughout the development of his commission.
Film produced by RIBAJ Rising Star Dion Barrett.
Resources and guidance
Learn how Dian Small, former Director of RIBA London Region and now of The Cultural Architect, uses innovative techniques to get people talking about inclusivity and diversity.
Architecture and Black History: a reading list
Our library and publishing teams have selected books and resources highlighting the experiences, contributions and achievements of Black professionals in the built environment.
Who was the first Black RIBA Member?
This is a question we think we should be able to answer more definitively. In this article, our RIBA Collections team share their approach to answering it and explore why some questions remain unanswered.
Featured titles from RIBA Books
Discover some of the latest titles from RIBA Books with a focus on reclaiming narratives and Black history in the United Kingdom and across the world.
Reclaiming Colonial Architecture
A guide to understanding and addressing colonial inheritances in the built environment, this book aims to build confidence in practitioners, students and communities grappling with a seemingly vast and complex terrain of debates and approaches around colonial landscapes, urban areas, buildings, monuments and material culture.
Black History London Map: Guide to Black Historical Landmarks in London
This map features 50 locations, original photography and an introduction to the history and impact of Black people in London. Locations range from the Roman era to contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter.
Additional RIBA Books with chapters or content highlighting Black history and Black architects in the UK and around the world:
- 100 Women: Architects in Practice
- Protest Architecture: Structures of Civil Resistance
- Queer Spaces: An Atlas of LGBTQIA+ Places and Stories
Stay tuned for more Black History Month content and events, which will be added to this page throughout the month. Find out more about inclusive and accessible design with our equity, diversity and inclusion guidance and resources.
