Archivists at UC Santa Barbara Library Special Research Collections have recently launched the Black Lives Matter Community Archives project in order to document the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement in Santa Barbara.
All people living in Santa Barbara County who are invested in fighting anti-Blackness are encouraged to share their experiences and submit content to this collection.
Through a form on UCSB Library’s website, community members can submit poetry, short stories, photographs, protest signs, unique songs, or anything else that illustrates a personal story or the story of loved ones, friends, and community members related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Submissions can be anonymous.
If you wish to donate analog materials in person (signs, photographic prints, artwork, etc.), please contact Special Research Collections by phone (805) 893-3062 or email special@library.ucsb.edu.
Once files are processed into the Library’s repository, the collection will be accessible to the general public by appointment. The archivists will also curate a public online exhibit of some of the items submitted.
“We hope to provide future researchers with an inclusive and local perspective on the most recent waves of Black Lives Matter and police brutality protests across the globe,” said Calli Force, UCSB Library Archival Processing Specialist and lead for the Black Lives Matter Community Archives project. “This is a significant moment in history and it’s critical we preserve this moment for generations to come.”
Beyond individual submissions, UCSB Library is also collaborating with campus organizations and community members to develop this collection.
Additional UCSB Library staff involved in this project include Angela Chikowero, Black Studies Subject Librarian; Leland Riddlesperger, Archival Processing Specialist; and Matt Stahl, University Archivist.
Visit this webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions about this project.
