Streatham MP Chuka Umunna visited the site of the the UK’s first National Black Heritage Centre last week, which is being built in the derelict Raleigh Hall in Brixton’s Windrush Square.
The Black Cultural Archives, which include photographs and rare documents, aims to celebrate the contributions black people have made to the culture, society and heritage of the UK, and is due to be completed next year.
The archives were founded in 1981 but have never had a permanent, publicly accessible home.
Mr Umunna said: "I am delighted the Black Cultural Archives has chosen Brixton as the perfect place for people to explore the history and culture of black people in the UK and look forward to a successful opening in 2012."
Streatham is one of the most multicultural constituencies in the country, with 22.6 per cent of people being of African or Caribbean descent.
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