Afro Heritage Project
Celebrating African migration stories in Leicester
The Afro Heritage Project, led by Afro Innovation Group (AIG) and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is documenting and celebrating the migration journeys, cultures, memories and contributions of African communities in Leicester.
Through oral histories, community-led heritage events, photography, video and cultural activities, we are building a growing record of the stories and traditions communities want to preserve and pass on.
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Where: Leicester & Leicestershire
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When: 2025–2027
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Supported by: National Lottery Heritage Fund
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In partnership with: Leicester Museums & Galleries
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The project so far
The Afro Heritage Project is now well underway, with communities contributing their stories, memories and cultural experiences in different ways.
So far, we have:
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Recorded 30+ oral history interviews across audio and video
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Supported community-led heritage events celebrating different African cultures and traditions
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Captured events through photography and video
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Worked with communities connected to DR Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Tanzania, Malawi and other African countries
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Delivered heritage activity through our partnership with Leicester Museums & Galleries
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Continued building our digital collection of oral histories, images and project materials
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Shared heritage stories and project activity through dedicated Afro Heritage Project channels
As the project continues, more stories, events and materials will be added to this growing collection.
Why this matters
Preserving Community Memory
Recording stories, experiences and traditions that might otherwise go undocumented.
Connecting Generations
Creating opportunities for younger generations to learn from elders’ experiences and memories.
Celebrating Culture & Identity
Documenting the traditions, experiences and cultural heritage across Leicester’s African communities.
Adding to Leicester's Story
Bringing more African migration stories and perspectives into the city’s recorded heritage.
What we’re doing
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Oral History Interviews – recording migration stories, memories and cultural experiences.
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Community Heritage Events – supporting communities to share and celebrate their heritage.
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Photography & Video – capturing people, traditions and heritage activities across the project.
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Exhibition & Displays – sharing stories and heritage with wider audiences.
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Digital Archive – preserving oral histories, images and project materials for the future.
Timeline
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2025: Set-up, training, interview call-outs, first workshops & teaser displays
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2026: Recording & curation at scale, pop-up exhibitions, schools programme
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2027: Final showcase & publication, digital archive launch, legacy sharing
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Accessibility & Inclusion
We want as many people as possible to be able to take part in the Afro Heritage Project.
Our activities aim to be free, accessible, family-friendly and multilingual where possible. If you have access requirements, including translation or other adjustments, please contact us before taking part and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
Safeguarding
We take the safety, privacy and choices of everyone contributing to the Afro Heritage Project seriously.
Oral histories, photographs and other personal material are collected with participant consent, including agreement about how contributions may be stored, shared or used.
AIG also follows safeguarding procedures for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
FAQs
Who can participate?
We welcome people from African communities with a connection to Leicester and Leicestershire, as well as relevant community groups, partners and others who want to contribute to the project.
I've never taken part in an oral history interview before. Is that OK?
Absolutely. No previous experience is needed. We'll explain the process and guide you through the interview.
What might I be asked about?
Interviews can explore migration, family memories, culture, traditions, identity, community life and experiences of living in Leicester.
How will my story be used?
We will discuss this with you before recording anything. With your consent, material may contribute to the project's archive, exhibitions, learning resources, events and public storytelling.
Can I stay anonymous?
Yes. We will discuss consent and how you would like your contribution to be used before anything is published.
Can I contribute something other than an interview?
Yes. Photographs, memories, objects, traditions and other heritage material may also form part of the project. Contact us to discuss what you would like to share.
Contact details
Afro Innovation Group (AIG)
info@afroinno.org.uk
0116 208 1341
60 Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1FB
