News release
jon.wallace
150 guests attended the opening reception for a remarkable exhibition showcasing the resilience, achievements, and struggles that shape Black British identity.
Chatham House’s EDI Working Group hosted a drinks reception on 22 October 2025 to celebrate the opening of a special Black History Month exhibition at the institute titled ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride: The Black Experience in Britain’.
Over 150 people attended, including Chatham House members, representatives from the House of Lords, Cabinet Office, the Commonwealth Secretariat, London Stock Exchange Group and community organizations across London.
Curated by Sherece Rainford (Founder of Gallery OCA), alongside Joseph Osayande and Lisa Musumba of the EDI Working Group, the exhibition features the work of 12 Black artists from across Britain, and explores the resilience, achievements, and struggles that shape Black British identity.
Expressed through a wide range of mediums – from photography to canvas paintings, and mixed media – the pieces explore the intersections of race, culture, migration, and belonging, and how these have influenced Britain’s social, political and cultural fabric.
Artists exhibited included Ayobami Adelaye, Bethan Dadson, Caroline Chinakwe, Denisha Anderson, Holly Oluwo, Imhonigie Imoesi, Kadi Jatta, Monika Mabiki, Munyaradzi Chidakw, Stéfan Weil, Tom Oluade, and Yeside Linney.
The purpose of Standing Firm in Power & Pride is to honour legacies of resilience, amplify stories of empowerment, and inspire collective recognition of the enduring contributions of Black communities to Britain’s past, present, and future.
Sherece Rainford said:
‘Encouraging reflection on identity, heritage, and empowerment, the exhibition invites viewers to engage with narratives often overlooked yet deeply woven into the nation’s history.’
Joseph Osayande, Deputy Head of Individual Membership at Chatham House and Chair of the EDI Working Group, said:
‘This exhibition offers a deeper way of understanding themes like migration, populism, racism, international security, and global civil societies. Hosting events like these shows the intrinsic value of EDI. Chatham Houses’ support of diversity, equality and inclusion allows us to confront and explore the ever-changing world around us.’
Lisa Musumba, Outreach and Communications Coordinator of the Chatham House Africa Programme and Race and Ethnicity Co-Chair of the EDI Working Group, said:
‘At a time when racialized exclusionary rhetoric is getting amplified across the world, it is important to have spaces like these to come together and celebrate the resilience of global Black communities.’
Chatham House’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group coordinates, consults on and supports the delivery of EDI-related events and activities across the institute. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the team.