Black Cultural Archives chair on leave of absence after sexual misconduct allegation

portrait of man
Ansel Wong

Ansel Wong, recently appointed chair of the board of trustees Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives, has taken voluntary leave of absence as the result of an allegation of sexual misconduct. 

In a statement, the BCA said the allegation concerned Wong’s life before his engagement with the archives. 

Spokesperson Nadine Drummond said: “We take allegations of misconduct, particularly those of a sexual nature, extremely seriously and, in accordance with Black Cultural Archives safeguarding policy, the issue is being investigated thoroughly and independently.

“The chair has taken a leave of absence from his position to allow the investigation to continue unimpeded and is  cooperating  fully with the board.” 

The statement said that any action the board took would be informed by its responsibility to act in the best interests of BCA. 

Sharmaine Lovegrove, a leading publisher and a niece of Len Garrison, founder of the archives, has been appointed as interim chair.