It is important to begin by grounding this article in a clear understanding of what eugenics is and its historical relationship to UCL. Eugenics is the scientifically inaccurate theory that humans can be improved through selective breeding. The term was coined by Sir Francis Galton in 1883 and it is derived from the Greek word “eugenes”, meaning “good in birth” or “good in stock”. (UCL, 2023). Francis Galton left UCL a financial legacy to establish a professorship and a resea

Diaspora Action emerged in a moment of urgency — not through long-term planning, but through instinct, care, and the unshakeable pull of community. When Kesensa and Savannah began discussing how they could support the Caribbean communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, a simple idea became a catalyst. Within a week, fourteen people had joined a group chat, and by the weekend, the newly formed collective was already organising three events. It was a reminder that movements of

Maybe it is just me but this winter feels colder than last and it is only November. While the sun is swaying in and out, by 5pm sharp it is dark and dreary. We have put together the following tips to guide you in keeping your creativity alive this winter. Photos taken by Anna G Pierrini One) Acknowledge it and act accordingly Winter time is rough and the weather impacts various elements of our lives, from our day-to-day emotions to how we choose to creatively express ourselv

In 2018, ourppls  had the honour of programming a series of  creative workshops  and  a book  for Hackney-based elders group ‘Forever Young’. Loneliness  affects over 940,000 older people  (65+) in the UK, and for ethnic minority elders, that number is twice as high. Recognised by the World Health Organisation as a public health issue,   Forever Young, a Black-led, volunteer-driven organisation , was instrumental in building community and connection for elders across Hackney.

Princess Latifah is a spoken word artist from South East London. She writes raw, real, rebellious, power-reclaiming, self-reaffirming, feather-ruffling, trauma-healing, insecurity-shattering, self-loving, table-shaking, unfiltered and yeah... sometimes controversial poetry. She also sings and merges poetry with music. She believes that words are spells, so writing is magic, and spoken word is extremely powerful. Her mission is simple: to walk loudly in her own power and wake

We spoke with Shaznay, a filmmaker and visual storyteller whose work reimagines classic film noir through a Black lens. Drawn to the genre’s melodrama, bold visuals, and emotional intensity, she has always been interested in the way noir handles themes like power, corruption, isolation, and identity — themes that rarely centre Black characters, and almost never Black women. In her latest work, Shaznay brings these familiar elements into a new space. By merging noir’s atmosphe

We spoke with Olivia Martin-Snowsill, a visual artist whose work is a dialogue with the past. Drawing from archival materials, Olivia’s practice explores Black history, identity, and heritage, transforming research into paintings that honour resilience, power, and the stories often overlooked. Each piece is both an act of learning and listening — a way to uncover the layers of history that continue to shape who we are today. By bridging the past with the present, Olivia uses

In Nairobi, a quiet revolution is taking shape, one where good music, community, and connection take centre stage over cocktails. Nani’s Café Party is part of this cultural shift, championing the art of intentional gathering through Africa's first sober party experience. Founded by Zanelle Wanja , Sendey Lenaonla , and Sean Mwerebi , Nani’s Café Party invites people to choose coffee over cocktails and conversation over chaos, proving that joy and connection don’t need to be