Black Lives Matter: A Global Comparative Study in London

I'm a graduate student in English at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. My university partnered with CEA CAPA for an educational trip focused on the history of Black identity and activism in England and how that compares to African American history and the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Our coursework focused mainly on the Windrush generation of Caribbean immigrants in London, the varying tensions and moments of solidarity between Black Britons of Caribbean and African ancestry, the fight against police brutality, and questions of colonialism and its lasting impact on England's museums and cultural capital. My independent research for my final paper in the course focused on the history of Electronic Dance Music and related genres and how alternative electronic music and dance have been tools of resistance and identity formation for Black Londoners.
Some of my favorite experiences in London included getting a decolonized tour of the British Museum (where we got to simultaneously appreciate African artifacts and discuss reparations and the discourse around Western countries stealing such artifacts), attending a performance of "Wicked" on the West End, going out for curry on the famous Brick Lane, visiting historically Black Brixton, going on a goth clothing shopping spree at Camden Market, attending two local concerts, visiting the National Portrait Gallery, going out for afternoon tea, and repeatedly coming back to Chinatown for great food and beautiful lanterns. I could not ask for a better experience in terms of the range of options that we had for arts and culture experiences, shopping, music-based tourism, and food. I also appreciated how much free time CEA CAPA and my professor baked into the schedule. This allowed me to travel off the beaten path and explore the city to my heart's desire.
We stayed in CEA CAPA housing in North Acton. Overall, I really liked the housing. It was comfortable and not too small, and the storage in particular was quite good for my needs (about two weeks' worth of clothing, toiletries, etc.). My only complaint regarding the housing was that it would have been nice to stay closer to the tourist/cultural centers of the city, as it took quite a while to get from North Acton to Earl's Court, Chinatown, and other common destinations via bus or Tube. North Acton is not the most eventful area, which was nice at times but also meant that one had to travel to other neighborhoods if they wanted to dine out, shop, see a play or concert, etc. Personally, I would happily pay a bit more or take a downgrade in apartment size if it meant being in a more central location. Overall, though, the housing staff were very polite and helpful, the facilities were clean, and I enjoyed my time in London. I also appreciated how involved CEA CAPA staff were in making sure no one was too homesick, everyone felt safe, and we were getting what we wanted out of the program (shout out to Tim!). And the optional excursions with CEA CAPA, such as the aforementioned tour and curry dinner in Brick Lane, were 100% worthwhile.