For nearly 600 years, Lincoln has been shaped by the people who have studied, taught and worked within its walls. Black at Lincoln celebrates the Black members of our College community who form part of that history.

In honour of Black History Month 2026, and its annual theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’, this exhibition seeks to highlight the contributions of Black members in our College community throughout its history: from the potentially first Black student to attend Lincoln, George Frederick Hall, to distinguished alumni, past fellows, our friendly porters, and students in the JCR and MCR. This exhibition features the personal stories, achievements, and artwork of our Black community members who have made wide-ranging impacts both in and outside the Lincoln community.

The photographs, objects and written work featured in this exhibition are a product of collaboration between the College Archives, MCR and JCR. It is accompanied by a fireside chat with writer, broadcaster and Lincoln alumnus, Lindsay Johns (1994) who will discuss broader themes related to Black History Month, and a Black History Month Great Hall dinner to celebrate the Black communities that shape, support and sustain life in the UK.

As we take the time to learn more about Black Lincolnites, both past and present, we acknowledge that Lincoln’s history is still being written every day. In the future, we hope to see even more diverse faces within our halls, among our Fellowship and within our staff. We seek to recognise not only the Black students and staff in our College’s history and current constituency, but we also want to preserve this history for those who will come after us. We hope they can add their stories one day to this living archive.